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.

Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Fisheries Management, Wildlife Management, or a related field. Previous experience in the field of aquaculture with an emphasis in warm water fish culture is preferred. Previous experience in mechanical maintenance and repair, as well as fabrication techniques (welding, carpentry, etc.).

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.

Knowledge or experience in current fish propagation techniques. Good oral and written communication skills and the ability to work well with others. Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint). The ability to learn quickly and work independently as well as under direct supervision.

The 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, 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 operation of a warm water fish hatchery, which will include specialized spawning projects and an emphasis in preventative and general maintenance on hatchery vehicles, equipment and infrastructure. Additional duties will include, but are not limited to, the general upkeep of hatchery grounds, operating mowing equipment, assisting hatchery crew in general maintenance, operate tractors and trucks, assist in fish harvest operations, perform public relation 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.

This opening will be used to fill two positions within the Fisheries division. 

Must possess a valid Arkansas driver’s license.

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This position has the designation of a safety-sensitive position. Applicants being considered for this position are subject to pre-employment drug and alcohol testing. Refusal to submit to testing will result in disqualification of further employment consideration. If offered a position, employees in this position will be subject to periodic drug and alcohol testing. 

Frequent in-state travel (50% of time) and field work with exposure to inclement weather is required. This position will be required to work on weekends as necessary and occasionally required to work long hours under harsh conditions. Required to obtain a commercial driver’s license.

All applicants are subject to a criminal background check.

This opening will be used to fill two positions within the Fisheries division.