BIOLOGIST DCL-A/ WATERFOWL

Salary

$4,458.00 - $8,027.00 Monthly

Location

Statewide, LA

Job Type

Classified

Job Number

513-226627-26

Department

Wildlife & Fisheries-Wildlife

Opening Date

09/29/2026

Closing Date

10/11/2026 11:59 PM Central

About this Job

LDWF supports a strong work ethic in its employees and incorporates the use of good science, accurate information and technology. The Office of Wildlife exists to provide wise stewardship of Louisiana's wildlife and associated habitats and increase wildlife conservation awareness.

BIOLOGIST DCL-A/ WATERFOWL-STATEWIDE

The incumbent (Waterfowl Biologist) will coordinate the North American Waterfowl Management Plan (NAWMP) in Louisiana, with primary responsibility for planning, funding, delivering, and evaluating wetland and associated upland habitat projects. The position works with Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) staff, landowners, government agencies, and conservation organizations. It also supports waterfowl population monitoring, banding, and research, and communicates project results to agency staff and the public.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

• Experience in waterfowl biology, wetland habitat management, and development or oversight of habitat restoration projects
• Experience working with private landowners and partners on government or nonprofit wetland habitat enhancement projects
• Ability to work independently, coordinate several projects, and communicate effectively in writing and in person
• Experience with waterfowl capture and banding, field data collection, and aerial survey methods
• Self-motivated individual with strong interest in wetlands, waterfowl and other migratory game birds and ability to work independently on a variety of simultaneous tasks
• Ability to lift 50 pounds

Minimum Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree in a biological science, marine science, environmental science, wildlife or fisheries, animal science, forestry, or natural resources plus four years of experience in wildlife or fisheries, forestry, or environmental science; OR

A non-thesis master's degree in a biological science, marine science, environmental science, wildlife or fisheries, animal science, forestry, or natural resources plus three years of the required specialized experience; OR

A master's degree with a completed thesis or a doctorate in a biological science, marine science, environmental science, wildlife or fisheries, animal science, forestry, or natural resources plus two years of the required specialized experience.

Supplemental Qualifications:

Four years of experience in waterfowl biology, wetland habitat management and development, or oversight of habitat restoration projects.

Job Specification

The official job specifications for this role, as defined by the State Civil Service, can be found here.

Job Duties and Other Information

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Under the direction of the Waterfowl Study Leader, the incumbent will develop and manage LDWF affiliated North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) projects and other waterfowl habitat initiatives such as the Louisiana Mottled Duck Project and Coastal Grasslands Restoration Incentive Program
• Work with operations staff to plan, implement, and monitor annual waterfowl habitat management on state owned lands
• Coordinate with LDWF Farm Bill staff to improve project delivery and management on Wetland Reserve Easement enhancement projects. Work with regional staff to plan and implement wetland habitat management on wildlife management areas (WMAs
• Prepare annual and cumulative program reports
• Participate in population waterfowl surveys via aerial surveys in fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters
• Develop and maintain waterfowl banding sites on WMA and private lands to capture and band wood ducks, black-bellied whistling ducks, and other species as necessary
• Participate in mottled duck research, banding, and management
• Train staff in rocket netting methods, other trapping techniques, and bird handling/banding procedures to maintain a cost-effective and humane program providing high-quality data

POSITION- SPECIFIC DETAILS:

DOMICILE: This position will be domiciled statewide and will be determined once candidate is selected. Potential domiciles include LDWF Field Offices and LDWF Headquarters, Minden (Webster Parish), Monroe (Ouachita Parish), Pineville (Rapides Parish), Lake Charles (Calcasieu Parish), Lafayette (Lafayette Parish), Baton Rouge (East Baton Rouge Parish), and Hammond (Tangipahoa Parish).

APPOINTMENT TYPE: Job appointment, probational appointment, promotional, or detail to special duty.

If filled as a job appointment, there is a possibility that this position may be converted to a probational appointment should funding become available. Current permanent status classified state employees may be required to accept a probational appointment if selected.

COMPENSATION: The salary offered will be determined based on qualifications and experience.

HOW TO APPLY

No Civil Service test score is required in order to be considered for this vacancy.

Applicants are responsible for checking the status of their application to determine where they are in the recruitment process. Further status message information is located under the Information section of the Current Job Opportunities page.

• Information to support your eligibility for the position must be included in the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education). Resumes WILL NOT be accepted in lieu of completed education and experience sections on your application. Applications may be rejected if incomplete.

Any qualifying experience that is based on college credit/college hours should have an accompanying transcript for verification. A criminal background check will be required of all selected applicants. Any degree, certificate, special license, or DD-214 must be verified by official documentation prior to hire.

If you are applying for a position which requires a baccalaureate and/or master’s degree you may apply 90 days prior to receipt of your degree, however, the effective date of the appointment cannot be prior to your graduation date.

Louisiana is a State as a Model Employer (SAME) that supports the recruitment, hiring and retention of individuals with disabilities. For more information on employment resources for individuals with disabilities, see the Louisiana Employment Resources Guide at

https://www.laworks.net/workforcedev/lrs/lrs\_main.aspThis agency participates in the E-Verify system for verification of citizenship and employment authorization.

Wildlife & Fisheries is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THIS VACANCY CONTACT:

Cassandra Louis

Department of Wildlife & Fisheries- Human Resources

P.O. Box 98000

Baton Rouge, LA 70898

[email protected]

Louisiana State Government represents a wide variety of career options and offers an outstanding opportunity to make a difference through public service. With an array of career opportunities in every major metropolitan center and in many rural areas, state employment provides an outstanding option to begin or continue your career.

As a state employee, you will earn competitive pay, choose from a variety of benefits, and have access to a great professional development program:

Insurance Coverage More information can be found at https://info.groupbenefits.org/

Parental Leave – Up to six weeks paid parental leave

More information can be found at https://www.civilservice.louisiana.gov/Parental-Leave/Default.aspx

Holidays and Leave – State employees receive the following paid holidays each year:

• New Year's Day
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Day,
• Mardi Gras,
• Good Friday,
• Memorial Day,
• Independence Day,
• Labor Day,
• Veteran's Day,
• Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

***** Additional holidays may be proclaimed by the Governor

State employees earn sick and annual leave which can be accumulated and saved for future use. Your accrual rate increases as your years of service increase.

Retirement– State of Louisiana employees are eligible to participate in various retirement systems (based on the type of appointment and agency for which an employee works). These retirement systems provide retirement allowances and other benefits for state officers and employees and their beneficiaries. State retirement systems may include (but are not limited to):

• Louisiana State Employees Retirement System (www.lasersonline.org). LASERS has provided this video to give you more detailed information about their system
• Teacher's Retirement System of Louisiana (www.trsl.org),
• Louisiana School Employees Retirement System (www.lsers.net), among others