If you are a current State of Maine employee, please submit your application through the internal application process using the Find Jobs report in PRISM. Seasonal employees who do not have PRISM access should apply through the State’s career page and indicate on the application that they have previously worked for the State.

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Join Maine IF&W to protect the wildlife that makes Maine extraordinary. On the Game Research & Management team, you’ll lead science driven conservation that keeps our game birds, ecosystems, and hunting heritage thriving.

DEPARTMENT OF INLAND FISHERIES & WILDLIFE

IF&W SENIOR RESOURCE BIOLOGIST

(UPLAND AND MIGRATORY GAME BIRDS BIOLOGIST)

Opening Date: February 27, 2026

Closing Date: End of day March 16, 2026

Location: Augusta

Position Number: 01865-0191

Position Type: Full Time

Class Code: 9387

Grade: 28 (Professional/Technical Unit)

Salary: $60,091.20 - $84,177.60 Per Year

Interested candidates need to complete, and submit, an Application, Cover Letter, detailed Resume, and answers to the Supplemental Questions

BRIEF JOB DESCRIPTION: This position is housed within the Wildlife Division’s Game Research and Management Section and reports to the Game Section Supervisor. The incumbent is responsible for planning, coordinating, implementing, and administering the Department’s upland and migratory game bird research and management program, which has statewide scope and complexity. This position develops, updates, and implements species management plans and management systems, and leads statewide research and monitoring efforts to inform planning and management decisions. Responsibilities include developing and managing databases; analyzing, evaluating, and synthesizing annual statewide harvest and long-term monitoring data; and preparing annual reports, technical bulletins, and scientific publications.

The position also develops and updates policies related to game bird management and collaborates with researchers and partners to address priority research and management needs. This includes preparing conservation and management plans, as well as grant and research proposals. As the species lead, the incumbent regularly engages with the media, the public, legislative committees, the Advisory Council, stakeholders, and other internal and external partners to address issues affecting game bird management in Maine. Overnight travel and work during evenings and weekends is required during some seasons.

For questions specific to the position, please contact Jennifer Vashon at: jennifer.vashon@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.

Preference will be given to candidates with a) background in applied research and management of waterfowl and/or upland game birds, b) a strong record of professional written communication skills, and c) a post-graduate degree in Wildlife Ecology or related discipline.

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS: In addition to the standard Direct Hire Application form, you MUST address each of the following items to be scored properly:

1. Please describe your research or management experience with upland & migratory game birds or other game species.

2. Please summarize your experience designing, coordinating, and conducting wildlife research to inform management decisions or wildlife conservation.

3. Please describe your experience with database management and data analysis including your knowledge and experience in analyzing population trends and population modeling.

4. Please summarize your writing experience including technical bulletins, scientific manuscripts, final reports, and research proposals.

5. Summarize your experience with public speaking and working with the media.

6. Please describe collaborations you’ve been involved in and how you have built or maintained these.

INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED

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 ($11,857.68-$13,950.24 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 14.11% 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.

Thinking about applying?
Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.

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If you are unable to complete the online application, please contact the Human Resources representative listed on the job opening you are interested in applying for. They will work with you for an alternative method of submitting.