Fisheries/Wildlife Biologist II, Aquatic Species Recovery, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks

Position Overview

Application Deadline: May 22, 2026

Salary: Starting at $28.30 per hour

Experience Required: At least 1 year in environmental or natural sciences and resources

Description

The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks is hiring a Fisheries/Wildlife Biologist II for the Aquatic Species Recovery Program in Pratt, Kansas, starting at $28.30 per hour, with applications closing May 22, 2026.

KDWP manages Kansas’s fish and wildlife resources, state parks, and aquatic habitats. The Aquatic Species Recovery Program coordinates reintroduction, monitoring, and habitat work for imperiled freshwater taxa across the state, in partnership with private landowners under the KDWP Programmatic Conservation Benefit Agreement.

This unclassified, full-time position is based in the Pratt Operations Office and reports directly to the Aquatic Species Recovery Program Coordinator. The biologist serves as the field lead for recovery work, including site assessments, broodstock collection, stocking, and population monitoring.

Responsibilities

• Work with private landowners under the KDWP Programmatic Conservation Benefit Agreement to maintain habitat conditions at reintroduction sites and coordinate stockings and surveys.
• Conduct habitat assessments to rate habitat suitability prior to species reintroduction.
• Transport and stock animals to identified reintroduction sites.
• Coordinate with internal and external partners for broodstock collection and stocking of propagated animals.
• Use standard methods for surveys of freshwater mussels and stream fish communities for broodstock collection, pre-stocking assessments, and monitoring of stocked populations for survival, growth, and reproduction.
• Conduct quality control and digitization of field data.
• Assist the program coordinator with summarization of data into monthly and annual reports and writing of site plans and reintroduction plans.
• Conduct communication and outreach efforts such as presentations, field trips, and outreach events for private landowners, conservation partners, the general public, and department personnel.
• Assist with study design, research, and implementation of novel reintroduction or monitoring methodology.
• Acquire and maintain survey and laboratory equipment.
• Assist department personnel with general agency-related activities spanning management, research, and education.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental or natural sciences and resources preferred.
• One year of experience in environmental or natural sciences and resources. Work conducted while pursuing an advanced degree may substitute for experience.
• Strong writing skills, ability to lead by example, and a proven ability to work as part of a team.
• Ability to self-start and work under adverse survey conditions.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Ability to pass a background check.

Preferred Qualifications

• Entry-level proficiency in word processing, PowerPoint, and geographic information systems.
• Entry-level proficiency in use of standard sampling gears for aquatic taxa.

Additional Notes

• Unclassified, full-time, 40 hours per week.
• Immediate group health, dental, and vision coverage; life insurance coverage.
• Retirement plan and optional deferred compensation.
• Paid leave including holidays, sick leave, vacation leave, and parental leave.
• Veterans’ preference eligible candidates who meet minimum requirements receive an interview.
• The State of Kansas is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

How to Apply

Apply through the State of Kansas Employment Center at https://admin.ks.gov/services/state-employment-center by May 22, 2026.

Required application materials:

• Letter of interest.
• Detailed resume including a valid email address.
• Transcript material, if desired.
• Employment application generated from system input.
• Authorization to Release Information form, witnessed and signed by a KDWP employee or signed in front of and notarized by a notary public.