TPWD – Fish and Wildlife Technician I (Wildlife Technician) (00041224

HIRING CONTACT:  Chip Ruthven, (806) 492-3405

PHYSICAL WORK ADDRESS: Matador Wildlife Management Area, 3036 FM 3256, Paducah, TX 79248

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Performs routine (journey-level) fish and wildlife conservation work.  Under the immediate supervision of the Panhandle WMA Project Leader, this position is responsible for assisting with habitat management, infrastructure maintenance, equipment maintenance, groundskeeping, public use, and research at Matador Wildlife Management Area (WMA) within the Panhandle WMA 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. Assists with TDCJ and other work projects.  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.

NOTE:  Current TPWD Fish & Wildlife Technicians I-II may apply for this position at their current classification title and at the established Wildlife Division salary rate.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

Graduation from High School or GED.

Experience:

Two years relevant experience.

Licensure:

• If driving is required, applicant must possess a valid State driver’s license;
• 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:

Experience:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field may substitute for the required experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience:

• 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;
• Two years of work experience in conducting road maintenance including blade work with a motorgrader and installation of water bars and turnouts.

Licensure:   

• A valid Class “A” Commercial driver’s license (CDL);
• Current National Wildfire Coordinating Group’s (NWCG) Fire Fighter II Type certification.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of farming and livestock practices, wildlife habitats, and wildlife species indigenous to High and Rolling Plains ecological region;
• Knowledge of terrestrial and aquatic herbicides and their application;
• Skill in using MS Word, Excel and Outlook;
• Skill in effective verbal and written communication;
• Skill in operating GPS unit and GIS (ArcMap);
• Skill in operating common farming and ranching machinery and heavy equipment to include: dozers, motorgrader, skid steer, farm tractors, shredders, discs, aerator, backhoe, chainsaw;
• Skill in welding, carpentry, plumbing, electrical, fencing, mechanical, road maintenance;
• Skill in operating specialized equipment, such as Off-Road Vehicles (ORVs), All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), mowers, trailers;
• Skill in using 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 repair and maintain specialized equipment such as farm equipment, vehicles, mowers, trailers, small engines;
• Ability to work both independently with little or no supervision;
• Ability to work as a member of a team;
• Ability to perform basic report writing;
• Ability to oversee the work of others;
• Ability to conduct work activities in accordance with TPWD safety program.

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 operate heavy equipment and farm machinery;
• Required to work in remote field locations;
• Required to travel 20% with possible overnight stays;
• May be required to operate State vehicle;
• Non-smoking environment in State buildings and vehicles.

TPWD IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER