This is the Director level class in the professional Wildlife Biologist Series. Positions in this class have overall responsibility for a diverse statewide program of wildlife management and research and are directly responsible for the effective protection, development, and utilization of wildlife management resources. This class is distinguished from the Wildlife Biologist Assistant Director class by the total responsibility for the statewide wildlife management program.

Complexity of Work: Performs work of unusual difficulty in determining solutions and courses of action necessary to eliminate or resolve complex issues that affect the wildlife management program. Directs the development of policies and/or regulations that affect the wildlife management program such as: procurement, accounting, finance, supplies, maintenance, transportation, communications, personnel, budgets and contracts. Coordinates, directs, and controls various programs and operations of interest to the agency head. Provides direct advice, information, and recommendations to the agency head regarding policies, procedures, and functions and/or certain issues that require the agency head’s approval or decision. Represents the agency head in meetings, conferences, and presentations. Chairs various staff meetings and conferences to: determine the status of projects, accomplishment of goals and objectives; present information, guidance and clarification regarding new or changed policies and procedures; coordinate programs, projects and functional lines of authority; and to present the views, desires, and instructions from the agency head. Visits various wildlife locations throughout the state to determine progress of projects and programs and/or to provide on-site direction to staff. Assigns projects or goals to subordinate administrators, managers, and supervisors in accordance with the agency's mission, goals and objectives. Directs the development of new wildlife research projects and programs. Reviews the work of subordinate managers and supervisors.

Supervision Given: Provides general direction, to a large group of subordinate managers and supervisors. Directs, coordinates, and plans the overall goals/objectives and program/project assignments. Selects, rewards, and disciplines employees and establishes goals and objectives. Reviews accomplishments, assures that quantity and quality requirements are followed and that objectives are being accomplished or have been met.

Supervision Received: Receives administrative direction from the agency head or from a high level agency official on matters involving legislation, regulations, and resource management issues and concerns regarding wildlife management.

Scope: Plans, develops, and carries out vital programs essential to the mission of the agency that affects the general public, sportsmen, and the state’s wildlife management program.

Impact of Actions: Work may have serious long-term impact on agency operations and image if wildlife resources are not protected and provided.

Personal Contacts: Frequent internal and external contacts on matters of interest and importance to farmers, landowners, sportsmen, research/university staff, Board members, federal and local government officials and the general public regarding wildlife management.

Knowledge: Comprehensive knowledge of the principles of scientific and practical wildlife management and research methods, and business administration.

Skills: None identified for this class.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to plan, schedule, and coordinate overall projects and programs; to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; to make presentations; and to resolve or develop solutions to difficult and unusual wildlife management problems and situations.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

Licenses or Certification: None.

Education or Training: Graduation from an accredited college or university with course work in wildlife management, biology or a related field.

Level and Type of Experience: Extensive managerial experience in wildlife management and research experience directing the work of subordinate managers, supervisor, and a large, diverse work force.

An equivalent combination of training and experience indicating the possession of the preceding knowledge and abilities may substitute for this education and experience.

This class was established in June 1988, as part of the Classification Review/Specification Update Project. It replaces the State Game Biologist and State Game Fish Biologist classes.

Last updated: 11/16/88