Wildlife Biologist

LITTLE RIVER BAND OF OTTAWA INDIANS

POSITION VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Position:  Wildlife Biologist– (1) Full Time – Natural Resource Department

Pay Grade: E4   Status: Exempt; Bi-weekly Pay  Background Check: Basic                                    Hiring Range: $46,714 - $60,526 - $74,338

Indian Preference applies in accordance with Ordinance #15-600-02

SUMMARY: This position will be responsible for work related to the research, monitoring, and restoration of wildlife and wildlife habitat. This position will include extensive fieldwork, equipment maintenance, public assistance, and office support activities.

EMPLOYMENT QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in biology OR closely related field; and
• Two (2) years’ work experience (graduate studies may be counted as experience) in the wildlife biology field involving wildlife sampling techniques, and wildlife identification; and
• One (1) year of prior supervisory (at a minimum leading projects or surveys, directing daily work assignments of field personnel) experience; and
• A valid Michigan Operator’s license with the ability to be insured under the tribe’s policy; and
• Ability to perform field work under strenuous environmental conditions; and
• Proficiency and demonstrable computer skills with MS Office applications and GIS; and
• Ability to work independently and as part of interagency/interdisciplinary team.
  
  PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Navigational skills, including proficiency with GIS and GPS
• Experience implementing habitat management projects in the field
• Experience handling live and dead animals
• Experience designing wildlife research projects
• Experience with statistical analysis
• Experience collecting and maintaining wildlife data
• Experience writing and reporting grants.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Develops wildlife surveys. Conducts field work including trapping and radio collaring, habitat restoration, native plant cultivation, and identification and classification of habitats. Works check station.
2. Maintains detailed records of studies and analyses.
3. Performs data analysis, report writing and statistical analysis of research.
4. Operates, calibrates and maintains specialized scientific equipment used in wildlife biology.
5. Plans and develops funding proposals for wildlife research and conservation projects.
6. Operates and maintains vehicles, in addition to mechanical and electronic equipment.
7. Promotes wildlife resources, appreciation, and cultural history.
8. Participates in community programs and educational services offered by department.
9. Represents the department, as requested, in meetings with Tribal Council, other Tribes, outside agencies, or in seminars.
10. All other position/department related duties as assigned by supervisor.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

During the course of employment, the employee will consistently utilize and demonstrate good verbal and written communication skills, good organizational skills, good interpersonal and teamwork skills, an attention to detail and accuracy, the ability to work cooperatively with other departments, and a commitment to confidentiality.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Limited supervisory capacity - Leads surveys and projects; directs daily work assignments and schedules of field technicians involved in surveys and projects.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Frequent and long period of walking, standing, or sitting, and occasional heavy lifting, running, climbing, reaching, bending, kneeling, stretching, or working from heights is to be expected. An employee will need normal or corrected to normal range of sight and hearing and will routinely carry work related materials up to fifty (50) pounds, and instances of lifting/carrying up to one hundred (100) pounds or more with assistance.

The use of personal protective equipment is necessary in this position. Such equipment may include gloves, masks, sunglasses or other eyewear, work boots, sun screen, insect spray, and protective or insulated clothing/coverings.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in a variety of physical environments such as in the woods, or in swamps, on level and uneven terrains, and in all type of weather (hot, cold, humid, dry, snow, rain, ice, wind). The employee’s work schedule may periodically need to be flexible and adjusted, with or without notice, according to business need. The employee must be able to effectively handle stressful and compromising situations while remaining focused and professional, as well as be able to deal with difficult people without losing perspective.

Application Instructions: Complete and submit cover letter, resume, and copy of Tribal ID Front/back (if applicable) as well as any supporting documentation such as educational transcripts or certifications (website: www.lrboi-nsn.gov) 

All applications and supporting documents are required to be submitted electronically.

For the complete job description or further information, please contact the LRBOI HR Department at: 

LRBOI HR Department, 2608 Government Center Dr., Manistee, MI 49660

Phone: 231.723.8288

Conditions of employment with Little River Band of Ottawa Indians Tribal Government includes superior performance in the selection process, including but not limited to all of the following; any pre-employment interviews, skills testing, credentialing, drug screening, background investigations, reference checks and previous work history, passing a pre-employment drug test and background investigation, possession of a valid Driver’s License throughout employment and being insurable under the Tribe’s insurance policy, and successfully completing a ninety (90) day introductory period. 

 Posted – 10/24/2025

Notice of Indian Preference in Employment:

In accordance with the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians' Ordinance #15-600-02, the Tribe applies Indian Preference in hiring activities. When claiming Indian Preference, an applicant must identify oneself in the proper category on the application and provide the documentation noted below. Following is the order in which preference is applied during the hiring process, as well as the customary documentation used to verify.

1. Tribal Members of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians – Tribal identification card.
2. Members of Federally Recognized Indian Tribes – Tribal identification card.
3. Tribal Spouse of a Little River Band of Ottawa Indians Tribal Member – Current and valid marriage license and a copy of spouse’s tribal identification card, or Tribal Parent – Same documentation required for tribal spouse.
4. Tribal Descendant (1st generation, biological parent must be a Little River Band of Ottawa Indians Tribal Member) – Birth certificate and a copy of parent’s tribal identification card.
5. Non-preference – If not claiming Indian Preference, or if not applicable, please continue onto the application.