Fish and Wildlife Technician I – II – III (Hatchery Technician)

Kate on Conservation; Texas; On-site; USD 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Health insurance

Retirement and pension

Job summary

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department at Possum Kingdom Fish Hatchery in Graford, TX seeks a Fish and Wildlife Technician to assist in propagation, rearing and distribution of fish species. Under Hatchery Biologist supervision, you will monitor water quality and record data, maintain facilities and perform administrative duties.

This role requires a high school diploma, Texas driver's license and Hunters Safety Education Card with progression through Technician I-III levels based on

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Technician I-B, II, III require increasing years of relevant experience.
• Applicants must possess or obtain within 30 days of employment a valid Class C Texas driver’s license and a Hunters Safety Education Card.

Responsibilities

• Assist in propagation, rearing, and distribution of fish species.
• Monitor and record water quality; collect data and fish samples.
• Maintain grounds, facilities, and equipment; complete routine administrative paperwork.
• Follow agency rules, regulations, and procedures.
• Travel may be required (approx. 10%).

Skills

Water quality monitoring

Verbal and written communication

MS Word, Excel, Outlook

Teamwork

Manual lifting up to 50 pounds

Operate light farm equipment

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Position overview

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) mission is to manage and conserve the natural and cultural resources of Texas and provide hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation opportunities for present and future generations.

Under the direction of the Hatchery Biologist, this position performs fish and wildlife conservation work and assists in the propagation, rearing, and distribution of fish species. The technician monitors and records water quality, collects data and accurately records fish samples, maintains grounds, facilities, and equipment, completes routine administrative paperwork, and performs other duties as assigned. The employee must comply with agency and division rules, regulations, and procedures.

Work address:

Possum Kingdom Fish Hatchery, 401 Red Bluff Rd., Graford, TX 76449.

Minimum qualifications

• Education: High school graduation or GED.
• Fish and Wildlife Technician I-A: No experience required.
• Fish and Wildlife Technician I-B: Two years of relevant experience.
• Fish and Wildlife Technician II: Four years of relevant experience.
• Fish and Wildlife Technician III: Five years of experience as a TPWD Fish and Wildlife Technician II and the ability to perform significant additional duties and responsibilities. Applicants must include this experience in their application job history.
• Licenses: Must possess, or be able to obtain within 30 days of employment, a valid Class C Texas driver’s license and a Hunters Safety Education Card. Continued employment depends on obtaining and maintaining required licenses.

Acceptable substitution and preferred qualification

For Technician I-B and II only, graduation from an accredited college or university with a relevant advanced degree (bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD) may substitute for two years of relevant experience.

Preferred: A bachelor’s degree in Fisheries Science or a related biological science from an accredited college or university.

Knowledge, skills, and abilitiesTechnician I

• Knowledge of fish and aquatic organisms, and vehicle and motor mechanics, maintenance, and operation.
• Effective verbal and written communication; professional interaction with the public and teammates; good work habits; and proficiency with MS Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions accurately, work as a team member, lift supplies and materials up to 50 pounds, and follow TPWD safety requirements.
• Ability to operate light farm equipment and pull a gooseneck trailer within three months of hiring.

Technician II

• In addition to Technician I knowledge: principles of fish husbandry and aquaculture; potential environmental contaminants and fish kills; and division and agency policies and procedures.
• Ability to handle high-pressure situations; identify freshwater fishes, plants, and organisms; design, maintain, and repair specialized hatchery equipment; and make independent, sound, timely decisions.
• Ability to work independently with little or no supervision, maintain facilities and equipment, and identify fish disease and stress.

Technician III

• In addition to Technician II knowledge: department purchasing and operating procedures, and environmental regulations and procedures related to hatchery operations.
• Ability to work effectively and efficiently as a team member and/or leader; train others; understand and optimize water quality parameters and recognize data anomalies; and use analytical equipment and explain its functionality.
• Ability to communicate the TPWD mission to diverse audiences, train less-tenured technicians, work effectively with coworkers, external organizations, and the public, and work under limited supervision with moderate latitude for initiative and independent judgment.

Working conditions

• Works 40 hours per week, with flexible schedules that may include hours outside 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and days off other than weekends and holidays; overtime may be required.
• Works outdoors in adverse weather and participates in water-based field activities, including work aboard boats.
• Performs manual labor, including lifting supplies and materials up to 50 pounds, and operates a state vehicle.
• Travel is approximately 10%, with possible overnight stays.
• Must follow TPWD dress and grooming standards, work rules, and safety procedures. State buildings, common areas, boats, and vehicles are non-smoking environments.

Application information

Applications must include complete work history for each employment period, either in the work history section or an attached résumé. Each entry should include job title, employer, dates of employment (month/year), part-time status where applicable, and duties performed. Volunteer experience may count toward required experience. If education is used to meet minimum qualifications, registrar-issued college transcripts must be provided at the time of interview. Missing required information or attachments may result in disqualification. Work In Texas applicants must complete the supplemental questions in the CAPPS Candidate Gateway.

Benefits

Benefits include paid time off, group insurance, retirement and pension, training and staff development, longevity and merit pay, deferred compensation, flexible benefit plans, 401(k)/457 retirement plans, direct deposit, staggered work hours, an Employee Assistance Program, and a Return-to-Work Program. Health insurance for new employees or rehires is available on the first of the month following a 60-day waiting period.

Hiring contact: Alexander Sitek, [phone], [e-mail].