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.

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Knowledge of the procedures and methods used in wildlife management.

Knowledge of the equipment and techniques used to maintain buildings, grounds and equipment.

Knowledge of wildlife biology and the associated techniques used in wildlife management. Knowledge of agricultural methods and basic land laws.

Ability to identify common plants and animals found in Arkansas. Ability to collect biological samples.

Ability to use Microsoft Office Suite and Google Suite.

Ability to operate and maintain wildlife management equipment safely and effectively.

• 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 necessary to submit reports and communicate with regional staff -- prefer 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 habitat and maintenance projects on Wildlife Management Areas. This position is governed by state and federal laws and agency/institution policy.

• Will work under the direct supervision of the Sheffield Nelson Dagmar WMA Field Biologist, assisting with implementing habitat improvement practices and maintenance on assigned WMAs and other WMAs as needed
• Will collect and submit scientific data and specimen samples for analysis, write reports, and maintain records, present oral and written information
• Will operate and maintain large agricultural tractors and implements as well as ATVs and UTVs
• Will be required to carry out specialized agricultural practices to improve habitats in both upland and wetland areas
• Must assume a proactive role in assisting 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 wetland and upland habitats
• Provides technical assistance to the public in resolving nuisance wildlife problems and provides advice and technical assistance to landowners
• Oversees and/or directs water level management and identifies repair and maintenance upkeep needs for commission equipment, machinery, properties and capital improvements
• Coordinates with 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 specialize training and certifications in, but not limited to, prescribed fire, chemical immobilization of animals, and pesticide application
• Some overnight travel to attend various training, seminars or assignments may be required
• Perform strenuous and physically demanding tasks and work outdoors year round 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.

• 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 within the first year of employment.
• This position may be required to obtain a Class A Commercial Drivers License at some point. All expenses related to obtaining this license will be covered by AGFC.