Job Description

Work for Indiana

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

About the Department of Natural Resources (DNR):

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources protects, enhances, preserves, and wisely uses natural, cultural, and recreational resources for the benefit of Indiana's citizens through professional leadership, management, and education. DNR Fish & Wildlife enriches the quality of life for present and future generations by balancing the biological, ecological, recreational, and economic benefits of Indiana’s fish, wildlife, and their habitats.

Role Overview : 

As the One Health Biologist for the State of Indiana, you will serve as the state’s ecosystem health and habitat recovery expert in highly impacted areas of Indiana. This position will conduct field research, collect/analyze data, and collaborate with interdisciplinary and cross-agency teams to address ecosystem health challenges within the Grand Calumet River Area of Concern (AOC) and to contribute to the broader understanding of ecosystem health in Indiana. They will study wildlife health, recovery, and conservation in the Grand Calumet River AOC and across the state as supported by Indiana’s Natural Resource Damages program, as well as contribute to the administration and on-the-ground field work related to EPA grants and Indiana DNR-led restoration projects. 

The successful candidate will serve as Indiana’s wildlife health and recovery expert, and they will play a crucial role in safeguarding the health of fish, wildlife, and plant populations, with a special interest in the Grand Calumet River AOC. Part of their work in will also include assisting in maintaining one health partnerships for the state. Your work will contribute to the conservation of Indiana's rich ecosystems statewide. 

Wildlife Health, Recovery, and Conservation: 

• Conduct a review of relevant wildlife health, recovery, and conservation needs of the Grand Calumet River Area of Concern and identify projects to directly impact these focus areas 

• Design and plan statewide field surveys and research with staff and other organizations to enhance protected dune and swale habitat on nature preserves, including treating invasive species 

• Coordinate with the Natural Resource Damages Mussel program, specifically relating to the propagation and reintroduction of these often-endangered species 

• Monitor and track disease outbreaks among wildlife species to identify trends and potential risk factors. 

• Collaborate with wildlife biologists and veterinarians to gather relevant data on wildlife health. 

• Investigate the environmental transmission pathways of wildlife diseases, including zoonotic diseases that can affect human populations. 

• Prepare documentation for federal grants, including field reports and biannual summaries 

Data Collection and Analysis: 

• Utilize various techniques, such as diverse methods of biological tissue sampling, molecular analyses, and diagnostic tests, to collect and analyze wildlife disease data. 

• Implement statistical and modeling approaches to understand wildlife health and recovery dynamics and assess the impact on wildlife populations. 

• GIS data analyses (ArcPro or qGIS), proficient with python and R, ecological modelling (e.g., Lotka–Volterra, island biogeography), technical writing skills 

Policy and Rule Development: 

• Identifies ways to integrate, summarize, and communicate the state of wildlife health to pinpoint emerging policy needs. 

• Preparation of reports delivered to public organizations or government agencies related to wildlife health and one health goals. 

• Draft correspondence on issues requiring the signature of the Governor, DNR Director, Division Director, Assistant Director of Science and Research, or Wildlife Science Supervisor. 

Education and Outreach: 

• Engage in public outreach and education to raise awareness of wildlife health and their potential impacts on human health and ecosystems. 

• Contribute to educational programs and materials related to wildlife health and disease prevention. 

Publication and Presentation: 

• Prepare scientific papers for publication in peer-reviewed journals and present research findings at conferences and workshops. 

• Review technical journals and attend professional meetings regarding current issues related to fish and wildlife health in conservation and management. 

Salary Statement : 

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $59,800.00 but may be commensurate with education or work experience.

A Day in the Life:

The essential functions of this role are as follows:

• Identify, design, budget, coordinate or conduct, and evaluate scientifically-sound statewide research and management programs in the Biologist’s taxonomic areas of expertise.
• Compile, analyze, synthesize, and interpret information derived from research projects and surveys as the basis for recommendations, possible “Best Management Practices” guidelines, and regulations for species in the Biologist’s taxonomic areas of expertise.
• Provide technical assistance to DNR Law Enforcement personnel in the collection of evidence and the prosecution of wildlife, fish, and freshwater mussel violations and field officer training on species identification and management issues.
• Provide technical assistance to Department and Division staff for environmental permits and economic impacts as they pertain to wildlife, fish, and freshwater mussel resources.
• Review and comment on the technical soundness of environmental impact statements, notices of intent, and proposals for Federal and State Registers as they pertain to the Biologist’s taxonomic areas of expertise.
• Analyze and present technical information on the status, management, and health of species in the Biologist’s taxonomic areas of expertise to staff in the Department of Natural Resources, State Board of Animal Health, U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Department of Interior, U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, legislators, regional and national committees and, as requested, court depositions.
• Appear before the Natural Resources Advisory Council, Commission, or Legislative Studies Committees to present technical information on public resource concerns related to the management of wildlife, fish, and freshwater mussel populations.
• Prepare recommendations to create or modify Indiana Administrative Code, other legal statutes, or policies that affect management of species in the Biologist’s taxonomic areas of expertise.
• Assist in the development and maintenance of zoonotic surveillance and containment contingency plans with appropriate state and federal agencies.
• Prepare grant proposals (federal and private) to augment project funding.
• Prepare technical reports and manuscripts for publication consideration in state, regional, national, and international scientific journals and/or proceedings of symposia and workshops.
• Serve as peer review referee or editor for scientific journals or symposia.
• Prepare and give oral presentations at local, state, regional, national, and international scientific meetings.
• Prepare documents to communicate or incorporate into other mediums ( e.g. , web-based, videos) research results including federal aid interim and final performance reports, Wildlife Management and Research Notes, popular articles ( e.g. , Wild Bulletin, Outdoor Indiana, DNR news releases, agency web pages), and periodic newsletters.
• Prepare monthly summaries, time records, periodic personnel allocation, expense accounts, vehicle reports, and cost accounting records.

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time.

What You'll Need for Success:

This person must meet the following requirements to be considered for employment: 

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree within a Natural Resource related field.
• Extensive knowledge of botany, ecology, biology, zoology, and phytogeography. 
• Thorough knowledge of taxonomy in ichthyology, physiology, invertebrate zoology, and/or microbiology. 
• Practical knowledge of legal guidelines as they apply to the performance of duties. 
• Ability to interpret and explain technical material in books, manuals, and journals, and scientific documents to individuals. 
• Ability to review investigations, surveys, and collection of data. 
• Ability to track the use of samples in the office and the field using various types of equipment and procedures. 
• Ability to interpret data and explain interpretations to individuals. 
• Ability to delegate work, set clear direction, and manage workflow.  
• Ability to effectively give feedback, provide guidance or corrective action, coach, and develop employee skillsets.  

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:

This role may provide direct supervision for one or more staff members.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes: 

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
• Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
• Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
• Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
• Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
• A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
  • 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
  • Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
• Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
• 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Group life insurance
• Referral Bonus program
• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• Free Parking for most positions
• Free LinkedIn Learning access

   

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov .

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