Ecological Analyst 1 - 20061135 at STATE OF OHIO in Findlay, Ohio

Job Description:

Who we are:

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) is committed to its mission “To ensure a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all.” Our agency embraces the insightful use of our natural resources to assure the continued safety, happiness and prosperity of Ohio’s people.

ODNR owns and manages state parks, state forests, state nature preserves and wildlife areas. We license all hunting, fishing and watercraft; oversee and permit all mineral extraction, monitor dam safety, manage water resources and serve as the second largest Law Enforcement presence in the State of Ohio.

We are accepting applications for a Ecological Analyst 1 within the Division of Natural Areas & Preserves, headquartered at the District 2 Wildlife Office in Hancock county. The address is 952 Lima Avenue, Findlay, Ohio 45840.  To learn more about the Division of Natural Areas & Preserves please visit https://ohiodnr.gov/wps/portal/gov/odnr/discover-and-learn/safety-conservation/about-odnr/nature-preserves/nature-preserves.

What you will do…

• Work outside gathering data critical to determining appropriate management plans and to assess impacts to river quality for scenic rivers;


• Work to maintain sites with invasive species managment and general site management;


• Provide a great public relations impact for ODNR while leading efforts on stream ecology education;


• Enjoy the extensive benefits offered by the State of Ohio.

What’s in it for you…

The State of Ohio offers an excellent benefits package which includes extensive medical, dental and vision insurance. At least a 14% employer contribution into your OPERS pension plan, Employee Tuition reimbursement program and much more.  To view all the benefits offered, please visit Total Rewards . 

We are ready for you!

We’re glad you’re interested in pursuing a rewarding career with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources!  Exploring and protecting the natural beauty of Ohio will prove to be the most enjoyable career opportunity you will ever find!

Official Position Description:

Conducts field surveys & sampling of invasive species, rare species at all reference sites & other locations as needed on wild, scenic & recreational rivers in the Northwest Ohio region & other areas of the state as needed; conducts sampling for macroinvertebrates (e.g., crayfish, flatworms, snails, aquatic insects,); inventories stream quality ecological monitoring data (e.g., to determine baseline conditions, collect & identify species, documents findings, analyze & determine changes in stream ecology, collects & identifies specimens, maps occurrences, documents findings); uses maps to complete field surveys & routine maintenance (e.g., topographical, river mile, surveys & engineering plans & compass); uses global positioning system (GPS) & geographic information system (GIS) technology to map the extent of macro-invertebrates, invasive species, rare species, & plant communities, maintains assessment/survey forms & enters data into scenic river database; inventories significant ecological data (e.g., such as species, identification, macro invertebrates’ samplings) related to various rivers/streams throughout the assigned region & state; may assist with other biological monitoring of other taxonomic groups (e.g. plants, fishes, mollusks, & other vertebrate groups); enters information into database (e.g., pesticide applications, eco-management); assists the assistant regional manager & program manager as needed.   

Analyzes & evaluates stream quality monitoring data to determine significant communities & species; monitors potential changes in overall stream health & ecological condition; plans & conducts river protection projects such as (e.g., bank stabilization, erosion control, stream quality monitoring); assists staff & volunteers in the field on invasive species control projects (e.g. hand-pulling, cut-stump treatment); performs environmental impact reviews; prepares & compiles information for scenic rivers protection & acquisition projects; adds, deletes & updates records in manual & computer files.

Prepares & delivers public presentations & slide talks, speeches, & PowerPoint presentations related to research data; conducts stream quality monitoring workshops for public by request; represents division/department at meetings & conferences; assists with & participates in events & educational activities that promote paddling on state designated water trails, & scenic rivers & other bodies of water; writes scientific reports, articles for publication: writes reports regarding based on findings of stream quality monitoring research data using personal computer; may provide technical assistance to landowners such as (e.g., land protection of scenic river lands) may assist supervisor or program manager with wild, scenic or recreational river designation studies (e.g. collect data on stream quality, riparian forest quality, land use, & other watershed data) to evaluate rivers and streams for potential designation as wild, scenic or recreational rivers.

Performs routine maintenance on scenic river lands & access sites: groundskeeping (e.g., mows, picks up litter & debris, cuts brush & tree limbs); performs minor carpentry (e.g., repairs, paints entrance signs); performs minor maintenance in parking areas (e.g. pick up litter, spray weeds, fill pot-holes with gravel); walks boundaries of scenic river lands to ensure that they are properly posted; documents & reports encroachments to supervisor/program manager; posts boundaries of scenic rivers lands & conservation easement areas with appropriate signage & rules/regulations; assists with tasks related to the protections & enhancement of local designated wild, scenic & recreational rivers & adjacent lands (e.g. public project inspections, plants trees, cuts or removes invasive plant species, treats invasive plant species with appropriate herbicide).

UNUSUAL WORKING CONDITIONS:  May be exposed to inclement or adverse weather conditions; fire, intense heat mud, water, poisonous plants & smoke (e.g., from control burn areas), may be exposed to harmful chemicals and /or toxic gases; work may involve travel.

MINIMUM CLASS QUALIFICATIONS FOR EMPLOYMENT:
Completion of undergraduate core program in biological science (e.g., botany, zoology, ecology, forestry) or natural resources.

-Or 24 mos. exp. in ecological position.

-Or equivalent of Minimum Class Qualifications for Employment noted above.