Title: Senior Hellbender Biologist

State Role Title: Scientist I – 59131

Hiring Range: Salary starting at $50,000 (salary to commensurate with experience)

Pay Band: 4

Agency: Dept of Wildlife Resources

Location: Montgomery County Territory

Agency Website: www.dwr.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

“ Note: This is a Restricted Position with annual funding for two years from the date of hire. The position eligibility may be extended if additional funding is granted beyond that time frame, but this isn’t guaranteed.”



This employee is part of a collaborative team between the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources and Virginia Tech that conducts a multifaceted, four-year study on eastern hellbenders. Using innovative techniques and new technologies, the study seeks to identify the mechanisms causing population declines and to develop and implement a large-scale head start program to augment populations and curtail local population declines. The employee will be stationed in Blacksburg and work as part of a highly integrated team comprised of agency and university biologists, as well as undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral researchers.

Minimum Qualifications

Technical-oriented KSAs include knowledge of wildlife ecology and management, to include techniques required to study aquatic wildlife and high conservation-priority species in the field and captive husbandry in the lab, and the ability to work effectively with private landowners, academic researchers, and state biologists. KSAs also include the ability to use modern computer software, utilize modern sensor and underwater video technologies, and robust data management and analytical skills.

Management-oriented KSAs include sound judgment and decision making, effective communication and interpersonal skills, and proficiency in planning and coordinating teamwork in the laboratory and field.

A successful employee will demonstrate competency to:
1) Apply scientific principles and technical knowledge to the research project; use modern computer software including MS Office, Access, ArcGIS, and program R; operate state of the art water quality sensors and infrared video technologies.

2) Make practical decisions and accurately assess their impact; establish priorities sensibly; solve problems by analyzing information and determining consequences of actions and soundness of decisions; adaptively manage project and decisions based on evolving knowledge and conditions.

3) Effectively communicate ideas verbally or in writing as required to perform the job; understand and correctly interpret communications; actively participate in and contribute to team discussions; prepare clear and concise written communications; communicate respectfully and effectively with landowners in rural areas and other constituents; communicate frequently and accurately with senior researchers on the project to ensure transparency and effective execution of the research.

4) Form collaborative and respectful relationships with supervisors, co-workers, student and postdoctoral researchers, and landowners; give and receive constructive feedback; build effectively on the ideas of other members of the team.

5) Prioritize tasks and adjust work to respond; accordingly, help plan, organize, and coordinate work schedules in the face of changing environmental conditions, animal behavior, or other logistical and practical considerations.

6) Work in a manner that prioritizes the goals of the research project and the missions of the agency and partner academic organization; follow agency and University policies and practices; anticipate and correct unproductive or unsafe practices.

7) Make animal welfare in the field and captive rearing facility a high priority; follow approved protocols and permitted activities involving live animals.

Additional Considerations

Preferred Education and Experience
At least a bachelor’s degree in wildlife conservation or related natural resource management field, along with significant practical experience that aligns with the job description to include effective handling of wildlife and working in aquatic systems. Possession of a valid Virginia’s driver’s license is required.

Master’s degree in wildlife conservation (or related natural resource management field) is preferred and should be completed by the start date of the position, along with the above-mentioned experience related to the job description. Extensive experience snorkeling in Appalachian streams; prior experience working with salamanders; prior experience rearing animals in captivity. Candidates with Associate Wildlife Biologist Certification are preferred

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Applicants who submit an incomplete application or an application without an attached resume will not be considered eligible for an interview.
Ensure that all required documents and your completed application are submitted online by 11:55 PM on the 'Job Close Date' to be considered for this excellent career opportunity with Virginia's Department of Wildlife Resources.
Faxed, emailed, and mailed applications will not be accepted for consideration.
Cover letters will be accepted in conjunction with completed application and resume.
DWR is an equal opportunity employer who values diversity in the workforce. All qualified applicants are afforded equal opportunities without regard to race, sex, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetics, or disability.
Reasonable accommodations are available to applicants with disabilities, if requested during the application and/or interview process.
If accommodations are needed with, he application and/or interview, please contact Human Resources Office at 804-367-0243. You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.
DWR is a proud member of Virginia Values VETERAN PROGRAM.
Commonwealth’s Alternate Hiring Process: In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process.
Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their Certificate of Disability.
If you need to get a Certificate of Disability, use the link:
https://www.vadars.org/dars/cpid/PWContact.aspx. Or call DARS at 800-552-5019 or DBVI at 800-822-2155.

Contact Information

Name: Marlo Gibson

Phone: 804-367-0243

Email: careers@dwr.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.