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The Wildlife Society
PROGRAM FOR CERTIFICATION OF
PROFESSIONAL WILDLIFE BIOLOGISTS
(Valid thru 31 December 2001)
The Wildlife Society, a nonprofit, scientific and educational organization devoted tostewardship and enlightened appreciation of wildlife and its environments, is committed tothe premise that these objectives can be achieved best with the guidance of well-educated,experienced, and dedicated wildlife biologists. The Wildlife Society has sought to promoteand strengthen professional standards in all activities devoted to wildlife resources. Tothis end, the Society has developed a professional certification program designed toevaluate the education and professional experience of wildlife biologists.
A professional wildlife biologist is a person with demonstrated expertise in the artand science of applying the principles of ecology to the sound stewardship and managementof the wildlife resource and its environment. An applicant for professional certificationwho demonstrates this expertise through education and experience and is judged to be ableto represent the profession as an ethical practitioner will be designated as a CertifiedWildlife Biologist.
Present-day professional wildlife biologists have developed from many disciplines.Strict application of precisely defined certification criteria would be detrimental to thecontinued development of the profession these biologists have built.
These requirements for certification are intended to be a means of demonstratingthe special expertise required to practice as a professional wildlife biologist. If anapplicant does not meet the "specified" minimum requirements, a CertificationReview Board (CRB), composed of highly qualified wildlife biologists, mustdetermine whether the education, experience, and professional contributions of theapplicant satisfy the intent of the established minimum requirements.
The program for certification of wildlife biologists is a service provided by TheWildlife Society for its members, as well as nonmembers and the public, who may desire apeer evaluation statement. Certification constitutes recognition by The Wildlife Societythat, to its best knowledge, an applicant meets the minimum educational, experience, andethical standards adopted by the Society for professional wildlife biologists.Certification does not constitute a guarantee that the applicant meets acertain standard of competence or possesses certain knowledge.
The Wildlife Society has established the following objectives, rules, and proceduresfor certification and the administration of the program. The Society will maintain,annually update, and disseminate a registry of Certified Wildlife Biologists. Anappropriate schedule of fees ensures that the program is financially self-sustaining.Certification applications are available from: The Wildlife Society, Inc., 5410Grosvenor Lane, Bethesda, MD 20814-2197; 301\897-9770.
I - OBJECTIVES
The primary objective of The Wildlife Society certification program is to providepublic and private clients and employers more positive access to professional advice inmatters concerning wildlife resources. Specific goals include:
To guide biologists, governmental agencies, courts, and the public in defining minimumstandards of education and experience for professional wildlife biologists, and toencourage all practicing wildlife biologists to meet such standards.
To create and maintain public confidence in the advice and opinions of CertifiedWildlife Biologists as well educated and experienced professionals who have pledged touphold the Code of Ethics and the Standards for Professional Conduct of The WildlifeSociety and to act in the best interest of wildlife resources and the public.
To assist the public in evaluating wildlife biologists by establishing a procedure forcritical peer evaluation based upon defined minimum educational, experience, and ethicalrequirements.
II - CERTIFICATION CATEGORIES
Application for certification may be made in one of two categories:
Certified Wildlife Biologist (CWB)--Persons who have completed acceptableeducational and experience requirements.
Associate Wildlife Biologist (AWB)--A preliminary step designed for persons whohave completed the educational requirements, but not the experience requirements.
III - REQUIREMENTS FOR ELIGIBILITY
A. Education
The educational requirements were approved initially by The Wildlife Societymembership. Subsequent educational requirements were approved by the Council of TheWildlife Society. The Council shall review the educational requirements at least onceevery five (5) years and may revise the requirements as necessary. Once certified,wildlife biologists currently are not required to conform to changes in educationalrequirements resulting from future revisions. However, all applicants for CertifiedWildlife Biologist status after 31 December 1999 (except Associate Wildlife Biologistsupgrading to Certified Wildlife Biologist) must renew their certification every 5 years bycompleting a minimum of 80 hours of Organized Activities (Category I) in The WildlifeSociety’s Professional Development Program.
