Fish & Wildlife Scientist II

The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department (VFWD) is currently recruiting for a Fish and Wildlife Scientist II position for the Essex Junction District office.This position will work with fisheries professionals on Lake Champlain and inland ponds and streams in northwest Vermont. Projects will focus on a wide variety of projects including assessment of Salmonid and Walleye fisheries on Lake Champlain; monitoring endangered Lake Sturgeon, sampling wild Brook Trout in headwater streams, and evaluating panfish populations in inland ponds

This position supports a wide range of fisheries management activities, including fieldwork, lab analysis, equipment maintenance, and data summarization. While projects are guided by supervising fisheries biologists, this role often involves independent coordination and execution. The ideal candidate will bring a solid foundation in fish biology and sampling techniques, mechanical aptitude, and strong communication and organizational skills.

Key Responsibilities:

• Maintain, operate, and repair fisheries equipment such as motorboats, trailers, ATVs, electrofishing units, nets, and other sampling gear.
• Lead and implement diverse field projects as directed by fisheries biologists.
• Train and supervise seasonal staff, ensuring safety protocols are followed and data is accurately collected.
• Assist with operations aboard the Department's 31-foot research vessel Dore on Lake Champlain.
• Conduct angler surveys on various district waters.
• Extract and age fish structures in accordance with established lab protocols.
• Manage purchasing, contracts, and associated administrative paperwork.
• Engage in public outreach and serve as a professional representative of the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department.

The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in fish biology and sampling techniques, experience operating motorboats on large waterbodies, and mechanical aptitude for maintaining and troubleshooting field equipment. Success in this role also requires excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, along with the ability to independently plan, prioritize, and carry out complex tasks.

This position, Fish & Wildlife Scientist II (Job Requisition #52555), is open to all State employees and external applicants.

If you would like more information about this position, please contact Bernie Pientka at bernie.pientka@vermont.gov.

Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail. You must apply online to be considered.

Duties are performed in both an office and a field setting. Field work may require traversing rough terrain and bodies of water in all weather conditions. Duties may require work outside of normal office hours. Attendance may be required at a variety of public meetings, hearings, and seminars, where strong adversarial opinions and some hostility may be encountered. Private means of transportation may be required for necessary travel.

Bachelor's degree or higher in biology or a natural resources field AND one (1) year or more in a natural resources field.

OR

One (1) year or more as a Fish & Wildlife Scientist I with the State of Vermont

As a State employee you are offered a great career opportunity, but it's more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation, including:

• 80% State paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families
• Work/Life balance: 11 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan
• State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI)
• Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
• Low cost group life insurance
• Incentive-based Wellness Program
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website.