The Mississippi Museum of Natural Science (MMNS), a Bureau of the
Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, is currently
seeking qualified applicants for a Conservation Resources Biologist
position with an emphasis in GIS and database management. Start date will
be sometime after August 1, 2008.
The Museum of Natural Science is responsible for documenting,
studying, preserving, and enhancing Mississippi's living natural
resources. Much of this effort falls upon the staff of the Museum's
Conservation Biology Section which is comprised of three broad,
overlapping programs: the Natural Heritage Program, Biological
Collections, and Research. Collectively, these programs are staffed by
nearly 20 research biologists and technicians whose chief directive is to
document, monitor and protect our state's native biodiversity. However,
most efforts are focused on monitoring and protecting our state's rare and
endangered species which are often viewed as "indicators" of environmental
health. The staff also administers research grants funded through both
federal and state agencies, and maintains the Mississippi Natural Heritage
Database.
The applicant would be expected to manage the NHP Database by
working with the museum conservation biology staff and outside agency
researchers to maintain the most accurate and credible database in the
state for rare and endangered species and habitats of special concern.
In addition, the applicant would be expected to have experience using
various GIS software applications.
Responsibilities for this position involve:
• Identifying and compiling new/potential sources or rare species
and community data, entering and uploading data into NHP Database.
• Conducting quality assurance/quality control of the NHP database.
• Answering data requests from citizens/agencies/private companies,
managing the environmental review process and completing environmental
reviews.
• Providing technical assistance to other Heritage staff by
facilitating their use of the NHP database and creating maps in ArcGIS to
display MNHP data.
• Attending meetings with state/federal agencies and private
companies to discuss potential impacts from proposed development projects
on threatened and endangered species and their habitats.
Experience/Educational Requirements:
Education:
A Master's Degree from an accredited four-year college or university in
wildlife/fisheries ecology/biology or in wildlife/fisheries
conservation/management;
AND
Experience:
One (1) year of work experience directly related to the described duties.
Substitution Statement
Directly related education above the Master's Degree and directly related
experience may be substituted on an equal basis.
Required Document(s): Applicant must provide employing agency evidence of
completion of education requirements and a valid copy of his/her
transcript to verify course work, when applicable.
Starting salary $39,236
Please contact Sherry Surrette Ph.D., NHP Coordinator at (601-354-6367
ext. 118) or [EMAIL PROTECTED] for specific information
pertaining to the position. For additional information about the Museum
and its programs, please refer to our website
(http://www.mdwfp.com/museum/).
