Wildlife Staff Specialist

Posting number: 2026-03884

Department: DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE

Job classification: WILDLIFE STAFF SPECIALIST

Posting type: Open Competitive

Categories: Wildlife

Summary

Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) Game Management Division is recruiting two Wildlife Staff Specialists to oversee management of bighorn sheep and Rocky Mountain elk, in addition to other Game Program duties based on qualifications and experience. The preferred location for the position is NDOW Headquarters in Reno, with possible consideration for placement in regional offices in Elko, Fallon, or Las Vegas. The incumbents will develop and implement research proposals and projects; coordinate and direct management and research programs throughout the State; compile, analyze and interpret research, monitoring, harvest, and survey data; develop and maintain databases; prepare reports; present and defend final proposals before special interest groups, general public, and the Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners; provide the public and scientific community with reliable information pertinent to the management of their respective species in Nevada through the development of pamphlets, technical papers and other publications; represent NDOW at conferences and symposiums; prepare and submit grant funding requests; and manage grants and monitor budgets. The incumbents will be responsible for coordinating with Game Division regional staff to effectively and efficiently implement program directives for field work, data collection, data management, and data analysis. Time permitting, the incumbent may assist Area Biologists with big game surveys including helicopter surveys, ground surveys, fixed-wing surveys, and surveys from ATV’s. The selected candidates will serve as Nevada’s bighorn sheep or elk expert and will possess a degree of knowledge and proficiency that is sufficient to perform work independently with little or no additional training. In addition to the abovementioned qualifications, the bighorn sheep Wildlife Staff Specialist will work closely with the State Wildlife Veterinarian to conduct disease surveillance and will be required to build and maintain partnerships for the betterment of bighorn sheep in Nevada. The elk Wildlife Staff Specialist will be tasked with providing oversight and direction for the successful implementation of Nevada’s Special Elk Incentive Tag Program and the Elk Damage Mitigation Program. Successfully navigating the special elk programs will require fostering relationships and partnerships with private citizens, various interest groups, and non-governmental organizations.

Under general direction, Wildlife Staff Specialists perform program research, planning, analysis and evaluation; draft proposed legislation, policies, procedures and regulations related to wildlife management programs and activities throughout the State.

Examples of duties

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in wildlife management, biology or closely related field and four years of professional experience that included organizing, planning and completing management studies, writing technical reports and preparing species or land use management plans and recommendations related to wildlife management; OR one year of experience as a Biologist III in Nevada State service; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience as described above.

Qualifications

Develop drafts of policies, procedures, position statements, policy plans, regulations and agreements; review current information, procedures, policies and plans; evaluate needs and research alternatives; identify problems and assess potential solutions; write and revise proposals and submit for final approval in order to resolve problems and issues and implement new methods.

Participate in developing program budgets; collect and analyze financial and statistical data; assess needs and available resources; develop and institute schedules and procedures for data collection; assess and document budgetary requirements; prioritize needs; review, modify and draft budget proposals; develop equipment specifications; and submit to the supervisor in order to plan for future operations.

Develop program plans; outline goals and program requirements; develop and implement research proposals and projects; develop five-year, biennial and annual plans; establish timelines and objectives; and monitor and evaluate progress.

Research, develop, prepare and coordinate grant application proposals to secure federal funding in accordance with federal guidelines; and amend federal aid grants based on program changes and direction.

Coordinate and direct assigned programs; compile, analyze and interpret research and survey data; develop and maintain databases; document facts, draw conclusions and submit recommendations for action; prepare summary narrative and statistical reports; establish training requirements and document training needs; coordinate findings and plans with other governmental agencies; disseminate information to field personnel, federal and Stateagencies and the general public; present and defend final proposals before special interest groups, community organizations, commissions, committees and other groups.

Provide the public and scientific community with information by developing pamphlets, wildlife plans,technical papers and other publications; research, compile and organize information; respond to inquiries or requests for information; communicate with governmental agencies and organizations and concerned special interest groups; coordinate and plan printing, publishing and distribution; prepare information for release to the media to educate the public regarding wildlife issues and enhance community relations.

May train, supervise and evaluate the performance of subordinate staff as assigned.

Perform related duties as assigned.

Supplemental information

Working knowledge of: the general life histories, ecology, habitats and population dynamics of wildlife species; statistical analysis and techniques; research techniques/principles such as population modeling, etc.; federal aid manuals and guidelines.

General knowledge of: current technological solutions related to wildlife management applications.

Ability to: read, understand and interpret documents, technical papers, manuals and scientific journals; collect, tabulate and analyze data; communicate effectively both orally and in writing with various groups who have diverse interests to respond to inquiries regarding programs and policies; apply theoretical principles into practical applications for research and management programs; interpret field data and formulate appropriate management strategies; identify management problems and develop procedural solutions; identify research needs and develop programs to meet management needs; maintain effective working relationships with the public, staff and other agencies.

Recruiter Contact Information: Kristin Bowling - klbowling@ndow.org