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DEPARTMENT OF INLAND FISHERIES & WILDLIFE

IF&W RESOURCE BIOLOGIST

Opening Date: January 22, 2026

Closing Date: End of day February 20, 2026

Location: Ashland

Position Number: 01868-0888

Class Code: 9386

Grade: 26 (Professional/Technical Unit)

Salary: $56,264.00 - $78,998.40 Per Year

BRIEF JOB DESCRIPTION: This is professional services and scientific work at the biologist level involving research and management of the State’s fisheries and wildlife by protecting, preserving, and enhancing Maine’s natural resources. The Fisheries Biologist position provides a key support role assisting the Resource Supervisor in carrying out all activities of the Fisheries and Hatcheries Division’s Regional (G) Headquarters (located in Ashland).

REPRESENTATIVE TASKS INCLUDE:

• Assisting senior level resource biologists in planning and coordinating fish and wildlife assessment activities and research to support the Department’s goals and objectives.
• Performing research development, investigation, analysis, and monitoring of species and their habitats (e.g., physical, biological, and chemical characteristics, etc.) to support species planning and management.
• Interacting and conferring with other biologists, professionals, and advocacy groups to preserve and monitor habitats and populations within assigned areas.
• Establishing and maintaining effective partnerships with agencies both internal and external to state government to advocate for fish, wildlife, and ecosystem concerns.
• Summarizing and assessing data using standard statistical procedures and scientific analysis to develop reports of findings and to provide recommendations to higher level Resource Biologist.
• Writing environmental assessments to meet state and federal compliance and permitting requirements.

KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of biology, biological research, fish and wildlife conservation and management.
• Knowledge of fish biology and habitat ecology and standard field and laboratory methods, along with advanced statistical data collection skills, processing techniques, and population measurement methods.
• Knowledge of environmental laws, rules, and regulations.
• Ability to recommend management plans, research projects, and approve or disapprove permits and licenses.
• Ability to prepare and make presentations to colleagues, various stakeholder groups and the public, and the ability to confer and consult with them.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: A Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Fisheries or Wildlife Management, or related field -AND- two (2) years of progressively responsible related laboratory or field research and/or management experience. Equivalent experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.

The Supplemental Questions below MUST be answered and submitted with your application: 

1. Summarize your education in fisheries management, biology, and ecology, and how it relates to this position.

2. Summarize your experience in freshwater fisheries management as related to:

a. Inventorying, surveying, and monitoring inland fisheries resources.

b. Promulgation and evaluation of fishing regulations.

c. Habitat restoration, improvement, and protection.

d. Providing agency comments on Environmental Reviews for state/federal agencies.

3. Summarize your experience communicating both orally and in writing with non-technical and technical audiences.

4. Summarize your experience working with fisheries related data, including acknowledgement of the database and analysis software program with which you have direct experience.

5. Discuss your experience and role in creating and/or maintaining relationships with State/Federal/Tribal governments/agencies, outside partners, and public interest groups on fisheries related issues.

INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Balance – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave. 
• Health Insurance Coverage– The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($11,857.68-$13,950.24 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.  
• Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements. 
• Dental Insurance– The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($365.28 annual value). 
• Retirement Plan– The State of Maine contributes 14.11% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.  
• Gym Membership Reimbursement– Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense. 
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts– Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses. 
• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness– The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office. 
• Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.
• Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive forty-two (42) consecutive calendar days of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.  
• Voluntary Deferred Compensation– Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions. 
• Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness. 

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work.  Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness.  We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics. 

If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you.  Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Thinking about applying?
Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting.  If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.

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