Wildlife Area Technician

This position is assigned to the Mason Valley Wildlife Management Area and will be performing duties involving the maintenance of wildlife habitat by operating and maintaining light and heavy equipment, surveying wildlife populations and performing hunter check stations, controlling water levels in wetland areas, managing vegetation and maintaining public use facilities. The successful candidate will be required to reside in Department housing at the Mason Valley Wildlife Management Area.

A deduction of $50 for the current rent amount is taken from the employee's paycheck every two weeks. A refundable $500.00 cleaning/damage deposit will be required at the date of hire or by payroll deduction. The position is being recruited at Wildlife Area Technician 1 and 2 levels. Position may be filled at any level.

• Wildlife Area Technicians may be assigned to work at a wildlife management area, on a water development crew or as a regional utility person. Typical duties involve the maintenance of wildlife habitat by operating light and heavy equipment, controlling water levels in wetland areas, managing vegetation and related activities intended to develop and enhance an environment which will support the State's wildlife species.
• Operate bulldozers, excavators, motor graders, paddle wheel scrapers, draglines, diesel trucks and semi-trailers, backhoes, farm tractors, forklifts, and small engine powered equipment and boats to develop, modify and improve habitat for wildlife.
• Construct dikes, ditches, roads, nest islands, fields, and water control structures; control water levels by measuring water flow rates and temperatures; assess water sources and availability; record use information and ensure adequate supply for waterfowl and other wildlife species.
• Manage vegetation in wildlife management areas; farm aquatic plant species and cereal grains; apply fertilizers and herbicides; burn over‑abundant plant species; and chop or disc undesirable vegetation to maintain suitable habitat for wildlife.
• Collect data and survey wildlife species; count, inventory, identify and classify wildlife according to sex, size or species; trap, band, transport or transplant wildlife as required; operate hunter check stations and record harvest data related to species, sex and size; collect internal organs and body parts for analysis; complete forms and write narratives for analysis by wildlife biologists.
• Perform routine maintenance such as cleaning, painting, repairing and rebuilding facilities and equipment; respond to emergency situations; prepare routine records and reports related to work performed; service and repair vehicles and equipment to provide for efficient operation and extended life of equipment and structures.
• Maintain security of structures and equipment; patrol areas and lock gates and doors; note violations and report to appropriate authorities.
• Provide information to the public by explaining procedures and regulations; give directions, answer questions and lead tours of facilities and wildlife management areas to maintain good public relations.
• Construct water catchments; survey selected areas; identify and clear sites for water development construction; note water availability, forage, cover and spacing; load and deliver materials; assemble fiberglass tanks, iron support structures, sheet metal aprons and gutters; bury tank using backhoe, pick and shovel; construct barbed wire fences; complete map locations and installation forms; and maintain or repair catchments in order to enhance wildlife populations in drier locations.
• May assist in caring for fish at fish hatcheries and rearing stations as assigned.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Graduation from high school or equivalent education and four years of experience in maintenance, farming or construction, one of which was maintaining lands for wildlife, constructing dikes, ditches or roads; applying fertilizers; managing water levels and manipulating flow of water; maintaining equipment and structures by cleaning, painting, repairing and rebuilding structures; and collecting data and surveying wildlife by counting and…