Natural Resource Biologist (WL) - formerly Marine Biologist 1

PS: NATURAL RESOURCE BIOLOGIST (WL)
POSITION NUMBER 00099596
STARTING SALARY = 43,063.23/YR

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Coastal Resources Division, Marine Fisheries Section is seeking qualified candidates for the PS: Natural Resource Biologist (WL) (formerly Marine Biologist 1). This is a full-time, salaried position in the unclassified service with DNR. This position is entitled to all standard State of Georgia employee fringe benefits including: paid holidays, annual leave, sick leave, and retirement. The associate in this position also has access to health, life, vision, dental insurance, spending accounts, and deferred compensation. This position is located at the DNR Coastal Regional Headquarters in Brunswick, Georgia.

Position Description: This position will assist in overseeing the Ecological Monitoring Surveys (EMS); including: coordinating, developing, enhancing, and conducting multiple biological field studies utilizing trawl gear on small and large vessels to examine the abundance and occurrence of various marine organisms and their habitats; data collection recording, entering, proofing/editing, collating, and reporting of all data collected in the EMS large trawl survey; assist in disseminating information to various other agencies, members of the fishing community, and the public-at-large through oral presentations and preparation of written progress and completion reports; supervise technicians and boat captains associated with EMS projects; oversee and assist in the maintenance of project sampling equipment and supplies; assist in the management of biological and environmental data, including creating new databases and enhancing existing databases; and assist in various special assignments as required. This associate should be able to identify various marine organisms and should possess good navigational skills and be able to operate small vessels in coastal waters. Furthermore, this associate must have good communication skills and be able to liaison directly with the seafood industry.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Completion of a Masters Degree in Marine Fisheries Management, Marine Science, or a closely related field.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
(1) Experience in field sampling methodology and equipment.
(2) Familiar with identification of saltwater finfish and crustacean species in coastal
nearshore and offshore waters.
(3) Marine fisheries experience, especially in utilizing trawl gear (both large and small vessel).
(4) Experience in word processing and creating, enhancing, using, and managing databases (e.g. Microsoft Access).
(5) Possess good navigational skills and the ability to operate small vessels in coastal waters.
(6) Experience in data analysis, report preparation, and GIS experience.
(7) Possess a valid driver’s license.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: C.O.B. August 13, 2010.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources is an equal opportunity employer.