Title: Southwest Virginia Freshwater Mussel Recovery Spec

State Role Title: Scientist II

Hiring Range:  Salary starting at $60,000 (salary to commensurate with experience)

Pay Band: 5

Agency: Dept of Wildlife Resources

Location: Region III Office Marion

Agency Website: www.dwr.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

Implements and coordinates freshwater mussel recovery efforts in southwestern Virginia. Enhancement of the Commonwealth's nongame aquatic wildlife resources through propagation and maintenance of mussels and fishes at the Department's Aquatic Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC) at the Buller Fish Cultural Station. Assists in prioritizing, designing, and implementing survey and research projects regarding Tennessee River drainage mussels and their host fishes. Oversees augmentation of freshwater mussel communities at selected reaches in Virginia's Tennessee River drainage. Develops public outreach and educational opportunities to promote Department conservation efforts in southwestern Virginia.

Minimum Qualifications

Considerable knowledge of habitat requirements, life histories, and ecology of freshwater mussels and their host fishes of southwestern Virginia. Specific experience pertaining to habitat restoration, management, hatchery operations, mussel cultivation, data collection, data analysis, technical report preparation, and publication. Ability to work independently and show initiative in enhancing the effectiveness of the position; to supervise the work of others; to work effectively with the Department's professional and support staff, staff of other agencies, and with individuals in the public and private sectors; and ability to write, type, organize, and present information with an effective command of the English language. Significant expertise with Windows, Word, Access, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint; and with other computer software applicable to specific tasks assigned (e.g., GIS, ARC, RiverMorph, Acrobat, etc.).

Additional Considerations

Valid Driver’s License. Specialization in freshwater mussel research, cultivation, and restoration is desirable, including professional field and
supervisory experience. Membership in groups such as the Freshwater Mollusk Conservation Society and American Fisheries Society is desirable.

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.

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.
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.
DWR is a proud member of Virginia Values VETERAN PROGRAM. 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: 8043670243

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.