It is the applicant's responsibility to provide full documentation of education.Each applicant must submit original or certified transcripts documenting completion of theeducational requirements. All courses must be taken for credit and passed (i.e., D orbetter or a "Pass" in the case of pass-fail). When course titles do not describecontent, a written description or course syllabus must be provided. Inaddition, applicants must provide catalog or own word course description whereverspecified and as needed to demonstrate content relevant to the requirement category.Applicants who do not clearly meet the stated minimum educational requirements, butbelieve they satisfy their intent, must submit detailed documentation of comparablequalifications. To meet requirements, applicants may distribute credits in a course withbroad coverage to two (2) categories where course content is appropriate; for example, 5credit hours in general biology may be used to satisfy up to 2.5 credit hours inzoological courses and up to 2.5 credit hours in botany. The smallest unit of credit thatmay be distributed is one semester hour and applicants must provide documentationsupporting the credit distribution for each course that is split.
College credits taken outside the United States often vary from the American system.Canadian and other non-U.S. applicants must organize and present course titles, credits,and contents in the format listed below to facilitate evaluation. When the educationalprogram differs considerably from the American system, applicants must present a detaileddescription of courses taken and the credits obtained. Wildlife graduates and scientistsfrom all countries are invited to apply for certification.
Applicants must have completed a course of study in a college or university leading toa Bachelor of Science, or Bachelor of Arts, or equivalent, or higher degree, and shouldhave the following, or equivalent, course work (see paragraphs 2, 3, and 4 on Page 1)listed below:
1. Biological Sciences: Thirty-six (36) semester hours* in biological sciences are required and must include courses in the following subcategories (Note: the sum of hours required in subcategories a-e is 33; the remaining 3 hours may be in any of these five subject areas):
(a) Wildlife Management: Courses emphasizing the principles and practices of wildlife management. Course descriptions are required and should demonstrate training in understanding and manipulating habitat relationships and population dynamics in the context of objectives and influences established by human concerns and activities (6 hours).
(b) Wildlife Biology: Courses in the biology and behavior of birds, mammals, reptiles, or amphibians. Course descriptions are required. Courses should demonstrated training in understanding the biology of wildlife species and their habitat relationships as the basis for management and must include at least one course concerning birds or mammals (6 hours).
(c) Ecology: Courses in general plant or animal ecology (excludes human ecology) (3 hours).
(d) Zoology: Courses in the taxonomy, biology, behavior, physiology, anatomy, and natural history of vertebrates and invertebrates. Courses in genetics, nutrition, physiology, disease, and other biology or general zoology courses are accepted. Ichthyology courses are accepted for up to 3 hours (9 hours).
(e) Botany: Courses in general botany, plant genetics, plant morphology, plant physiology, or plant taxonomy (9 hours).
2. Physical Sciences: Nine (9) semester hours in physical sciences such as chemistry, physics, geology, or soils, with at least two disciplines represented.
3. Quantitative Sciences: Nine (9) semester hours in quantitative sciences that must include:
(a) Basic Statistics: A course in basic statistics (3 hours).
(b) Quantitative Sciences: Courses in calculus, biometry, advanced algebra, systems analysis, mathematical modeling, sampling, computer science, or other quantitative science (6 hours).
4. Humanities and Social Sciences: Nine (9) semester hours in humanities and social sciences, such as economics, sociology, psychology, political science, government, history, literature, or foreign language.
5. Communications: Twelve (12) semester hours in courses designed to improve communication skills such as English composition, technical writing, journalism, public speaking, or use of mass media. Course descriptions are required. A maximum of three (3) semester hours each will be allowed for a completed Master's thesis and Ph.D. dissertation. Term papers, class projects, and seminars in non-communication courses ordinarily will not be allowed.
6. Policy, Administration, and Law: Six (6) semester hours in courses, documented with descriptions, that demonstrate significant content or focus on natural resource policy and/or administration, wildlife or environmental law, or natural resource/land use planning will apply; as will courses that document contributions to the understanding of social, political and ethical decisions for wildlife or natural resource management. Courses that are tools supporting professional practice, e.g., photogrammetry, Land-Sat mapping, GIS techniques, or more general courses such as criminology, political science, and introductory survey courses in conservation will not apply.
