Fish and Wildlife Technician I – II – III (Hatchery Technician)

TPWD MISSION

To manage and conserve the natural and cultural resources of Texas and to provide hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation opportunities for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

HIRING CONTACT: Alexander Sitek, (940) 779-2301, Email: alexander.sitek@tpwd.texas.gov

PHYSICAL WORK ADDRESS: Possum Kingdom Fish Hatchery, 401 Red Bluff Rd., Graford, TX 76449

GENERAL description:

Under the direction of the Hatchery Biologist, this position performs fish and wildlife conservation work and is responsible for assisting in propagation, rearing and distribution of fish species. Monitors and records water quality.  Performs data collection duties and accurately records fish samples. Responsible for grounds, facilities, and equipment maintenance. Completes routine administrative paperwork. Performs additional duties as assigned. Complies with all Agency and Division rules, regulations and procedures.

Note: 

Selection as a Fish and Wildlife Technician III requires at least 5 years of experience as a TPWD Fish and Wildlife Technician II and ability to perform additional advanced duties and responsibilities. For posted positions, this experience must be included in the job history on the Application to be considered.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

education: 

Graduation from High School or GED.

Experience:

FWT IA: No experience required.

FWT IB: Two years of relevant experience

FWT Il: Four years of relevant experience. 

FWT III: Five years of experience as a TPWD Fish and Wildlife Technician II and capable of performing significant additional duties/responsibilities as described in FWT III Essential Job Functions and KSAs.

Licensure:        

Must possess or be able to obtain, within 30 days of employment, a valid class ‘C’ Texas driver’s license.

Must possess or able to obtain, within 30 days of employment, a Hunters Safety Education Card.

NOTE: Retention of position contingent upon obtaining and maintaining required license.

ACCEPTABLE SUBSTITUTIONS:

Education: 

FWT IB and II ONLY: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a relevant advanced degree (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD) may substitute for two years of relevant experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:       

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in Fisheries Science or related biological science.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Fish and Wildlife Technician I

• Knowledge of fish and aquatic organisms.
• Knowledge of vehicle and motor mechanics, maintenance, and operation.

Fish and Wildlife Technician II

• Knowledge of FWT I; PLUS
• Knowledge in the principles of fish husbandry and aquaculture.
• Knowledge of potential environmental contaminants and fish kills.
• Knowledge of division and agency policies and procedures.

Fish and Wildlife Technician III

• Knowledge of FWT II; PLUS
• Knowledge of department purchasing and operating procedures.
• Knowledge of environmental regulations and procedures pertaining to hatchery operations.
• Fish and Wildlife Technician I
• Skill in effective verbal and written communication.
• Skill in engaging with the public and teammates in a polite and professional manner.
• Skill in demonstrating good work habits.
• Skill in using MS Word, Excel and Outlook.

Fish and Wildlife Technician II

• Skills of a FWT I; PLUS
• Skill in handling high pressure situations.
• Skill in identifying freshwater fishes, plants and organisms.
• Skill in designing, maintaining and repairing specialized hatchery equipment.
• Skill in making independent, sound, timely decisions.

Fish and Wildlife Technician III

• Skills of FWT II; PLUS
• Skill in working as an effective and efficient team member and/or leader.
• Skill in training others.
• Skill in understanding and optimizing water quality parameters and recognizing data anomalies.
• Skill in using analytical equipment and explaining functionality to others.

Fish and Wildlife Technician I

• Ability to accurately follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to work as a member of a team.
• Ability to perform manual labor including, lifting supplies and materials up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to conduct work activities in accordance with TPWD safety program.
• Ability to operate light farm equipment and pull a gooseneck trailer (within 3 months of hiring).

Fish and Wildlife Technician II

• Ability of a FWT I; PLUS
• Ability to work independently with little or no supervision.
• Ability to maintain facilities and equipment.
• Ability to identify fish disease and stress.

Fish and Wildlife Technician III

• Abilities of a FWT II; PLUS
• Ability to convey the mission to a diverse audience.
• Ability to train less tenured technicians.
• Ability to work effectively with co-workers and representatives from external organizations and the public.
• Ability to work under limited supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Required to work 40 hours per week, includes flexible schedules with hours other than 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and days off other than Saturdays, Sundays and holidays as necessary.
• Required to work overtime as necessary.
• Required to perform work outdoors, in adverse weather conditions.
• Required to perform work in water-based field activities, including work aboard boats.
• Required to perform manual labor including, lifting supplies and materials up to 50 lbs.
• Required to operate a state vehicle.
• Required to travel 10% with possible overnight stays.
• Must conform to TPWD dress and grooming standards, work rules and safety procedures.
• Non-smoking environment in State buildings, common areas, boats, and vehicles.

PLEASE NOTE:

All applications must include complete job history information for each period of employment, provided either in the WORK HISTORY SECTION or in the attached RÉSUMÉ. Please ensure each entry includes:

• Job title,
• Employer name,
• Dates of employment (month/year),
• If employment is less than full-time status, indicate part-time in the work history section or résumé, and
• Description of duties performed.
  NOTE: Volunteer experience may be counted toward required experience.

IMPORTANT:

• College Transcripts: If education is used to meet the minimum qualifications, a copy of the college transcript(s) issued by the registrar must be provided at the time of interview (unless otherwise noted in the posting).
• ‘N/A’ may be entered in fields that are not applicable.
• Omission of required information may result in disqualification.

Work In Texas (WIT) Applicants:

• WIT applicants must complete the supplemental questions in the CAPPS Candidate Gateway to be considered.
• To complete these questions, log in to CAPPS Candidate Gateway.
• If you need assistance creating a résumé, please refer to the ‘Create a Résumé’ link for Job Seekers on the Work In Texas website.

If the required information and attachments are not submitted as noted above, your application will be considered incomplete.

EXCELLENT BENEFITS:

Texas Parks and Wildlife offers a variety of benefits for employees such as generous paid time off, group insurance, retirement and pension, and frequent training and staff development opportunities.  Other benefits include longevity pay, merit pay, deferred compensation, flexible benefit plans, 401K/457 retirement plans, direct deposit, staggered work hours, Employee Assistance Program and a Return-to-Work Program. For new employees or rehires, health insurance is available on the 1st of the following month after a 60-day waiting period. Click HERE to view our Benefits page.

MILITARY EMPLOYMENT PREFERENCE: 

If you choose to claim military employment preference as outlined by the State of Texas, you must attach the required documentation referenced below at the time your application is submitted. If you have questions regarding this requirement, please visit our Military Employment Reference page at https://tpwd.texas.gov/jobs/veterans/.

Required forms that will need to be attached with application for Military Employment Preference:

Veteran- DD214 showing honorable discharge or Statement of Service (only for transitioning service members who have not reached their date of separation).

Surviving spouse of a veteran who has not remarried- Marriage Certificate and DD Form 1300 or appropriate documentation.

Orphan of a veteran killed while on active duty- Birth Certificate and DD Form 1300 or appropriate documentation.

Spouse of a member of the US Armed Forces/Texas National Guard serving on Active Duty- Marriage Certificate and copy of spouses active-duty military orders.

Spouse of a veteran with disability and is the primary income for household- Marriage Certificate, Veterans DD214, and VA Benefits Summary Letter showing disability rating.

Documentation must be attached to the application before military preference can be granted.

*More information on military occupational specialty codes can be found below:

https://www.onetonline.org/crosswalk/MOC/ 

https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MilitaryCrosswalkGuide.pdf

TPWD IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER