Fisheries Technician II

McDuffie Public Fishing Area(PFA) and Warmwater Hatchery

McDuffie PFA and hatchery are situated in mid-east Georgia in the small town of Dearing. While the facility is located in a quiet rural area, it is only half an hour from the larger city of Augusta for greater housing options.

The 570 acre facility is unique in Georgia DNR’s system, in that it is the only facility with a combined hatchery, public fishing area, and education center on the same property. Work at this facility encompasses a great deal of diversity, as staff often overlap in tasks on the PFA, hatchery, and/or education center.

The hatchery consists of 31 ponds that annually produce largemouth bass, walleye, striped bass, hybrid bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, channel catfish, golden shiners, lake chubsuckers, and threadfin shad. The PFA has 7 lakes, totaling just over 100 acres of managed water. Management objectives range from trophy bass, to quality bream, to quality catfishing. In addition to the fishing lakes, the PFA has a campground, an archery range, a dove field, managed long leaf pine and sandhill habitat, and winter waterfowl hunting. This past year the education staff interacted with more than 10,000 people educating them about Georgia’s wildlife, aquatic wildlife, invasive species, the diversity of Georgia’s habitats, and sustainability issues.

JOB DESCRIPTION
Under general supervision, this position will assist in the operation and maintenance of the McDuffie PFA and Warmwater Fish Hatchery. This position performs duties in support of all fish management and culture operations at this large warm water fisheries facility; assists in all phases of fish culture, recreational fisheries management, and supporting operations including the operation and maintenance of equipment, facilities, and grounds. Seasonal work demands may include nights, weekends, holidays and assisting with Department’s emergency response efforts.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Associate’s degree or equivalent coursework (90 quarter hours or 60 semester hours) in Fisheries Management or related field from an accredited college or university.

OR High school diploma or GED AND Two years of experience in the Wildlife Resources Division as a Fisheries Technician 1 (NRT060) or position equivalent.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 
Preference may be given to applicants with: 
• Fish culture experience 
• Warm water fisheries management experience 
• DNR/WRD employment experience