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The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is seeking to fill an anticipated vacancy for a human-wildlife interaction biologist (IF&W Senior Resource Biologist) within the Wildlife Division and will be based in the Department’s Augusta office.
DEPARTMENT OF INLAND FISHERIES & WILDLIFE
HUMAN-WILDLIFE INTERACTION BIOLOGIST
(IF&W SENIOR RESOURCE BIOLOGIST)
Opening Date: August 28, 2026
Closing Date: End of the day September 14, 2026
Location: Augusta*
Position Number: 01865-1143
Position Type: Permanent Full Time/Year-Round
Class Code: 9387
Grade: 28 (Professional/Technical Unit)
Salary: $60,091.20 - $84,177.60 Per Year
Interested applicants need to submit a Direct Hire Application, along with a Cover Letter, detailed Resume**, and Answers to the Supplemental Questions (which should be attached as a separate document where you drop your resume).
**For us to properly determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for any posting, you must be sure your resume includes the month and year for any relevant experience listed. Your resume should include the duties and responsibilities associated with each position. Any experience that was not full-time employment should be identified as such.
BRIEF JOB DESCRIPTION: This position provides professional services and scientific work at the Senior Biologist level for Departmental programs associated with human-wildlife interactions. This position will be responsible for collaborating with various Departmental Staff, other State Agencies, stakeholder groups and the public to assess information needs, public opinions and concerns, and ensure information is properly assembled and disseminated to the Pubic.
This position will be part of a team of knowledgeable biologists in the Department’s Wildlife Division. Responsibilities include:
- Administering, coordinating, and evaluating statewide efforts associated with human-wildlife interaction program, including captive wildlife, wildlife rehabilitation, and human-wildlife conflict resolution.
- Provide technical advice regarding human-wildlife issues to Department staff, permit holders, cooperators and the public.
- Represent the Department through attendance at state and regional working groups regarding human-wildlife issues.
- Serve as the Wildlife Division’s coordinator for the development of outreach material, programs, and initiatives to enhance public awareness and support for the Department’s wildlife management efforts.
*This position is eligible for remote work capabilities dependent upon State and Department telework policies.
For questions specific to the position, please contact the Hiring Manager, Robert Cordes, at: robert.cordes@maine.gov
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: A Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Fisheries or Wildlife Management, or related field -AND- two (2) years of progressively responsible related laboratory or field research and/or management experience. Equivalent experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.
Preferences will be given to applicants with:
- Knowledge of human-wildlife conflict and damage management techniques.
- Knowledge of husbandry and care of captive wildlife.
- Strong interpersonal skills and commitment to work collaboratively.
- Ability to interpret and express technical information in a clear, interesting manner.
- Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, able to produce and edit well organized reports and information materials, as well as effectively deliver informational or educational programs to a wide range of audiences.
SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS: In addition to the standard Direct Hire Application form, you MUST address each of the following items to be scored properly. These should be attached as a separate document where you attach your Resume:
1. Summarize your knowledge and experience with the husbandry and care of captive wildlife.
2. Summarize your knowledge and experience resolving human-wildlife conflicts.
3. Summarize your skills and experience translating field experiences or technical information into outreach and educational materials, visual media, or reports.
4. Briefly describe your experience and role in building and/or maintaining relationships with State/Federal/Tribal governments/agencies, outside partners, permit holders, and public interest groups on natural resources related issues.
Currently, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions.
No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:
- Work-Life Balance – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
- Health Insurance Coverage– The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($12,213.60-$14,369.04 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
- Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements.
- Dental Insurance– The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($365.28 annual value).
- Retirement Plan– The State of Maine contributes at least 14.06% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.
- Gym Membership Reimbursement– Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.
- Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts– Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.
- Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness– The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office.
- Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.
- Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive forty-two (42) consecutive calendar days of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
- Voluntary Deferred Compensation– Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions.
- Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness
There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.
As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics.
If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.
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