Sandhills Conservation Technician I (LAWA - 60034103 & 60034131)

Agency

Wildlife Resource Commission

Division

Operations , Technical Services

Job Classification Title

Wildlife Conserv Technician I (S)

Position Number

Grade

NC05

About Us

The NC Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) is the state government agency created to conserve and sustain the state’s fish and wildlife resources through research, scientific management, wise use and public input. The NCWRC is the regulatory agency responsible for the enforcement of North Carolina’s fishing, hunting, trapping, and boating laws. The agency has an operational budget of approximately $100 million and employs approximately 700 full-time staff and 100 seasonal temporary staff across the state, including wildlife and fisheries biologists and technicians, wildlife law enforcement officers, wildlife educators, communication specialists, and customer service, information technology and administrative professionals. The NCWRC Mission is to conserve North Carolina’s wildlife resources and their habitats and provide programs and opportunities that allow hunters, anglers, boaters, and other outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy wildlife-associated recreation.

Description of Work

The NC Wildlife Resources Commission’s Land and Water Access Division (LAWA) oversees the agency’s Game Land Program, land acquisition program, maintenance of boating and fishing access areas, and navigational aids. Most of the activities performed in this Section are accomplished by agency technicians, biologists, and forest managers.

This Division also manages the agency’s grants planning and office support. Most technicians, biologists, and forest managers are assigned to one of three EcoRegions in the State. Each EcoRegion is managed by a Wildlife / Fisheries Biologist Supervisor II who reports to the division chief.

• The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission is accepting applications for a Wildlife Conservation Technician I for our Land & Water Access Division – Sandhills Wildlife Depot. The position conducts fish and wildlife habitat management, research, surveys, and infrastructure management on state owned lands or waterways. Project objectives are directed at:
• •Restoring and Improving fish and wildlife habitats for all endangered and game species.
• •Providing hunting opportunities for sportsmen.
• •Managing wildlife openings.
• •Creating early successional habitats.
• •Restoring altered ecosystems.
• •Supporting research and survey efforts that aid in the long-term management and identification of species and habitats.
• •Prescribed burning; and
• •Maintaining and renovating boating access areas, public fishing areas and Aids to Navigation on our waterways that benefit citizens of our State.

Infrastructure-related duties include maintenance of roads, dikes, trails, game land boundaries, docks, piers, navigation aids and parking areas. The work consists of operating heavy equipment, including farm tractors, crawler tractors, mowers trucks and other heavy equipment.

A modified schedule is associated with this position which involves working 40 hours per week (specific times set by manager). Night work and overnight travel may be required on occasion. Individual in this position may be required to work some weekends and/or holidays. This position will be based out of the WRC Sandhills Wildlife Depot location in Marston, NC (Richmond County).

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

RECRUITMENT RANGE: $33,902 - $50,585

MANAGEMENT PREFERENCES:

• •Knowledge of wildlife management, fish management, wildlife habitats, land management, forest management, or agriculture practices that include the ability to identify wildlife, plants, and/or fish.
• •Experience operating and maintaining a variety of equipment, tools and vehicles required to perform the duties of the position; including agricultural machinery and implements, forestry or heavy equipment, large commercial highway vehicles and trailers, ATVs and UTVs, boats and trailers, chainsaws, welders, 2-way radios, pumps and other fire related equipment, power tools, hand tools, and shop tools.
• •Experience in construction and knowledge of various construction principles and techniques.
• •Ability to read and execute construction plans and blueprints.
• •Ability read, interpret, catalog and enter data using a computer.

Special Qualifications/Requirements:

• •Possession of a valid North Carolina driver’s license is required within 90 days of hire. Candidate must present proof of a valid NC Driver’s License and proof of an acceptable driving record.
• •Possession of a Commercial Driver’s License (Class A). If not already in possession of one, must be obtained within 12 months of employment date.
• •Possession of an NC Pesticide Applicators license. If not, already in possession of one, must be obtained within 12 months of employment date.
• •NC Prescribed Burn Certificate / S130-S190.

Physical Requirements:

• •Ability to work primarily outdoors, in all kinds of weather conditions;
• •Ability to perform manual labor, lifting medium to heavy items weighing up to 50 pounds daily;
• •Ability to wear safety equipment and follow established safety regulations and procedures.

Additional Requirements:

• •Pre-employment drug / alcohol testing is required;
• •Completion of release form and background statement allowing NCWRC to check with previous employers for the past two years about controlled substances and alcohol testing (if applicable);
• •All offers of employment will be contingent upon successful completion of pre- and post-employment evaluations.

Minimum Education and Experience

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.

Associate Degree in wildlife or fisheries management or construction management from an appropriately accredited institution and two years of experience which has included the management of wildlife or fisheries resources or the operation of heavy equipment; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Necessary Special Qualification Possession of a valid North Carolina driver’s license required within 90 days of hire. Some positions may require Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), pesticide applicator’s license and/or NC Burner Certificate. Some positions may require coursework in fish culture.

SUPPLEMENTAL and CONTACT INFORMATION:

All applicants applying for employment opportunities must create and submit a comprehensive candidate profile using State of North Carolina Careers for the State of North Carolina. All Required Education and Experience must be included in the candidate profile to receive consideration during the selection and salary administration processes.

• *The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer*
• The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) is committed to maintaining a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion. NCWRC strives to ensure that all employment practices are implemented in a manner that is equitable to all applicants and employees.

Applicants requesting and receiving an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are eligible to submit paper applications via mail or by fax reference the contact information below. All applicants should indicate the position number and job title in the section "Jobs Applied For".

Applicants seeking Veteran's Preference must attach a DD 214 Form, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty along with your application.

Applicants seeking National Guard Preference (to include North Carolina Army National Guard & North Carolina Air National Guard) must attach a copy of the NGB 23A (RPAS) or a copy of the DD256 or NGB 22 along with your application.

*Degrees must be rece