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.

The formal education equivalent of a bachelor's degree in Wildlife or Fisheries Management or a related field, PLUS two (2) years of experience in agriculture or forestry-related field, with Class A CDL, agriculture equipment operation

• 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

• Ability to interpret and create maps in GIS
• Knowledge of hunting and similar outdoor recreational pursuits
• Ability to pass the physical requirement to serve on a prescribed fire team.
• Knowledge of food plot cultivation, and maintenance activities
• Knowledge of agricultural methods and basic land laws
• Knowledge of timber marking, wildlife stand improvement, land surveying, boundary marking, fire prevention, control burning, and other related forestry techniques
• Knowledge of bottomland hardwood management
• Knowledge of moist soil management techniques
• Knowledge of native warm season grass planting/management techniques
• Ability to operate wildlife check stations, collect samples of wildlife, prepare reports, maintain files, and present oral and written information
• Ability to operate and maintain wildlife/farming equipment
• Basic computer skills which will be necessary to submit reports and for communicating with regional staff, to include experience using ARC GIS software. National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG} certified Fire Fighter Type 2 (FFT2} with a knowledge of prescribed fire

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

• Works under the direct supervision of the WMA Field Biologist, assisting with implementing habitat improvement practices and maintenance on DePartee Creek, Holland Bottoms, Prairie Bayou and St. Francis National Forest WMA and Mike Freeze Wattensaw WMA, as needed
• Collects and submits scientific data and specimen samples for analysis
• Write reports and maintain records
• Presents oral and written information
• Operates and maintains large agricultural tractors and implements as well as ATVs and UTV
• Will be required to carry out specialized agricultural practices to improve habitats in both upland and wetland areas
• Assists in the development of area budgets, maintaining ledgers and records, managing budgets, and submitting reports
• Coordinates with other field biologists, habitat biologists, program coordinators, and supervisory staff to develop and implement habitat plans for various habitat types
• Identifies repair and maintenance upkeep needs for commission equipment, machinery, properties, and capital improvements
• Coordinates with the regional maintenance coordinator to budget and carry out maintenance and new development items
• Prepares materials for public presentations and gives presentations to various organizations
• Performs a variety of other tasks as needed within the region, other AGFC Divisions, or other areas of the state
• Will be required to receive specialized training and certifications in, but not limited to, Class A Commercial Driver’s license, prescribed fire and pesticide application
• Occasional overnight travel to attend various training, seminars, or assignments may be necessary
• Performs strenuous and physically demanding duties and will work outdoors (year-round), and sometimes in inclement weather
• May be required to work certain holidays and weekends
• Performs other duties as assigned

Must possess a valid Arkansas driver’s license.

n/a

This position is required, as per the Prescribed Fire Planning and Implementation Procedures and Policy, to complete a two-mile walk carrying 25 pounds in 30 minutes within the first year of employment. This position is also required to obtain a Non-Commercial Pesticide Applicators license with 1 year of employment.

A CDL will be required to transport some heavy equipment.