HIRING CONTACT:  Ryan L. Reitz, (830) 238-4483

PHYSICAL WORK ADDRESS: 2625 FM 1340, Hunt, TX 78024

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Position works directly with Fish and Wildlife Technician team on Kerr WMA. Performs and supports facilities care and maintenance on Kerr WMA as primary objective. Assists with research and management objectives at the direction of Kerr WMA biologists.

Under the immediate supervision of the Kerr WMA Project Leader, this position performs routine (journey-level) fish and wildlife conservation work and is responsible for assisting with habitat management, infrastructure maintenance, equipment maintenance, groundskeeping, public use, and research at Kerr Wildlife Management Area (WMA) within the Edwards Plateau Ecosystem Project. Work involves the collection of biological data and assisting with wildlife research projects as assigned. Main emphasis will be on the management of wildlife habitat and maintaining and repairing infrastructure/complex equipment needed for research, habitat management, or maintenance activities. Assists with public hunting and other public use programs on assigned area where applicable. Provides wildlife management information to hunters, land managers, other user groups, and the general public. Performs infrastructure grounds and building maintenance at office complex and public use facilities. Works under moderate supervision, with minimal latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement. Performs additional duties as assigned. Complies with all Agency, Division, and Branch rules, regulations, and procedures.

NOTE:  Current Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) Fish and Wildlife Technicians (FWT) I – III may apply for this position at their current classification title and at the established Wildlife Division salary rate.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

Graduation from High School or GED.

Experience:

FWT IA: No experience required.

FWT IB: Two years relevant experience.

Licensure:

• If driving is required, applicant must possess a valid State driver’s license;
• Must possess or be able to obtain, within one year of employment, the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) Fire Fighter Type II (FFT II) certification.

NOTE:  Retention of position contingent upon obtaining and maintaining required licenses and certification and compliance with state and federal regulations.

Physical Requirements:

Must be able to pass, within one year of employment, the FFTII moderate duty physical fitness      standard (walk 2 miles with a 25 lb. pack in 30 minutes or less) OR the arduous duty physical fitness standard (walk 3 miles with a 45 lb. pack in 45 minutes or less).

NOTE:  Retention of position contingent upon meeting and maintaining physical requirements.

ACCEPTABLE SUBSTITUTIONS:

Experience:

FWT IB ONLY: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field may substitute for the required experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience:

Two years work experience in wildlife management, farm or ranch operations, building maintenance, vehicle repairs, heavy equipment operation, and maintenance.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

FWT IA:

• Knowledge of wildlife, range, farming, and livestock practices;

FWT IB:

• Knowledge of FWT IA, PLUS:
• Knowledge of farming and livestock practices, wildlife habitats, and wildlife species indigenous to Edwards Plateau;

FWT IA:

• Skill in using MS Word, Excel, and Outlook;
• Skill in operating common farming and ranching machinery and heavy equipment to include:  skid steer, arm tractors, shredders, chainsaw,
• Skill in effective verbal and written communication;

FWT IB:

• Skill of FWT IA, PLUS: carpentry, plumbing, electrical;
• Skill in operating specialized equipment, such as All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), mowers, trailers;
• Skill in using hand tools, power tools, and mechanical equipment;
• Skill in operating GPS unit and GIS (arcMap);

FWT IA:

• Ability to operate a GPS and GIS (ArcMap);
• Ability to operate, repair, and maintain specialized equipment, such as  Off-Road Vehicles (ORVs), All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), farm equipment, vehicles, mowers, trailers and small engines
• Ability to perform basic welding, carpentry, plumbing, electrical, fencing, mechanical, and road maintenance tasks;
• Ability to use hand tools, power tools, and mechanical equipment;
• Ability to perform grounds maintenance activities such as mowing and weed eating;
• Ability to plan, coordinate, and organize assigned work activities;
• Ability to observe and record biological data;
• Ability to meet and deal effectively with the public, landowners, and co-workers;
• Ability to maintain accurate records, comply with purchasing documentation, and prepare written correspondence;
• Ability to assist with management, research and conducting public hunts for extended periods of time;
• Ability to perform manual labor including lifting supplies and materials up to 50 lbs.;
• Ability to work as a member of a team;
• Ability to conduct activities in accordance with TPWD safety program;

FWT IB:

• Ability of FWT IA, PLUS:
• Ability to repair and maintain specialized equipment such as airboats, farm equipment, vehicles, mowers, trailers, small engines;
• Ability to work both independently with little or no supervision;
• Ability to perform basic report writing.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Required to work from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday;
• Required to work on holidays, weekends, and hours other than 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., as necessary; 
• Required to perform work outdoors, occasionally in adverse weather conditions;
• Required to perform manual labor, including lifting supplies and materials up to 50 lbs.;
• Must conform to TPWD dress and grooming standards, work rules, and safety procedures;
• Required to operate heavy equipment and farm machinery;
• Required to perform work in wet unstable soils and muddy conditions;
• Bunkhouse lodging available with approval from Project Leader;
• Required to travel 20% with possible overnight stays;
• May be required to operate State vehicle;

Non-smoking environment in State buildings and vehicles.