Fish and Wildlife Technician I – II – III (Wildlife Technician)

HIRING CONTACT: Kyle Brunson, 903.394.9826, Email: Kyle.Brunson@tpwd.texas.gov

PHYSICAL WORK ADDRESS: Gus Engeling WMA, 16149 N. US HWY 287, Tennessee Colony, TX 75861

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Fish and Wildlife Technician IA-IB: 
Under the immediate supervision of the Middle Trinity River Ecosystem Project Leader, this position performs routine (journey-level) fish and wildlife conservation work. Responsible for assisting with habitat management, infrastructure maintenance, equipment maintenance, groundskeeping, public use, and research at Gus Engeling, Richland Creek, Trinity River, Big Lake Bottom, Keechi Creek, and Cedar Creek Islands Wildlife Management Area (WMA) within the Middle Trinity River Ecosystem Project. Work involves the collection of biological data and assisting with wildlife research projects as assigned. Main emphasis will be on the management of wildlife habitat and maintaining and repairing infrastructure/complex equipment needed for research, habitat management, or maintenance activities. Assists with public hunting and other public use programs on assigned area where applicable. Provides wildlife management information to hunters, land managers, other user groups and the general public. Works under moderate supervision, with minimal latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Performs additional duties as assigned. Complies with all Agency, Division and Branch rules, regulations and procedures.

Fish and Wildlife Technician II: 
Under the immediate supervision of the Middle Trinity River Ecosystem Project Leader, this position performs complex (journey-level) fish and wildlife conservation work. Responsible for assisting with habitat management, infrastructure maintenance, equipment maintenance, groundskeeping, public use, and research at Gus Engeling, Richland Creek, Trinity River, Big Lake Bottom, Keechi Creek, and Cedar Creek Islands Wildlife Management Area (WMA) within the Middle Trinity River Ecosystem Project. Work involves the collection and compilation of biological data and assistance with data analysis. Functions as a lead in the management of wildlife habitat or maintenance, repair, and construction of infrastructure or maintenance and repair of complex equipment needed for research and maintenance activities and assisting with public hunting and public use on assigned area where applicable. Assists with coordinating the work of others and training less tenured technicians. Participates in wildlife research projects. Provides wildlife management information to hunters, land managers, other user groups and the general public. Provides technical assistance to private landowners and the public. Works under general supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Performs additional duties as assigned. Complies with all Agency, Division and Branch rules, regulations and procedures.

Fish and Wildlife Technician III: 
Under the direction of the Middle Trinity River Ecosystem Project Leader, this position performs highly complex (senior-level) fish and wildlife resources conservation work. Responsible for all maintenance, operations, wildlife management work, and participation in wildlife research projects as necessary or assigned within the Gus Engeling, Richland Creek, Trinity River, Big Lake Bottom, Keechi Creek, and Cedar Creek Islands Wildlife Management Area (WMA).  Assists with planning, organizing and implementation of habitat manipulations, assistance with wildlife data collection, compilation and analysis. Performs lead role in the maintenance, repair and construction of infrastructure or maintenance and repair of complex equipment needed for research and operational activities; assists with public hunting and public use on assigned area where applicable. Provides wildlife management information to hunters, land managers, other user groups and the general public. Responsible for coordinating work details, training of select staff and special assignments as detailed by Project Leader.  Additional duties/responsibilities can include, but are not limited to CDL license, pesticide applicator¿s license, Additional Duty Safety Officer (ADSO), facility or equipment maintenance lead, construction lead, lead heavy equipment operator and staff trainer, Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 3 ( RXB3), or other responsibilities that are above and beyond those of a typical Fish and Wildlife Technician. Works under limited supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.  Performs additional duties as assigned.  Complies with all Agency, Division and Branch rules, regulations and procedures. 

Note: Selection as a Fish and Wildlife Technician III requires at least 5 years of experience as a TPWD Fish and Wildlife Technician II and ability to perform significant additional duties and responsibilities. This experience must be included in the job history on the application.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: 

• Graduation from High School or GED.

Experience:

• FWT IA: No experience required.
• FWT IB: Two years of relevant experience.
• FWT Il: Four years of relevant experience.
• FWT III: Five years of experience as a TPWD Fish and Wildlife Technician II and capable of performing significant additional duties/responsibilities as described in FWT III General Description, Essential Job Functions, and KSAs.

Licensure:        
Must possess a valid class ‘A’ Texas Commercial driver’s license OR must possess or be able to obtain, within 30 days of employment, a valid class ‘C’ Texas driver’s license and convert to a class ‘A’ Commercial driver’s license within one year of employment.

Must possess or be able to obtain, within one year of employment, the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) Fire Fighter Type II (FFT II) certification.

NOTE: Retention of position contingent upon obtaining and maintaining required licenses and certification and compliance with state and federal regulations.