Credit Hours. The educational requirements are expressed in semester hours. One semester hour usually reflects one lecture hour or 3 laboratory hours of instruction per week for a 16-week term. One quarter hour normally equals 0.67 semester hours. Applicants for certification who attended educational institutions that grant credits in different units must convert their credits to semester hours according to definitions above. For example, in many Canadian universities a one-credit course meets 3 hours per week for 2 terms and thus equals 6 semester hours. The Certification Board recognizes that the minimum number of credit hours may not be met exactly in some cases because of differing credits awarded to the same subject at different institutions and/or because of uneven conversions from quarter hours to semester hours.
Professional experience may be used to satisfy the educational requirements wherespecific deficiencies exist. Examples may include published papers or a completed thesisto meet course requirements in English composition or technical writing. Also,documentation of demonstrated professional competence through experience may meet therequirements for such courses as botany, resource policy, administration, land useplanning, or public speaking. Such documentation should be supported by letters ofreference from professional wildlife biologists. In many cases candidates would be bestserved by preparing a written explanation of why they feel that their formal andcontinuing education course work and work experience, taken as a whole, qualify them to becertified as a wildlife biologist. In unusual cases a special examination may be required.The form, content, and administration of such an examination shall be at the discretion ofthe CRB and shall be conducted without discrimination. The CRB shall evaluate theexamination and shall determine, in its sole discretion, to grant or deny certification.
B. Experience
In addition to the educational requirements, the Certified Wildlife Biologist must havea minimum of five (5) years of professional experience gained within the ten (10) yearsprior to applying for certification.
Potentially relevant experience begins following conferral of the firstwildlife-oriented degree at a baccalaureate or higher level. Information regardingpre-degree experience is of interest and value to document the applicant's"intent" to pursue a career as a wildlife biologist; however, it is notcreditable for experience as a "practicing professional wildlife biologist."
Professional experience must demonstrate the application of current biologicalknowledge to problems and programs dealing directly with the wildlife resource(administration, education, research, or management) as a significant portion of jobresponsibilities. Identification of professional-level experience will require carefulevaluation of each application. Therefore, it is the applicant's responsibility tofully document for each experience the percentage of time devoted specifically toactivities of a professional wildlife biologist.
Time spent obtaining advanced academic degrees apply toward professional experiencesubject to the following guidelines:
1. Experience credit normally will be given only upon completion of a degree judged by the CRB as relevant to the wildlife profession.
2. A maximum of one (1) year's credit for a Master's degree, a maximum of two (2) year's credit for the Ph.D., and a maximum of three (3) year's credit for a Master's and a Ph.D.
3. When time intervals for education and employment overlap, a detailed explanation must be provided.
Time credited as experience for practicing professional wildlife biologists is basedupon the following guidelines:
1. Partial credit may be granted for experience gained in positions peripheral to wildlife such as forester, range conservationist, soil conservationist, naturalist, environmental specialist, and consultant when a significant portion of the job responsibilities are those expected of a professional wildlife biologist, based upon the following:
(a) Applicant's estimate of percent of time devoted specifically to professional wildlife work. (Full-time positions are defined as $ 40 hours/week.)
(b) The smallest component of creditable time is one (1) month.
(c) Description of specific duties, responsibilities, and accomplishments as a professional wildlife biologist. A "general job description" will not be acceptable.
(d) Working on two (2) or more jobs at the same time does not result in double credit.
2. Experience credit will not be granted for positions such as high school biology teachers, park managers, fisheries biologists, or field or laboratory technicians.
3. Up to 12 months of volunteer experience will be credited toward the 5 year experience requirement provided that the position constitutes professional wildlife duties described in this section (B. Experience) and is supported by a letter from the supervisor.
