TECHNICIAN 1 FISH, GAME AND WILDLIFE

Definition

Under the general supervision of a Supervising Biologist or others supervisory officer in the Department of Environmental Protection, performs difficult, technical work involved in the collection and processing samples and of data associated with fish and wildlife research and management, and/or oversees technicians and workers in the collection of scientific data in the field; may perform a variety of assignments at one or more field stations and various locations; does other related duties.

Examples of work

• Schedules and conducts various laboratory procedures on samples collected from field studies within general guidelines of supervisor.
• Conducts fish and wildlife population surveys, user surveys, live trapping and morality surveys using appropriate specialized equipment.
• Selects alternate sampling sites when conditions necessitate a change.
• Oversees personnel involved in the collection, processing and recording of data.
• Collects and prepares information used in the preparation of reports and research findings.
• Prepares data for statistical evaluation and reviews data compilation for accuracy and completeness.
• Develops and constructs specialized equipment for the use in fish and wildlife programs.
• Develops specifications, obtains bids and purchases equipment and supplies as directed.
• Uses scientific equipment, on and off road vehicles, boats, and hand and power tools.
• Prepares maps, charts, graphs, and other forms of data presentation and assists in preparation of scientific reports, pamphlets and articles.
• Prepares and distributed deer check station materials, game birds, fish and other products and materials as directed.
• Maintains the operation of checking station programs such as deer, turkey, beaver and fish.
• Schedules and conducts routine water quality tests within general guidelines of supervisor and records results.
• Identifies fish and wildlife species in samples and records biological data.
• Schedules and performs nominal preventive maintenance on laboratory and field equipment including vehicles, buildings and grounds.
• Maintains files and records.
• Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

Experience

Three (3) years of experience in the collection, sampling, cataloging and preparation of data on fish and/or wildlife for use in research studies, through sampling, surveys, simple tests using scientific equipment; two (2) years of which shall have involved the general maintenance and operation of field and sampling equipment.

License

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of fish and wildlife research equipment and techniques.
• Knowledge of the safe operation, care and maintenance of vehicles, boats and trailers.
• Ability to read and understand Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife laws and regulations.
• Ability to read and understand information on the habitat requirements, behavior and natural history of fish and wildlife of New Jersey.
• Ability to read and understand information on the vegetation of New Jersey and the relationship of plant communities to fish and wildlife.
• Ability to operate, calibrate, and perform simple maintenance service on equipment and devices.
• Ability to perform simple drafting operations, read and interpret maps, diagrams and charts and perform related computations.
• Ability to take tissue and other samples from wild animals in the field and safely transport to other locations for analysis.
• Ability to maintain and/or operate various scientific research equipment.
• Ability to instruct staff on the technical methods and techniques used in fish and wildlife management related data collection.
• Ability to oversee staff involved in fieldwork.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with coworkers and others involved in the work of the unit.
• Ability to organize work and solve problems following prescribed procedures.
• Ability to prepare correspondence.
• Ability to identify the major terrestrial, freshwater and marine wildlife species inhabiting the Northeaster United States and count, sort, weigh, measure, tag and transport without causing losses due to excessive strain.
• Ability to maintain records and files.
• Ability to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
• Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

Note

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.

Applicants who do not possess the required experience may substitute thirty (30) semester hour credits, with a concentration in the biological sciences for each year of experience up to three (3) years.