Physical Requirements:
Must be able to pass, within one year of employment, the FFTII moderate duty physical fitness standard (walk 2 miles with a 25 lb. pack in 30 minutes or less) OR the arduous duty physical fitness standard (walk 3 miles with a 45 lb. pack in 45 minutes or less).

NOTE: Retention of position contingent upon meeting and maintaining physical requirements.

ACCEPTABLE SUBSTITUTIONS:

Education: 
FWT IB and II ONLY: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a relevant Advanced Degree (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD) may substitute for two years of relevant experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience:
FWT IB: 
Two years of work experience in wildlife management, farm or ranch operations, building maintenance, vehicle repairs, heavy equipment operation, and maintenance.
Two years of experience using computers to include word processing and spreadsheet programs.
FWT II: 
Four years of work experience in wildlife management, farm or ranch operations, building maintenance, vehicle repairs, heavy equipment operation, and maintenance.

Licensure:
Current National Wildfire Coordinating Group’s (NWCG) Fire Fighter II Type certification.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
FWT IA:

• Knowledge of terrestrial and aquatic herbicides and their application.
• Knowledge of wildlife, range, farming, and livestock practices.
• FWT IB, II, and III:
• Knowledge of a FWT IA PLUS:
• Knowledge of farming and livestock practices, wildlife habitats, and wildlife species indigenous to East Texas and Post Oak Savannah ecological region.

FWT IA:

• Skill in using MS Word, Excel and Outlook.
• Skill in effective verbal and written communication.
• Skill in operating common farming and ranching machinery and heavy equipment to include skid steer, farm tractors, shredders, discs, and chainsaws.

FWT IB:

• Skills of a FWT IA PLUS:
• Skill in carpentry, plumbing, electrical, fencing, and mechanical.
• Skill in operating specialized equipment such as Off-Road Vehicles (ORVs), All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), mowers, and trailers.
• Skill in using hand tools, power tools, and mechanical equipment.
• Skill in operating a Jon boat less than 20 ft. in length

FWT II only:

• Skills of a IB PLUS:
• Skill in preparing pre-purchasing/contracting documents.

FWT III only:

• Skills of a FWT II PLUS:
• Skill in providing quality customer service in a courteous and professional manner.
• Skill in training others.
• Skill in planning, assigning and/or supervising the work of others.
• Skill in repairing and maintaining specialized equipment such as bedders, planters, cultivators, sprayers, ORV’s, ATV’s, vehicles, mowers, trailers and small engines.

FWT IA:

• Ability to operate specialized equipment, such as airboats, Off-Road Vehicles (ORVs), All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), farm equipment, vehicles, mowers, trailers and small engines.
• Ability to perform basic welding, carpentry, plumbing, electrical, fencing, mechanical, and road maintenance tasks.
• Ability to use hand tools, power tools, and mechanical equipment.
• Ability to perform grounds maintenance activities such as mowing and weed eating.
• Ability to plan, coordinate, and organize assigned work activities.
• Ability to observe and record biological data.
• Ability to meet and deal effectively with the public, landowners, and co-workers.
• Ability to maintain accurate records, comply with purchasing documentation, and prepare written correspondence.
• Ability to assist with management, research and conducting public hunts for extended periods of time.
• Ability to perform manual labor including lifting supplies and materials up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to work as a member of a team.
• Ability to conduct activities in accordance with TPWD safety program.
• Ability to operate a GPS and GIS (ArcMap).

FWT IB:

• Abilities of a FWT IA PLUS:
• Ability to repair, and maintain specialized equipment, such as airboats, Off-Road Vehicles (ORVs), All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), farm equipment, vehicles, mowers, trailers and small engines.
• Ability to work independently with little or no supervision.
• Ability to perform basic report writing.

FWT II:

• Abilities of a FWT IB PLUS:
• Ability to observe, record, and compile biological data.

FWT III:

• Abilities of a FWT II PLUS:
• Ability to communicate effectively with the public.
• Ability to coordinate work details, train staff, and organize/execute special projects.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Required to work from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
• Required to work on holidays, weekends and hours other than 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., as necessary.
• Required to perform work outdoors, occasionally in adverse weather conditions.
• Required to perform manual labor, including lifting supplies and materials up to 50 lbs.
• Must conform to TPWD dress and grooming standards, work rules, and safety procedures.
• Required to work in areas with heavy insect infestations.
• Required to work in areas with muddy and unstable soils.
• Required to work in remote field locations.
• Required to pass drug screening prior to employment.
• Required to pass a previous employment drug testing history verification for all CDL positions held within the past two years.
• Subject to random, post-accident and reasonable cause testing for the duration of employment.
• Required to travel 20% with possible overnight stays.
• May be required to operate State vehicle.
• Non-smoking environment in State buildings and vehicles