4. Experience must be gained within the ten (10) years prior to the date the application is signed.
Certification as an Associate Wildlife Biologist (AWB) is available to an applicant whomeets the educational requirements, but not the experience requirements. AWB status may beretained for a maximum of ten (10) years before application for certification as aCertified Wildlife Biologist is required. AWB certification will terminate on the tenthanniversary of the date such certification was conferred.
C. Ethical Requirements
All applicants must pledge to uphold and conduct their activities in accordancewith the Code of Ethics and the Standards for Professional Conduct as prescribed by TheWildlife Society. In the event any applicant has engaged in past activity or conduct thatthe CRB determines violates a provision of the Code of Ethics or Standards forProfessional Conduct, or has a criminal record, the CRB shall request The Wildlife SocietyCouncil to thoroughly investigate such activity, conduct, or criminal record to determinewhether such past activity, conduct, or record shows either a propensity on the part ofthe applicant to act contrary to the provisions of the Code of Ethics and Standard forProfessional Conduct, or a likelihood that such person will act contrary to said Code andStandards in the future, and thereby constitutes grounds for denying certification.
IV - ETHICS AND PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT FOR WILDLIFE BIOLOGISTS
Associate and Certified Wildlife Biologists shall conduct their activities inaccordance with the Code of Ethics and the Standards for Professional Conduct asprescribed by The Wildlife Society outlined below.
A. Code of Ethics
Associate and Certified Wildlife Biologists have a responsibility forcontributing to an understanding of mankind's proper relationship with natural resources,and in particular for determining the role of wildlife in satisfying human needs.Certified individuals will strive to meet this obligation through the followingprofessional goals: They will subscribe to the highest standards of integrity and conduct.They will recognize research and scientific management of wildlife and their environmentsas primary goals. They will disseminate information to promote understanding of, andappreciation for, values of wildlife and their habitats. They will strive to increaseknowledge and skills to advance the practice of wildlife management. They will promotecompetence in the field of wildlife management by supporting high standards of education,employment, and performance. They will encourage the use of sound biological informationin management decisions. They will support fair and uniform standards of employment andtreatment of those professionally engaged in the practice of wildlife management.
B. Standards for Professional Conduct
The following tenets express the intent of the Code of Ethics as prescribed by TheWildlife Society and traditional norms for professional service. Wildlife biologistsshall at all times:
1. Recognize and inform prospective clients or employers of their primeresponsibility to the public interest, conservation of the wildlife resource, and theenvironment. They shall act with the authority of professional judgment, and avoid actionsor omissions that may compromise these broad responsibilities. They shall respect thecompetence, judgment, and authority of the professional community.
2. Avoid performing professional services for any client or employer when such serviceis judged to be contrary to the Code of Ethics or Standards for Professional Conduct ordetrimental to the well-being of the wildlife resource and its environment.
3. Provide maximum possible effort in the best interest of each client/employeraccepted, regardless of the degree of remuneration. They shall be mindful of theirresponsibility to society, and seek to meet the needs of the disadvantaged for advice inwildlife-related matters. They should studiously avoid discrimination in any form, or theabuse of professional authority for personal satisfaction.
4. Accept employment to perform professional services only in areas of their owncompetence, and consistent with the Code of Ethics and Standards for Professional Conductdescribed herein. They shall seek to refer clients or employers to other natural resourceprofessionals when the expertise of such professionals shall best serve the interests ofthe public, wildlife, and the client/employer. They shall cooperate fully with otherprofessionals in the best interest of the wildlife resource.
5. Maintain a confidential professional-client/employer relationship except whenspecifically authorized by the client/employer or required by due process of law or thisCode of Ethics and Standards to disclose pertinent information. They shall not use suchconfidence to their personal advantage or to the advantage of other parties, nor shallthey permit personal interests or other client/employer relationships to interfere withtheir professional judgment.
6. Refrain from advertising in a self-laudatory manner, beyond statements intended toinform prospective clients/employers of qualifications, or in a manner detrimental tofellow professionals and the wildlife resource.
