Wildlife Technician

Wildlife Technician

Under supervision of a Wildlife Biologist or Senior Biologist, the Wildlife Technician may assist in conducting surveys, investigations, and developments to enhance wildlife. Technicians perform a variety of duties depending on the specific program or area they are assigned to.

POSITION: Wildlife Technician

LOCATION: Eufaula WMA Wildlife Management Area (WMA) Technician - Maintain buildings, grounds, signage and equipment and/or implement assigned programs. Provide current regulations, WMA specific information and assistance to users on assigned areas. Periodically inspect and coordinate work of contractors on assigned areas. May assist in the management of more than one wildlife area or program with multi-management objectives. Develop and maintain fireguards using area equipment, including removing hazardous fuels, such as snags and eastern redcedar, before, during and after the burn. Assist in prescribed burning on WMAs. Mix and apply chemical herbicides using appropriate label rates and application methods. Utilize MSDS and necessary safety supplies for proper application and record keeping. Assist with surveys and data collection at the WMA and regional level. Required to haul loads of various sizes on short and long-distance trips utilizing various types of trailers, often over challenging terrain; may be required to obtain a CDL. Maintain and repair roads, construct and maintains fences in assigned areas. Must be able to operate and maintain equipment, including tractor with front end loader & various implements, skid steer, and other heavy equipment as assigned. Assist in the maintenance and operation of active grazing leases on multiple WMA's including fencing, water structures, stocking rates and keeping good communication with grazing lessees.

Oklahoma Land Access Program (OLAP) Technician – Set up, periodically inspect, and maintain OLAP Walk-in Areas, equipment, and signage. Assist OLAP Biologist with maintaining and expanding the OLAP. Monitor and document habitat of prospective and enrolled areas. Assist with implementation of lease agreements with private landowners. Utilize legal land descriptions, GIS mapping hardware/software, and contract stipulations.

Big Game Technician - Conduct animal surveys on foot, UTV, watercraft or aircraft, and gather, analyze, and report biological data. Assist/lead wildlife necropsies of cervids with unknown mortality causes, maintaining sample integrity and personnel safety. Coordinate with inter-division staff and volunteers on various programs and activities. Proficient in big game identification, biology and management, and will assist with Damage Control Assistance Program, Deer Management Assistance Program, Herd Health Evaluation (will require the collection of cervids via firearms), and other ODWC programs.

Waterfowl / Migratory Bird Technician - Assume lead responsibility for nuisance goose program coordinator. Assists with conducting the annual aerial mid-winter survey. Assist/lead necropsies of migratory birds with unknown mortality causes, maintaining sample integrity and personnel safety. Gather, analyze, and report biological data through bird banding activities and other research. Coordinate and conduct ODWC sponsored youth waterfowl hunts. Proficiency in migratory bird identification, biology, diseases, and management techniques.

Wetland Technician - Act independently or with others to assess, design, bid, and install/repair wetland management infrastructure, remain current on infrastructure innovations and suppliers, and provide onsite direction and approval of contracted or Departmental work. Coordinate and oversee wetland projects statewide, working with biologists, technicians, and contractors. Assist in prioritizing program budgeting needs and monitoring contracts. Haul, operate, and coordinate the use of various heavy equipment on WMA's as needed, statewide. Proficiency in wetlands management techniques.

JOB DUTIES MAY INCLUDE:

• Post informational, boundary and highway signs.
• Assist in completion of wildlife and hunter surveys.
• Supplies information to area users and the general public.
• Maintain buildings, grounds and equipment performing tasks such as carpentry, masonry, painting, litter removal, welding, mowing and general equipment repair and maintenance.
• Develop and prepare food plots and perform other necessary farming operations.
• Assist in monitoring the performance of contract work and agreements.
• Supervising a small group of hourly employees by assigning daily duties and checking to maintain flow of work.
• Required to make purchases needed according to state purchasing guidelines and agency policy.
• Maintain complete and accurate daily records, inventory, and prepare required reports.
• Assist with agency education and outreach programs.
• May be required to perform other periodic duties as assigned by Supervisor.

Must have the ability to:

• Operate boats, motor vehicles, lawn mowers, UTVs/ATVs and skid loaders/tractors with various attachments.
• Operate and use firearms, cutting torch, and welding equipment.
• Lift and carry a minimum of 50 pounds for a distance of 100 yards.
• Push / pull a minimum of 50 pounds to hook up trailers, load boats, and various other equipment.
• Walk and jog over rough terrain for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to swim.
• Work alone in remote areas.
• Endure various extremes of outdoor weather conditions.
• Work extended hours, weekends, and stay overnight out of town.
• Handle wild animals in live and dead condition, including field dressing wild game.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships, work independently, and be professional and courteous with the public and other agencies.
• Communicate clearly and effectively in public speaking situations and be able to express oneself clearly and concisely in writing.
• Operate and use small and handheld equipment and supplies.
• Use personal computer and various office equipment.
• Operate and use field traps, survey gear, and lab equipment.
• Conduct day / night audio and visual surveys.

REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION: Associate degree or a minimum of two years college to include course work in Wildlife Management or closely related field. Four years' experience in a Wildlife Conservation Technician position may substitute for education requirements.

**Please attach an official copy of your transcript to the application. Applications without an attached transcript will not be considered.**

EXPERIENCE: One year's related experience. A total of five years' experience is required in lieu of education requirement. A completed bachelor's degree in Natural Resource Management with an emphasis in Wildlife Management or related field may substitute for the experience requirement.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS: Thorough knowledge of capabilities and use of medium to heavy contractual and farming equipment. Have knowledge and competence in use of small hand tools and carpentry tools. Knowledge of techniques used in wildlife surveys and inventories and all aspects of agriculture practices. Skill in exercising good judgment in analyzing situations and making decisions and in establishing effective working relationships with other employees and with the general public. Be proficient in use of computers and various software applications.

Equal Opportunity Employment

The State of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of genetic information, race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability.