Environmental Protection Fisheries Biologist 1 (Inland) (35 Hour)

 

The State of Connecticut, Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP) is dedicated to conserving, improving and protecting our natural resources and the environment and increasing the availability of cheaper, cleaner and more reliable energy.  

DEEP's Bureau of Natural Resources, Fisheries Division, CARE and Fisheries Program Support is seeking to hire an EP Fisheries Biologist 1. The Department is seeking expertise to increase the number of people participating in fishing. As such, we are seeking an energetic, enthusiastic, and innovative person to make fishing relevant through focused marketing efforts and programs, which highlight the many benefits fishing has to offer. This person will support and lead initiatives to recruit, retain, and reactivate anglers (R3) especially through social media, targeted communications, and a variety of R3 programs and strategies.

The Angler R3 Coordinator will provide effective guidance and program management to both internal and external stakeholders. The Angler R3 Coordinator provides expertise and collaborates with agency staff and external partners to develop and advance state Angler R3 strategies and build capacity for implementing best practices for successful R3 outcomes. The Angler R3 Coordinator will build and facilitate a team from various internal and external stakeholders to develop a state R3 strategic plan that identifies strategic goals, objectives and programs for R3 that are consistent with Division and national goals. The Angler R3 Coordinator will be responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with community and business partners to enhance program offerings and meet agency goals.

Hours per week: 35, typically first shift, but hours may vary according to out of office or out of state meeting needs.

Location: Based in Hartford, CT.

Applicants must include a resume within the "Resume Tab" of their application. 

Questions about this position should be directed to the hiring agency's human resources office:  Elizabeth Checo, Elizabeth.Checo@ct.gov, 860-424-4156.

This position is competitive. Open to the public.

In the Departments of Energy and Environmental Protection and Agriculture this class is accountable for independently performing a full range of tasks in fisheries management, research and conservation.

Develops statistically valid research methodology; calculates growth rates of fish populations; analyzes data; calculates area, volume and depth of lakes and ponds; collects samples of the fish population using nets and specialized equipment; collects and identifies samples of bottom organisms and computes the weight and number of fish food organisms; determines the dissolved oxygen and carbon dioxide content present in water; prepares and analyzes growth curves of all species of fish collected; analyzes data and submits recommendations for laws, regulations and management; makes statistical estimates of fish populations; tests and evaluates various chemicals for use as aquatic weed killers; calculates chemical dosage, prescribes methods of application and supervises the treatment for weed control; recommends type and amount of fish to be stocked; submits tentative projects of an investigational nature for land acquisition or development; plans and prepares special reports for submission to the U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service; gives testimony in court as an expert witness for the state; acts as consultant to private landowners; participates in educational work of the agency; may give talks to service clubs and other organizations; performs related duties as required.

This specific position will:

• Serve as the Fisheries Division’s lead and coordinate the development and implementation of a state plan for the recruitment, retention and reactivation of anglers (R3), to include collaboration with program staff in developing, implementing and evaluating effective programs.
• Implement initiatives to create new participants, with a focus on urban families and non-traditional constituents.
• Serve as the Fisheries Division’s expert in developing, implementing, and evaluating R3 programs based on social science research and sampling methodology.
• Develop statistically valid research methodologies to inform the Division’s understanding of public behaviors, preferences, and trends related to fisheries and natural resource conservation and management.  This may involve coordination with other Fisheries Division staff, development and implementation of surveys and interviews, creation of focus groups, analysis of data and application of other human dimensions techniques.
• Provide expert guidance on, and technical support to, the Fisheries Division in respect to the human dimensions of conservation/management issues in Connecticut.
• Develop and implement communication and promotional campaigns in English and Spanish for a variety of media.
• Develop strategies and manage email campaigns, including message development, testing and execution, identification of target audiences, analysis of campaign performance and refinement of strategies to increase effectiveness, while ensuring that email campaigns follow industry best practices.
• Ensure the relevancy of the Fisheries Division’s messaging to multiple audiences using social media, and DEEP web content while integrating content with the Division’s education and outreach efforts.
• Serve on a collaborative team with the licensing unit and the online Sportsmen’s licensing contractor to develop, administer, and manage a customer management system with integrated email/text delivery system and/or other systems to manage and effectively engage with licensed anglers.
• Conduct market research to evaluate and identify strategic target audiences, especially urban families, and develop metrics and dashboards to evaluate and implement communication and promotion campaigns.
• Participate in Agency and Division workgroups as an advisor on fisheries outreach, education, and communication issues. 
• Participate in other educational work of the Division, and give talks to service clubs and other organizations.
• Coordinate Division participation in shows and events statewide, and develop displays and other messaging for target audiences. 

Knowledge of principles and methods of fisheries management; knowledge of environmental and human factors involved in the production, management and cropping of stocks of fishes; some knowledge of standard methods of water analysis used in fishery work; some knowledge of microcomputers; interpersonal skills; oral and written communication skills; ability to conduct fishery surveys and to apply statistical procedures necessary for sound conclusions; ability to identify fishes, aquatic insects and aquatic plants; ability to utilize computer software.

Six (6) years of experience in inland fisheries management.

Fisheries management is defined as work requiring a knowledge of scientific fields such as biology, ichthyology, fisheries science, fish population dynamics, aquatic ecology, limnology, fish taxonomy, fishery statistics, aquatic entomology, aquatic phycology and oceanography.

1. College training in fisheries management as defined may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.
2. A Master's degree in fisheries management as defined may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.

• Bachelor's degree with a dual major/minor that combines knowledge and skills in outdoor recreation, fisheries, or natural resource management with communication, marketing, education or human dimensions.
• At least 3 years planning, implementing and measuring the success of R3 programs or public or educational outreach programs at a regional, statewide or national level.
• Demonstrated strategic planning and budget development expertise.
• Excellent oral and written interpersonal skills
• Fluent in (read, write, speak) English and Spanish.
• Working knowledge of basic marketing principles and customer engagement strategies.
• Knowledge of program design process, needs assessment, program analysis and evaluation methodology.
• Knowledge and experience participating in outdoor recreational activities such as fishing.
• Knowledge of fishing programs and activities for families and children a plus.
• Experience in building successful working relationships with local entities and organized groups including Non-Governmental Organizations focused on fish and fishing.
• Team building and leadership skills necessary to bring together diverse interests to accomplish common objectives to increase participation in fishing.
• Experience facilitating diverse groups of stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing.
• Effective interpersonal, presentation and public speaking skills.
• Ability to work independently as well as in small groups to achieve Fisheries Division and agency goals.
• Solid project management skills. Proven ability to manage multiple projects concurrently.
• Knowledge of and experience with various social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
• Skilled in use of software programs including Microsoft Office products.

1. Incumbents in this class must be willing and able to accept assignment or transfer to any area of the State.
2. Incumbents in this class may be required to live on a vessel for extended period of time.
3. Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.
4. Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s license.

1. Incumbents in this class must have adequate physical strength, stamina, physical agility, and visual and auditory acuity, and must maintain such physical fitness as to be able to perform the duties.
2. Incumbents in this class must be able to swim.
3. Appropriate examinations will be required.

Incumbents in this class may be exposed to some danger of injury or physical harm from on-site environments and a moderate degree of discomfort from exposure to year round weather conditions.

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.