7. Refuse compensation or rewards of any kind intended to influence their professionaljudgment or advice. They shall not permit a person who recommends or employs them,directly or indirectly, to regulate their professional judgment. They shall not acceptcompensation for the same professional services from any source other than theclient/employer without the prior consent of all the clients or employers involved.Similarly, they shall not offer a reward of any kind or promise of service in order tosecure a recommendation, a client, or preferential treatment from public officials.
8. Uphold the dignity and integrity of the wildlife profession. They shall endeavor toavoid even the suspicion of dishonesty, fraud, deceit, misrepresentation, orunprofessional demeanor.
V - CERTIFICATION REVIEW BOARD
A Certification Review Board (CRB) shall be comprised of at least five (5) members,chosen to provide equitable representation of The Wildlife Society sections andprofessional disciplines. The Board shall determine eligibility of applicants, by majorityvote if necessary, and shall have the authority to confer certification as an Associate orCertified Wildlife Biologist.
Members of the CRB will be appointed or reappointed by the Council of The WildlifeSociety for three-year terms. Appointments will be made in successive years to ensurecontinuity of standards. CRB members normally shall be ineligible for reappointment aftertwo (2) consecutive full terms, except under unusual circumstances when a third term isneeded to maintain Board continuity.
Individuals appointed to the Board must exemplify high standards of professionaljudgment, competence, and integrity, and shall be Certified Wildlife Biologists. TheCouncil shall strive to achieve a balance in the Board's membership which equitablyrepresents the private and public employment, educational, management, research, andinternational components of the Society's membership. Appointments shall take effect 1October. Council shall fill vacancies immediately for unexpired terms. Appointees to fillvacant terms will be from Sections of The Wildlife Society and/or from professionaldisciplines currently not represented on the Board.
The Certification Review Board shall meet at least once annually or more frequently atthe request of a majority of the CRB and with approval by the Executive Committee of TheWildlife Society. All reasonable expenses of CRB members shall be reimbursed. A chairmanshall be elected annually, prior to 1 October, by majority vote of CRB members. The CRBshall report progress and problems annually to the Council. Board members shall correspondas necessary to ensure equitable and timely evaluation of each applicant. No member of theBoard shall discuss at any time a particular application with any person other than amember of the CRB, except to clarify or verify the contents of the application.
Certification normally will be confirmed or denied within six (6) months from the datea complete application is received unless the Board advises the applicant that additionaltime is needed for review. An applicant who is denied certification shall be notified inwriting by the chairman of the CRB, which notice shall set forth the reasons for denial,and the applicant shall be reimbursed 25 percent of the application fee. Unsuccessfulapplicants may reapply twelve (12) months after the filing of their previous application.
VI - SCHEDULE OF FEES
Certification is a service extended to qualified wildlife biologists. However, thecertification procedure was developed and is administered by The Wildlife Society. Membersof the Society subsidize this effort with their volunteer efforts to maintain a viablescientific and educational organization. Nonmembers contribute nothing in this regard;therefore, there is a differential fee for certification. In addition, a monetaryincentive is provided to students or recent graduates to apply for certification as anAssociate Wildlife Biologist. Once the certification educational requirements are met,applicants for Associate Wildlife Biologist are eligible for the reduced fee structure ifthey meet one or more of the following criteria:
1. application within six (6) months after graduation with (conferral of) a bachelor's degree that fulfills the certification education requirements,
2. application within six (6) months after the time the degree and certification education requirements have been completed, although the degree has not been conferred,*
3. application after the bachelor's degree has been awarded but within six (6) months after specific course work requirements for Associate Wildlife Biologist certification have been completed,
4. application during a period of continuous student status in pursuit of an advanced degree beyond a baccalaureate that fulfills the certification educational requirements, and/or
5. application within six (6) months after graduation with the graduate degree or completion of the graduate degree program, although the degree has not been conferred.*
* A confirming letter is required from an appropriate academic official.
| The fee structure for certification is: | Member | Nonmember |
| Certified Wildlife Biologist | $130 | $260 |
| Associate Wildlife Biologist | $90 | $170 |
| Associate Wildlife Biologist (meeting fee incentive requirements listed above) | $70 | $140 |
To receive the lower fee for members applying for certification as a Certified WildlifeBiologist, the applicant must have been a member of The Wildlife Society for the previoustwo (2) consecutive calendar years prior to the year of application, as well as a currentmember of The Wildlife Society in the year of application. To receive the lower fee formembers when applying for certification as an Associate Wildlife Biologist, the applicantcurrently must be a member of The Wildlife Society.
