Job Announcement: Herpetologist
Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, Division of Fish & Wildlife

JOB DESCRIPTION:
TITLE: Herpetologist
SUPERVISOR: Joe Rogerson
OFFICE LOCATION: 4876 Hay Point Landing Rd, Smyrna, DE 19977
SALARY RANGE: $44,755 - $51,242/year + Benefits
START DATE: March 5, 2017
WORK SCHEDULE: 37.5 hours/week M-F (occasional nights and/or weekends)

The Kent Conservation District, in cooperation with the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, is seeking a Herpetologist within the Division of Fish & Wildlife’s Species Conservation and Research Program. This program is responsible for conducting research and monitoring activities on Delaware’s wildlife (plants and animals) and developing actions to protect, conserve, and promote responsible resource management of these species for wildlife related recreational and educational opportunities.

Delaware plays a critical role in the conservation of many reptile and amphibian species. The focus of the position will be to conserve and manage these species by determining the distribution and relative abundance of reptiles and amphibians across Delaware and by developing and implementing species management plans. This position will conduct field surveys, prepare technical reports, and oversee a large volunteer network of citizen scientists that help collect information on species distribution. Surveys will also be completed to determine the extent of various factors negatively impacting herps in Delaware including ranavirus, chytrid fungus, pollutants, habitat loss, road mortality and other causes. The incumbent will also periodically assist other biologists on projects, serve on regional and national science and planning teams and technical committees, and assist with other conservation planning activities as needed. We are seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic biologist with analytical, writing, and wetland experience to join our team. 

Responsibilities:  
• Lead reptile and amphibian research and monitoring activities for Delaware. This includes capture, marking, and processing many species of herpetofauna.
• Lead investigator for managing, conducting research, and determining distribution of the federally endangered bog turtle within Delaware.
• Determine impacts of potential development on endangered herpetofauna.
• Develop/coordinate habitat management efforts for bog turtles and other rare species.
• Develop a monitoring program for herps to determine species richness and abundance across the state.
• Coordinate and lead a large team of volunteers to conduct herp monitoring work.
• Develop and implement the Delaware Herpetofauna Conservation Plan.
• Organize, process, and analyze large amounts of data.
• Ensure data is disseminated to partners in a timely manner.
• Oversee contracts.
• Work with seasonal and/or contractual staff.
• Respond to constituent concerns and conduct outreach as needed.
• Develop and administer grants ensuring various deadlines are met.
• Represent the Division of Fish and Wildlife on various technical committees.

Minimum Qualifications:
Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:
Possession of a Bachelors degree or higher in Life, Physical, or Applied Science or related field.
Six months experience in environmental or natural resources project management which includes planning, developing, implementing, managing and evaluating environmental or natural resources projects to ensure objectives are met.
Three years experience in analyzing and evaluating scientific data.
Three years experience in interpreting environmental laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures.
Six months experience in using an automated information system to enter, update, modify, delete, retrieve/inquire and report on data.
Six months experience in technical report writing.
Valid driver's license and willingness and ability to travel extensively throughout the state and on occasional out-of-state and overnight trips.

Preferred Qualifications:
Possession of a Master’s degree or higher in Wildlife Biology or closely related field.
Possession of scientific prominence or recognition with publication in a scientific or trade journal.
Six months experience with the capture, marking, and processing of reptiles and amphibians.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS & DEADLINE:
Please send a cover letter expressing your interest in the position, a separate letter explicitly explaining how you meet each minimum and preferred qualifications, and a copy of your resume to: Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife, Species Conservation and Research Program, 6180 Hay Point Landing Rd, Smyrna, DE 19977, Attn: Joe Rogerson or via email tojoseph.rogerson@state.de.us or via fax to (302) 653-6755 by midnight Sunday January 15, 2016. Following the deadline, applications will be reviewed and select candidates will be contacted for a required interview. 

CONTACT: Joe Rogerson, Environmental Program Manager II (302) 735-3600 or via e-mail at joseph.rogerson@state.de.us