Sandhills Conservation Technician I (LAWA - 60034103 & 60034131)

North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) is seeking a Wildlife Conservation Technician I for the Land & Water Access Division – Sandhills Wildlife Depot in Marston, NC. The role focuses on habitat management, surveys and infrastructure upkeep on state lands and waterways.

You will work a 40-hour week with possible night shifts and weekends; a valid NC driver’s license is required within 90 days, and CDL, pesticide license, and burn certificate may be needed within specified

Qualifications

• Associate Degree + two years of related experience in wildlife resources or heavy equipment operation.
• Ability to read and interpret construction blueprints.
• Ability to read, interpret, catalog and enter data using a computer.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain heavy equipment and related machinery.
• Conduct fish and wildlife habitat management and surveys on state lands.
• Assist with infrastructure maintenance of boating and fishing access areas.

Skills

Wildlife management

Fish management

Wildlife habitats

Land management

Forest management

Agriculture practices

Education

Associate Degree in wildlife or fisheries management or construction management

Tools

Heavy equipment operation

Job description

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.

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
• 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

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

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

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

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

The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) 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.

Degrees must be received from institutions appropriately accredited by the U.S. Department of Education

We value our employees and offer a wide variety of competitive and family-friendly benefits. Learn more about employee resources, safety, health and wellness information, leave options, employee discounts and more by visiting the NC OSHR website.NC OSHR: Benefits

Employment Eligibility: It is the policy of the State of North Carolina and the Office of State Human Resources (OSHR) that all employees provide proof of employment eligibility (immigration and naturalization) on the first day of employment. We participate in E-Verify (Employment Eligibility Verification System).

For More Information: For more information about the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, visit the WRC website.

NC Wildlife Resources Commission Human Resources Office Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone]

EEO Statement: The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.