Shared Biologist (Migration/GIS)-Arizona

25 November 2024

1

Careers

Position Overview:

The Mule Deer Foundation (MDF), and Arizona Game & Fish Department (AZGFD) are seeking a Cooperative Mule Deer Biologist to work on big-game migrations and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) applications. The position’s duty location is the AZGFD Headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona. The position will be hired by the Mule Deer Foundation and will work directly with MDF in close coordination with the AZGFD and US Geological Service. This position is a full-time, 3-year term position with possible extension based on funding. The position will have a 75-25 office: field ratio but may vary by season.

The individual will be an MDF employee and will be eligible for MDF’s benefits package. The individual will also work closely with the MDF staff and volunteers.

Position Duties and Responsibilities:

• utilization of the ArcGIS enterprise platform to support project geospatial data and analysis needs with a focus on connectivity corridor mapping and modeling;
• support MDF’s work on conservation projects/planning;
• coordinating regularly with biologists, project leads, MDF staff, and partners to assess geospatial data and application requirements while suggesting preferred spatial analyses and techniques;
• coordination and support of research, habitat improvement, capture operations, and wildlife-vehicle collision mitigation opportunities throughout the state where such actions will benefit mule deer, elk and pronghorn and other wildlife, especially in corridors and winter range; and
• co-represent Arizona and MDF on a multi-agency Corridor Mapping Team;
• identify collaborative contracting opportunities that the MDF and AZGFD may choose to pursue.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• A general qualification guideline for this position is a Bachelor of Science Degree in Wildlife Biology, Range Management, Forestry or other Natural Resource discipline.
• Preference will be given to a candidate with an advanced degree in GIS or one of the resource programs listed above with GIS training (professional certificate, etc.)
• Preference will also be given to an individual with extensive experience in ArcGIS and knowledge and familiarity with spatial analyses using R programming language, which includes but not limited to geospatial and relational database design, maintenance, and querying.
• This position requires some field support, where a successful applicant can work alone in remote/rugged areas and in inclement weather or adverse conditions.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with MDF, USFS, BLM, USGS, Arizona State Land Department, AZGFD biologists, and other partner agencies.
• Knowledge of range science and wildlife ecology including the ability to develop habitat project plans that include wildlife connectivity objectives.
• Must be able to synthesize and balance the needs of mule deer and other conservation opportunities.
• Foundational knowledge in biology and management of mule deer, pronghorn, and elk.
• Knowledge of Southwest flora and fauna communities.
• Must be a self‐starter who can work independently.
• Ability to manage multiple project tasks simultaneously.
• Must be willing and able to perform administrative work in a controlled environment/office setting for an eight‐hour workday.
• Working knowledge of statistical approaches to wildlife science, spatial analyses, Google Suite, and GIS mapping software.
• Skills with Microsoft Suite and Google Suite software
• Excellent verbal/written skills.

Reports to:

USFS National Partnership Coordinator

Classification:

Salaried/Exempt

Start Date

January 2025

Term:

4 years with possible extension based on funding

Salary/Benefits:

$50k – $55k (based on experience) + Health Benefits and 401K. Position is eligible for annual salary increases based on performance.

Locations:

• AZGF Headquarters Office, Phoenix, AZ

Application Deadline:

12/13/2024

To Apply:

Application through email only. Please send cover letter, resume and 3 references (combined into one (1) document – MS Word or PDF) with a subject line of – “MDF AZ Shared Biologist Job Application” to [email protected].

Contacts:

If you have questions, please contact Sarah Deaton – MDF Director of State Partnerships & Admin at [email protected] / (530) 812-6372 Successful candidate will be required to pass a background check and drug test as condition of employment with MDF. MDF is an equal opportunity employer and a drug free workplace.