The formal education equivalent of a high school diploma, plus two years of field experience in wildlife or fisheries 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.

• Two years of experience/on-the-job training, performing grounds keeping, and/or the maintenance of lawn-care equipment.
• Experience in aquaculture with emphasis on the propagation of warmwater species.

• Knowledge of the equipment and techniques used to maintain buildings, grounds, and equipment
• Knowledge of fish propagation, harvesting, cultivation, and maintenance activities
• Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of gasoline and diesel engines, pumps, and hydraulic systems.
• Knowledge of basic aquaculture techniques and fish biology.
• Ability to operate heavy equipment (tractors, bush hogs, etc.) safely in various terrain conditions.
• Ability to use a variety of hand and power tools for facility repairs and plumbing tasks.
• Ability to perform strenuous physical labor in all weather conditions, including lifting up to 50 lbs. and working in/around water.
• Skill in basic computer use for data entry and maintenance record-keeping.

• Knowledge of methods and practices in skilled and unskilled trades
• Ability to operate and perform routine maintenance on various types of groundskeeping tools and equipment
• Ability to receive, assign, and coordinate work activities

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) Biological Technician I (FISHERIES DIVISION) is responsible for the daily care and propagation of fish, as well as the comprehensive maintenance of hatchery grounds, facilities, and specialized equipment. This position is governed by state and federal laws and agency policy.

Performs daily fish culture tasks, including feeding, monitoring growth, and assisting in spawning, egg incubation, and the grading/sorting of fish.

Maintains hatchery aesthetics and safety by performing large-scale mowing, tractor operation, and vegetation control on pond levees and facility perimeters.

Operates and performs routine maintenance on tractors, mowers, ATVs, and fish hauling trucks.

Maintains and repairs essential hardware such as water pumps, aerators, and filtration systems.

Assists in the repair and upkeep of hatchery structures

Monitors water parameters and physically adjusts water flow and aeration to maintain life-support systems.

Assists in the loading and transport of fish, including the operation of specialized hauling tanks and oxygen delivery systems during transit to public waters.

Maintains accurate logs regarding fish mortality, feed usage, and equipment maintenance schedules.

Ensures all activities follow agency safety protocols and biosecurity measures to prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance species.

Assists in conducting fish and game propagation and maintenance activities, including monitoring of spawning, hatching, incubation, sexing, and feeding.

Prepares reports on wildlife findings, conclusions, and recommendations.

Cleans, maintains, prepares, and supplies work areas.

Performs other duties as assigned.

• Assist in planning and participation in the operations of a warmwater fish hatchery, which will include specialized fish spawning projects and/or specialized research projects.
• General upkeep of hatchery grounds
• Operation of mowing equipment
• Assist the hatchery crew in general maintenance, operation of trucks and tractors, and in harvest operations
• Perform public relations activities
• Generate reports on computer-based programs, and other duties as deemed necessary.

Must have a valid driver's license

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• This position requires rigorous physical labor, outdoor work in all weather conditions, and travel for short periods away from the duty station.
• The selected individual will be required to live within a 30-mile radius of Hot Springs.