Principal Duties and Responsibilities: Develops and maintains augmentation and recovery plans for the native freshwater mussels of southwestern Virginia (Upper Tennessee Basin). Serves as the primary department representative on state/federal recovery teams and interagency committees for freshwater mussels of the Upper Tennessee Basin (UTB). Chairs the Virginia Mussel Recovery Group, and coordinates recovery and augmentation activities with other Department staff and with cooperating federal, state, and private partners. Assists in developing Natural Resource Damage Assessments and Restoration Plans with federal, state, and private partners; and implements Department projects in accordance with these plans. Supervises and coordinates two fulltime Mussel Recovery Specialists and wage employees stationed at the Departmentâ??s Aquatic Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC). Oversees planning, development, and operation of the AWCC, ensuring the safe and uninterrupted cultivation of mussels including threatened or endangered species. Ensures maintenance of facility buildings, ponds, raceways, and water supply; and acquisition of supplies and utilities as appropriate. Plans and supervises mussel releases and monitoring of augmented mussel populations in accordance with established guidelines. Develops reports and presentations on all cultivation and monitoring activities. Assists Statewide Aquatic Invertebrate Project Coordinator in prioritizing, designing, and implementing survey and research projects regarding UTB mussels and their host fishes. Develops public outreach and education materials and programs, and coordinates and directs tours of AWCC for major constituent groups.
Minimum Qualifications
A Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife, Fisheries or Biology or a related degree. Considerable knowledge of the habitat requirements, life histories, and ecology of freshwater mussels and their host fishes of southwest Virginia; and of wildlife research and management techniques pertaining to this taxon including habitat restoration and management, hatchery operations and mussel cultivation, data collection and analysis, and technical report preparation and publication. Some experience in hatchery operations & mussel cultivation techniques. Some experience in data collection and analysis, and technical report preparation and publication. Experience in using personal computers with Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, or similar software. Demonstrated ability to design and implement wildlife research, management, and public education projects cooperatively with constituents and public agencies; to conduct physically demanding mussel and habitat surveys in and around water under difficult environmental conditions; to clearly express agency positions and programs, both verbally and in writing, to technical and non-technical audiences; to work independently and supervise others; and to express initiative in performance of job responsibilities.
Preferred Qualifications
Advanced (Master’s or Ph.D.) degree in fisheries with freshwater mussel concentration; a specialization in freshwater mussel research, cultivation, and restoration or appropriate and adequate professional experience to document attainment of required knowledge, skills, and abilities including professional field and some supervisory experience. Some experience in conducting Mussel and Habitat Surveys in the Field.
Special Requirements
Have or attain a Virginia driverâ??s license within sixty days of employment is required. Occasional-to-frequent overnight travel.
Special Instructions to Applicants
1. PLEASE NOTE: This is a restricted position funded through 6/30/2018. It will be reviewed for continuation on a bi-annual basis. 2. This is a Career Track position. Broader and more responsible experience in wildlife program management, research, or supervision indicating possession of more comprehensive technical, interpersonal and organizational competencies are required for progression through the series.
Optional Applicant Documents
Resume
Cover Letter
Required Applicant Documents
Contact Information
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