ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF FISH AND WILDLIFE

Definition

Under the direction of the Director, Division of Fish and Wildlife, in the Department of Environmental Protection, assists in directing, coordinating, planning, organizing, and operating of the State programs of non-game and endangered and wildlife management, administration, interpretation, data processing, planning, federal aid coordination environmental review and laboratory services: manages all Division activities in the absence of the Director; does related work as required.

Examples of work

• Directs the respective unit chiefs in the planning, organization and operation of the Wildlife Education, Non-Game and Endangered Species Management, Administration, Data Processing, Planning, Environmental Review, Laboratory Services and Federal Aid programs.
• Acts as a representative of the Division, in contact with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, other Federal and State agencies and with other, concerned with activities of the Administration Element.
• Directs the development and implementation of measures to insure that policies and programs of the Director are properly carried out and directs proper assignment and management of such measures.
• Directs the work operations and/or functional programs and has responsibility for effectively recommending the hiring, firing, promoting, demoting and/or disciplining of employees.
• Oversees and coordinates environmental review programs between respective bureaus including interaction with Marine Fisheries Administrator when appropriate.
• Responsible for the coordination and development of management plans, including detailed schedules for management of State-owned wildlife management areas and fishing waters, private lands, and water where wildlife and fisheries populations are to be enhanced and managed.
• Coordinates the planning, organization and direction of the programs and activities with the Bureau of Law Enforcement relative to the protection and regulation of New Jersey's fish and wildlife resources.
• Plans and directs wildlife research projects and special studies to provide needed basic biological, economic and ecological data.
• Coordinates the planning, organization and direction of the enforcement of laws pertaining to the State's non-game and endangered species and the control of exotic species possessed within the State.
• Makes continuing studies of the several units within the Central Services Element and makes recommendations to the Director for changes in organization required for program effectiveness.
• Coordinates the planning, organization, development and implementation of training programs, and related training courses for assigned personnel.
• Prepares appropriate recommendations to the Director regarding land being considered for acquisition by the Division of Fish and Wildlife.
• Coordinates the work operations and functional programs of the various units within the Administration Element.
• Supervises and coordinates the preparation of proposed legislation, codes, policies and regulations governing the State's fish and wildlife resources as approved by the Director and Fish and Game(s) Council: reviews existing laws and presents recommended changed to the Director.
• Oversees and coordinates budget preparation and spending priorities and controls the allocation and expenditure of funds for the Central Services Element of the Division.
• Coordinates the promotion of wildlife and fisheries conservation by means of appropriate public relations media in close cooperation with the Operation Element.
• As required by the Director, prepares and/or supervises the preparation of clear, sound, accurate and informative technical and other reports containing findings, conclusions and recommendations.
• In the absence of the Director, manages all Division activities and acts as personal representative of Director at meetings, conferences, and public appearances.
• Directs the establishment and maintenance of essential records and files.
• May be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency office or related units.

Education

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in Wildlife Management, Fisheries Management or a related field.

Experience

Six (6) years' of experience in the development of fisheries or wildlife management programs, three (3) years of which shall have been in a supervisory and/or managerial capacity.

License

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of fish and wildlife resources, and management programs, including commercial and recreational use.
• Knowledge of geography, topography, soils and vegetation and the economic and social conditions which effect fisheries and wildlife populations.
• Ability to acquire knowledge of the Division's priorities, programs, objectives, standards and the internal organization and develops plans accordingly.
• Ability to learn about the Element's development and maintenance needs, including funding and allocations, budgetary constraints, purchasing procedures, contracts requirements, and equipment specifications.
• Ability to apply Federal and State laws, codes, rules and regulations related to the conservation and management of the State's fish and wildlife resources and habitat.
• Ability to utilize techniques of personnel management procedures and policies related to administrative programs and supervision of personnel including working with various union contract guidelines.
• Ability to direct, supervise, plan and carry out administrative and operational programs that meet the needs of the Administration Element and the Division.
• Ability to develop, and supervise the management of a budget.
• Ability to organize assigned supervisory and technical fisheries and wildlife management work, analyze fish and wildlife management problems, and develop effective work methods for division employees.
• Ability to analyze the problems involved in improving lands and water for the various fish and wildlife species.
• Ability to supervise the allocation of Federal-Aid funds and direct assigned personnel in various fish and wildlife management projects.
• Ability to cooperate with various Federal, State and private agencies whose activities affect fish and wildlife conservation.
• Ability to coordinate the activities of the Central Service Element.
• Ability to inform, consult with, and maintain an effective working relationship with the Fish and Game Council, Non-Game Council, representatives of State, Federal and local governments, private groups and others interested in and concerned with fish and wildlife resources.
• Ability to analyze the potential impacts upon the State's fish and wildlife resource resulting from development projects, both public and private.
• Ability to assess properties for acquisition or for the development of wildlife related facilities.
• Ability to prepare clear, sound, and informative reports and correspondence containing findings, conclusions and recommendations.
• Ability to communicate and provide information to the general public, sportsmen groups, the scientific community, legislators, the media, environmental groups, State advisory councils, etc.
• Ability to supervise the establishment and maintenance of the essential division records and files.
• Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording information systems used by the agency, office or related units.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
• Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

Note

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.

A Master's degree in fisheries or Wildlife Management, or other related field may be substituted for one (1) year of non-supervisory experience.