Fisheries Assistant Biologist - Southwest
Date Posted: Mar 18, 2026
Requisition ID: 473684
Location:
Winslow, IN, US, 47598
Work for Indiana
Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.
About the Department of Natural Resources (DNR):
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources protects, enhances, preserves, and wisely uses natural, cultural, and recreational resources for the benefit of Indiana's citizens through professional leadership, management, and education. DNR Fish & Wildlife enriches the quality of life for present and future generations by balancing the biological, ecological, recreational, and economic benefits of Indiana's fish, wildlife, and their habitats.
Role Overview:
The incumbent will be responsible for assisting in the development, implementation, and evaluation of fisheries management programs in Fisheries District 6 which spans 18 counties in south central Indiana https://www.in.gov/dnr/fish-and-wildlife/wildlife-resources/fisheries-biologists/.
T op 3 skills preferred:
-Requires specialized knowledge of biological principles and life histories of aquatic communities including fish and plants as well as specialized knowledge of limnology, ichthyology, fisheries management, and aquatic resource management.
-Ability to work independently with limited supervision and coordinate responsibilities and schedules with a supervisor outside of the office. This will also include equipment maintenance, storage, and preparation pre- and post-fish surveys
-Requires experience in boating, trailing boats and pulling them with a full-size pick-up truck.
Another part of this role is the ability to work collaboratively with State Parks, State Forest and local municipalities on public waters under their jurisdiction. At any given time while in the field the candidate must be able to positively represent the agency through effective communication with the general public.
The work schedule for field work and meetings can include workdays longer than the 7.5 hour work day. This also will include fish surveys after dark and into the next workday. Flexibility for work hours, for bad weather, and lake and stream conditions is essential for safe and successful field work.
This position is stationed at Sugar Ridge Fish and Wildlife Area in Winslow, IN. Direct supervision is provided by the District 6 Fisheries Management Biologist.
Salary Statement:
The salary for this position traditionally starts at $42,900.00 but may be commensurate with education or work experience.
A Day in the Life:
The essential functions of this role are as follows:
Plan and conduct scientific investigations to gather data on population status, resource utilization, or environmental conditions for management and research needs.
Survey and collect data and samples for process and analysis using standard techniques.
Conduct laboratory analyses utilizing a variety of technical equipment.
Assist with environmental permitting and reviews.
Assist in the evaluation and interpretation of data from analyses and investigations.
Classify environmental conditions according to established standards and biological guidelines.
Make recommendations for program objectives and policies dealing with routine problems.
Write and edit technical reports on daily operations, program implementation, results, and goals obtained.
Assist other biologists on large-scale research and management projects.
Assist with special programs, projects, and investigations.
Research, develop, and apply new methods of analyses and reviews current information.
Responsible for the protection and improvement of habitat for all land and aquatic life.
Assist with planning and conducting population investigations, compiling, and interpreting scientific data, and writing scientific reports.
The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.
This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours which may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.
What You'll Need for Success:
Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following:
Minimum of a Bachelor's degree within a Natural Resource related field.
Advanced knowledge of botany, ecology, biology, and zoology.
Practical knowledge of legal guidelines as they apply to performance of duties.
Ability to interpret technical material in books, manuals, and journals; write and/or edit scientific documents.
Ability to plan and conduct investigations, surveys, and collection of data, including the ability to deal with unprecedented situations.
Ability to analyze samples using various @types of equipment and procedures.
Ability to interpret data and apply interpretations.
Ability to operate and maintain equipment.
Excellent oral & written communication skills.
Ability to learn to use statistical packages and other software (e.g., ArcGIS) for data analysis and data retrieval.
Possess great organizational skills with the ability to prioritize variable workloads and multiple projects.
Ability to maintain cooperative work relationships with other staff and external partners/cooperators.
You must satisfy the following requirement to continue employment:
Ability to obtain and maintain professional licenses.
Must be able to obtain an Indiana driver's license.
Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:
This role may be utilized in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs.
Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:
The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:
Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
Education Reimbursement Program
Group life insurance
Referral Bonus program
Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
Free Parking for most positions
Free LinkedIn Learning access
Equal Employment Opportunity:
The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.
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