The formal education equivalent of a high school diploma; plus two years of field experience in wildlife or fisheries management or forestry or land management, or a related area.
OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE HUMAN RESOURCES CHIEF.

Working towards completing a bachelors degree in Fisheries and Wildlife Biology or related degree is preferred. Prior work experience in any field of conservation is preferred, particularly fisheries management and aquaculture, with an emphasis in warmwater fish culture of Walleye, Black Crappie, and Threadfin Shad.  Extensive knowledge and experience with operating bulldozers to clean out fish ponds, backhoes, dump trucks, large tractors with implements, and fish trucks is also preferred. 

• Knowledge of the procedures and methods used in documenting wildlife investigations
• Knowledge of the equipment and techniques used to maintain buildings, grounds, and equipment
• Knowledge of fish propagation, harvesting, cultivation, and maintenance activities
• Knowledge of tissue and blood sampling techniques used in collection research
• Knowledge of agricultural methods and basic land laws
• Knowledge of timber marking, land surveying, and other related forestry techniques
• Ability to collect samples of wildlife, perform fish hatchery, prepare reports, maintain files, and present oral and written information
• Ability to operate and maintain wildlife equipment

Good computer skills, especially in Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, Access, Power Point).  Ability to learn quickly and work independently as well as under direct supervision.  Willingness to work on weekends as necessary.  Willingness to acquire a CDL. Knowledge and experience to operate welders for various types of metal is preferred.  Occasionally will be required to work long hours under harsh conditions. 

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) Biological Technician I is responsible for forest and fish propagation, fire prevention, cultivation, and harvesting activities and/or maintaining a wildlife management area. This position is governed by state and federal laws and agency policy.

• Inspects forest lands for damage by insects or disease, assists in implementing plans or recommendations for control measures, and prepares plans for site preparation or improvement of planting, harvesting, marketing, or wildlife use
• Conducts or assists in conducting research on collected samples, such as fish, blood, water, soil, and plant species, and examines animals and specimens to detect diseases or other problems
• Conducts agricultural and forest management activities on wildlife management areas, including preparing seed beds and plant foods; selects and marks trees for thinning and/or logging utilizing soil erosion control measures and maintains waterways, dams, and ponds
• Monitors and inspects public and private wildlife to ensure compliance with state regulations and trains various personnel in activities, such as fire safety, accident prevention, and maintenance and calibration of scientific and technical equipment
• Gathers, provides, and presents general and forestry educational information and training to various federal, state, and local health officers, community organizations, and the general public
• Provides technical support and services for scientists and engineers working in fields, such as agriculture, environmental science, resource management, and biology
• Assists in conducting fish and game propagation and maintenance activities, including monitoring of spawning, hatching, incubation, sexing, and feeding
• Prepares reports pertaining to wildlife findings, conclusions, and recommendations
• Cleans, maintains, prepares, and supplies work areas
• Performs other duties as assigned

The selected individual will be responsible for assisting in planning and participation in the operations of a warm water fish hatchery, which will include specialized spawning projects and specialized research projects.  Those duties will include, but are not limited to: the general upkeep of hatchery grounds, operating mowing equipment, welding, assisting hatchery crew in general maintenance, operate trucks, tractors and bulldozers, assist in fish harvest and stocking operations, perform public relations activities, generate reports on computer-based programs and other duties as deemed necessary.  Job requires heavy physical demands, working in inclement weather and travel away from the duty station for short periods of time.  The employee will be required to wear a commission uniform.

Must possess a valid Arkansas driver’s license.

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All applicants are subject to a criminal background check.