Regional Wildlife Manager

~ Leading wildlife conservation and inspiring people to value the outdoors and their role in nature. ~

The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries’ mission is to:

• Conserve and manage wildlife populations and habitat for the benefit of present and future generations.
• Connect people to Virginia’s outdoors through boating, education, fishing, hunting, trapping, wildlife viewing, and other wildlife-related activities.
• Protect people and property by promoting safe outdoor experiences and managing human-wildlife conflicts.

Position Overview

Regional Wildlife Manager supervises 5 District Wildlife Biologists within Region II to administer a comprehensive wildlife program including management of wildlife populations, wildlife habitats, small game and fur bearer conservation programs and human-wildlife conflicts as well as outreach and research within one of the Department’s operational regions. Additionally, position supervises specific statewide species conservation specialists and programs, ensuring viability and sustainability of these species within the Commonwealth. Position supports additional statewide wildlife conservation programs by providing regional expertise to Department colleagues in the development of species management plans and wildlife regulations. Addresses personnel matters as they arise.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Comprehensive knowledge of wildlife management and biological principles including identification, habitats, behavior, and requirements of animal and plant species, with particular emphasis on forest wildlife species.
• Extensive knowledge of techniques associated with managing and manipulating wildlife populations.
• Ability to apply technical, scientific, and legal knowledge to develop and implement complex wildlife and environmental programs, projects, and/or issues.
• Ability to analyze, interpret, and explain complex technical issues regarding wildlife, habitats, and/or wildlife conservation activities.
• Demonstrated ability to solve and/or recommend solutions to difficult or unusual problems.
• Skilled in use of personal computer and MS Office suite of programs, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint, as well as Google Mail.
• Ability to coordinate and manage completion of projects as well as supervise, lead, direct, and motivate others.
• Ability to plan, integrate, manage, and evaluate program priorities, activities, and budgets.
• Excellent presentation, written and oral communication skills.
• High school diploma or GED along with considerable experience in wildlife conservation and management required.
• Possession of, or eligibility for, a valid VA driver’s license required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• College degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Management, Natural Resources or related field.
• Experience in constructively interacting with various state and federal fish and wildlife agencies and the public to achieve shared conservation goals.
• Leadership and personnel management experience strong preference.
• Conflict resolution and management skills are preferred. Demonstrated natural resource conservation or wildlife management experience with solving and/or recommending solutions to difficult or unusual problems.
• Conflict resolution and management skills are preferred.
• Certification by The Wildlife Society or other related professional organization is a plus.

Additional Information

• Resumes and cover letters will not be accepted, only completed state applications will be considered.
• Reasonable accommodations are available to applicants with disabilities, if requested, during the application and/or interview process.
• If accommodations are needed with the application and/or interview process, please contact the Human Resources Office at 804-367-0243.
• Our website will provide a confirmation of receipt when the application is submitted for consideration.
• Consideration for an interview is based solely on the information within the application.
• Please refer to your RMS account for the status of your application.

~ DGIF is an equal opportunity employer who values diversity in the workforce. All qualified applicants are afforded equal opportunities without regard for race, sex, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, political affiliation or disability. ~