An Associate Wildlife Biologist may apply for certification as a Certified WildlifeBiologist within the 10-year limit by submitting a fee equal to the difference between thecurrent CWB fee and the AWB fee previously paid. However, no refund will be made to theapplicant if the initial AWB fee paid exceeded the CWB fee in effect at the time ofapplication for certification as a CWB.
Fees shall be reviewed periodically and set by the Council of The Wildlife Society atlevels sufficient to sustain the program.
VII - APPEALS OF CERTIFICATION DENIAL
Any applicant may appeal the decision of the CRB by submitting a written appeal tothe Council of The Wildlife Society (5410 Grosvenor Lane, Bethesda, MD 20814-2197),documenting charges of discrimination or arbitrary and capricious action by the CRB. TheBoard of Inquiry of The Wildlife Society shall investigate, review its findings with theCRB, and submit a recommendation to the Council. The Council shall decide the finaldisposition, and so inform the applicant by written notice.
Appeals must be made within one (1) year from the date of denial. Only information oneducation and experience previously submitted to the CRB will be subject to review by theBoard of Inquiry. Submission of new information or additional documentation may invalidatean appeal and require the applicant to file a new application for certification.Therefore, it is incumbent on applicants to fully and completely document their educationand experience in their original applications.
VIII - VIOLATIONS OF PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS
Censure and suspension or revocation of certification for violation of the Code ofEthics or Standards for Professional Conduct as prescribed by The Wildlife Society is aserious matter that reflects unfavorably on the entire profession. Considerable effortmust be expended to ensure equitable treatment of all concerned.
The Wildlife Society assumes no liability for charges of misconduct filed by or againstan Associate or Certified Wildlife Biologist and the Society provides no financial orlegal assistance to either the person(s) bringing a charge of misconduct or the individualcharged with misconduct.
A. A charge of misconduct against an Associate or Certified Wildlife Biologist(hereafter referred to as a certified wildlife biologist) may be filed by transmitting tothe Board of Inquiry of The Wildlife Society (5410 Grosvenor Lane, Bethesda, MD20814-2197) a sealed statement of the charge. Such statement shall be accompanied by anaffidavit of the complainant setting forth the allegations on which the charge is based,including dates, and the specific conduct involved. The Chairman of the Board of Inquiryshall transmit copies of the charge, affidavit, and supporting documentation to the CRB.The CRB shall review the charge and, within ten (10) days from receipt of the charge,report to the Board of Inquiry its opinion as to whether the charge should be furtherinvestigated. The Board of Inquiry shall determine, within twenty (20) days from receiptof the charge, whether an investigation of the charge will be made.
B. If the Board of Inquiry determines that an investigation of the charge should bemade, the Chairman of the Board of Inquiry shall notify the certified wildlife biologistof the specific charges filed by forwarding to him/her copies of the charge, affidavit,and all supporting documentation and request him/her to file a written answer with theBoard of Inquiry within thirty (30) days. Upon receiving the written answer of the accusedcertified wildlife biologist, the Chairman shall forward copies of the answer and anysupporting documents to the person who filed the charge and request him/her to file aresponse within thirty (30) days. Upon receipt of a written response from the personfiling the charge, the Board of Inquiry shall deliberate and within thirty (30) days fromreceipt of said response either dismiss the charge or issue a complaint against theaccused certified wildlife biologist detailing the charge.
C. If the Board of Inquiry shall issue a complaint, copies shall be sent bycertified mail to the certified wildlife biologist and the person who filed the charge.Copies also shall be sent to the President of The Wildlife Society, the President of theSection where the certified wildlife biologist resides, and the Executive Director of TheWildlife Society.
