Ecologist

Position Number: 22088990

County: Pulaski

Anticipated Starting Salary: $58,700.10

The mission of the Department of Military is to provide a professional staff of Arkansas State Employees who help maintain and improve the readiness of Arkansas National Guard units through effective fiscal management of State Resources, Human Resource Management, and quality administration of Arkansas National Guard Programs.

The Department of the Military is a drug-free workplace, this includes medical marajuna which is still considered a controlled substance under Federal Law. (Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988)

Additional Job Duties:

Ecologist will be responsible for all National Environmental Policy Act documentation including but not limited to: Records of Environmental Consideration, Environmental Assessments, and Environmental Impact Statements. Duties may include writing all documents, coordination of documents, meeting with the public regarding impacts and contracting of documentation through consultants if necessary. Ecologist will also be responsible for environmental consideration of property documentation to include Transaction Screening Analysis, Preconstruction Assessments, Environmental Baseline Surveys, Phase 1 and phase 2 Environmental Site Assessments, Reports of availability, and EBS/ Phase 2 updates. Position will be responsible for document creation, review, processing, coordination, and approval. The Ecologist will perform site investigations regarding historical documentation, usage, contamination, remediation and current use or condition of site. Responsibilities will include classification of sites using the standard classification of ECOP area types. The Ecologist will be responsible for the upkeep of databases tracking the review of documentation in an effort to keep all document reviews within the permitted guidelines. The Ecologist will also be responsible for updating command staff as to the status of projects via MS Teams, email or meetings. Communicates technical information through oral briefings, written documents, workshops, conferences, and public hearings. Designs and directs studies to obtain technical environmental information regarding NEPA or ECOP projects. Performs other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Must qualify and receive a Common Access Card, which includes a National Agency Check background investigation. Must have and maintain a valid driver's license and be able to meet the eligibility requirements covered by the state insurance policy.

Position Information

Job Series: Conservationists - Career-path

Classification: Ecologist

Class Code: SCN02P

Pay Grade: SPC01

Salary Range: $58,700 - $86,876

Job Summary

The Ecologist is an entry-level position within the State of Arkansas, responsible for conducting research, collecting data, and analyzing ecological patterns in natural environments. This role focuses on the assessment and conservation of Arkansas' ecosystems, providing valuable support to senior ecologists and managers. The Ecologist assists with monitoring wildlife, plant species, habitat health, and environmental impacts of human activities.

Primary Responsibilities

Conduct field surveys to collect ecological data on plant and animal populations, habitat conditions, and environmental variables. Analyze ecological data, prepare reports, and present findings to supervisors and other stakeholders. Assist with the implementation of conservation programs, habitat restoration projects, and biodiversity assessments. Contribute to the preparation of environmental impact assessments and management plans. Work with GIS tools to map and analyze habitat distribution, land use, and ecological changes. Participate in the development and execution of monitoring protocols for ongoing ecological studies. Assist in educating the public and stakeholders about ecological issues, conservation methods, and environmental stewardship.

Knowledge and Skills

Fundamental understanding of ecology, biology, environmental science, and natural resource management. Familiarity with ecological survey methods, biodiversity, and ecosystem dynamics. Ability to collect and analyze field data, proficiency in the use of ecological sampling equipment, GIS, and data analysis software. Strong technical writing skills to prepare research reports. Ability to work in outdoor environments and physically demanding conditions. Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to apply scientific principles to real-world ecological challenges. Knowledge of ecological principles and fieldwork techniques. Ability to work independently in the field, as well as in a team environment. Ability to use technical equipment and software related to ecological research (e.g., GIS, GPS).

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, Biology, or a closely related field from an accredited institution.

Satisfaction of the minimum qualifications, including years of experience and service, does not entitle employees to automatic progression within the job series. Promotion to the next classification level is at the discretion of the department and the Office of Personnel Management, taking into consideration the employee's demonstrated skills, competencies, performance, workload responsibilities, and organizational needs.

Licensure/Certifications

N/A OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.

The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.

Nearest Major Market: Little Rock