Wildlife Conservation Technician I

Job Code: 32000115
Salary Grade: NC05
Revision Date: 06/2018

Class Concept

This is journey level technician work in research, infrastructure management, outreach or fish hatchery activities. Work in this class involves the construction, maintenance, enhancement or operation of the Wildlife Resources Commission's infrastructure assets. Work is directed by a variety of inputs to include game land management plans, habitat management plans, species management plans, forestry management plans (WRC, NCDA and federal), fish production plans, engineering designs, construction plans, maps, NC Wildlife Action Plan and surveys, monitoring or research proposals. Develop and present information in various forms including educational programs and training, budgets, purchasing-related documents, administrative and grant reports, and scientific report presentations. Operate and maintain equipment, facilities, vehicles and machinery. The majority of work is performed outdoors, often in disagreeable or unpleasant conditions such as inclement weather, biting insects and extreme temperatures, and includes exposure to explosives, biological hazards, agricultural chemicals, hazardous chemicals, dangerous animals, moving equipment and the hazards of traveling through forested areas or on open waters. Employees conducting prescribed burns face hazards of controlling or fighting outdoor fires. Work is performed independently under the lead of a higher level technician and the direct supervision of a work area manager. Other duties may be assigned.

Recruitment Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to calculate and respond to data and contribute to written reports and ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing.
• Ability to gather and compile materials from a variety of sources such as disease sampling, mast and vegetation surveys, population data, upland songbird routes, bear bait lines and harvest data.
• Ability to interpret and apply building and construction codes and regulations.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with department and other town staff, builders, developers, partner organizations and the general public.
• Ability to operate and maintain power hand tools, small gasoline engines, portable generators, chainsaws, machinery, equipment - including agricultural, drag-line, motor-grader, bulldozer, frontend loader and other heavy construction equipment - and vehicles including outboard-powered watercraft and large trucks requiring a CDL.
• General knowledge of construction methods and practices as applied to the construction of boating access areas and marine construction and working knowledge of dendrology and the equipment and techniques used in prescribed burns.
• Knowledge of fish culture, disease management, and environmental control, office practices and procedures including office technology such as spreadsheets, data bases, GIS, and word processing.
• Knowledge of the types, habitats and habits of a variety of inland fish or wildlife species and their management and knowledge of water level management, wetlands, water chemistry or quality and plant species succession.
• Ability to plan and schedule routine construction and maintenance of facilities, access sites, and waterways improvement, ability to read maps and plans and ability to use explosives safely.
• Skills in skilled trades such as carpentry, painting and other activities requiring hand tools or heavy equipment.

Minimum Education and Experience

Associate Degree in wildlife or fisheries management or construction management from an appropriately accredited institution and two years of experience which has included the management of wildlife or fisheries resources or the operation of heavy equipment; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Necessary Special Requirements

Possession of a valid North Carolina driver's license required within 90 days of hire. Some positions may require Commercial Driver's License (CDL), pesticide applicator's license and/or NC Burner Certificate. Some positions may require coursework in fish culture.