D. Within twenty (20) days of receipt of the complaint, the certified wildlifebiologist shall file an answer to the Board of Inquiry. Each allegation in the complaintshall be admitted or denied in the answer. If an allegation is denied, the answer also mayinclude a statement of the certified wildlife biologist's account of the occurrence orcircumstances. If the certified wildlife biologist fails to timely answer the complaint,the allegations shall be deemed admitted, unless the certified wildlife biologist showsextenuating circumstances warranting an extension of time. A copy of the answer shall beforwarded by the Board of Inquiry by certified mail to the person filing the charge.
E. If the certified wildlife biologist's answer denies the allegations andcharge in the complaint, the Board of Inquiry, upon thirty (30) days written notice to theperson filing the charge and to the certified wildlife biologist, shall hold a hearing atwhich time the person filing the charge and the certified wildlife biologist may testifyand present witnesses to testify and document evidence for consideration by the Board ofInquiry. The person filing the charge and the certified wildlife biologist shall have theright to cross-examine and to be represented by attorneys. After the hearing, the Board ofInquiry shall review the evidence and find the Certified Wildlife Biologist guilty ascharged or dismiss the complaint within sixty (60) days. The Board of Inquiry will sendwritten notice of its decision and any disciplinary action to be taken by certified mailto the person filing the charge, the President of The Wildlife Society, the President ofthe Section where the certified wildlife biologist resides, and the Executive Director ofThe Wildlife Society. In the event the charge of complaint is dismissed at any stage ofthese procedures, the certified wildlife biologist may request public disclosure of thedismissed charges and/or removal of all statements and procedural correspondencedealing with the charges and their deliberation from the files of The Wildlife Society.All such documents are to be returned to their respective origins.
F. The certified wildlife biologist shall have the right to appeal the decisionof the Board of Inquiry to the Council of The Wildlife Society by filing a written noticeof appeal with the Council (5410 Grosvenor Lane, Bethesda, MD 20814-2197) within thirty(30) days from the date of the decision of the Board of Inquiry. The Council shall mail acopy of the notice of appeal to the Board of Inquiry and the person who filed the charge.The Board of Inquiry shall deliver to the Council, within ten (10) days from receipt ofthe notice of appeal, other evidence submitted to it by the person filing the charge andcopies of the answer, documentation, transcript of witnesses' testimony, if any, and anyother evidence or memoranda submitted to it by the certified wildlife biologist.
G. The certified wildlife biologist shall file with the Council of The WildlifeSociety a memorandum in support of his/her appeal within thirty (30) days from the datehe/she filed the notice of appeal. The Council shall forward a copy of the memorandumfiled by the certified wildlife biologist to the person filing the charge. The latter may,but is not required to, file a memorandum in opposition to the appeal within thirty (30)days from the date the memorandum of the certified wildlife biologist was mailed tohim/her. Upon receipt of the response filed by the person who filed the charge, theCouncil of The Wildlife Society shall mail a copy to the certified wildlife biologist whoshall have twenty (20) days to answer the response from the date it was mailed to him/her.The Council, in its discretion, upon fifteen (15) days written notice, after all memorandahave been filed or time for filing has expired, may hold a hearing at which time thecertified wildlife biologist and the person filing the charge, or their counsel, maypresent oral argument to the Council.
H. The Council within sixty (60) days after the time to file all memoranda hasexpired, or within sixty (60) days after the presentation of oral argument, whichevershall last occur, shall issue a decision affirming or reversing the decision of the Boardof Inquiry and shall mail by certified letter a copy of its decision to the Board ofInquiry, the person filing the charge, and the certified wildlife biologist. If thedecision of the Council is to deny the appeal and affirm the decision of the Board ooard ofInquiry, the Council also shall set forth in its written decision the disciplinary actionto be taken.
I. The disciplinary action that may be taken by the Board of Inquiry or theCouncil against a certified biologist who has been found by the Board or the Council todemonstrate consistent incompetence and/or be in violation of provisions of the Code ofEthics or the Standards for Professional Conduct of The Wildlife Society shall be censure,suspension of certification for a specified time, or permanent revocation ofcertification.