Fish and Wildlife Technician I – II (Hatchery Technician)

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Under the supervision of the Hatchery Manager, this position is responsible for fish hatchery stock enhancement. Assists Hatchery Manager in the propagation and distribution of marine finfish throughout the coastal waters of Texas. Duties include collecting, tabulating, and entry of hatchery records; fish culture operations; and stock enhancement program work. Operates equipment safely and maintains gear, equipment, and facility. May assist with training, assigning, and scheduling the work of other team members as needed. May supervise the work of volunteers and community service workers. Performs additional duties as assigned. Complies with all Agency, Division and Branch rules, regulations and procedures.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

• Graduation from High School or GED.

Experience:

• FWT I: No experience required.
• FWT II: Four years of relevant experience required related to the specific duties of the position.

Licensure:       

• Must possess a valid class “A” Texas Commercial driver’s license OR must possess or be able to obtain, within 30 days of employment, a valid class “C” Texas driver’s license and convert to a class “A” Commercial driver’s license within one year of employment.

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

ACCEPTABLE SUBSTITUTIONS:

Experience:

• FWT II ONLY: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s, Master’s or Ph.D. in Mariculture/Aquaculture, Fisheries Biology, Marine Biology or closely related field may substitute for two years of the required experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience:

• Two years of work experience in Aquaculture/Mariculture facilities.
• Experience in industrial trades such as plumbing, electrical, and carpentry and welding.
• Experience in the operation of heavy equipment (tractors/mowers/forklifts).
• Experience in the operation of dually pickup trucks and towing goose-neck trailers.

Licensure:      

• A valid Class “A” Commercial driver’s license (CDL).

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

FWT I: 

• Knowledge of fish culture and hatchery operations;
• Knowledge of vehicle and motor mechanics and maintenance;
• Knowledge of common Texas marine organisms, and fisheries.

FWT II:

• Knowledge of Fish and Wildlife Technician I, PLUS;
• Knowledge of purchasing procedures and quality control techniques.

FWT I:

• Skill in MS Word, Excel and Outlook;
• Skill in effective verbal and written communication;
• Skill in operating and maintaining vehicles and trailers;
• Skill in operating and maintaining small hand tools;
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective work relationships with co-workers and work-related contacts;
• Skill in using standard office equipment;
• Skill in demonstrating effective work habits, efficiently completing tasks, and follow directions.

FWT II:

• Skill in Fish and Wildlife Technician I, PLUS;
• Skill in training others;
• Skill in operating and maintaining farm equipment such as forklifts, skid steer, tractors etc.;
• Skill in providing direction and guidance to less tenured staff;
• Skill in working with PVC fittings and pipes; installing electrical components (pump motors, lights, switches, etc.) and/or mechanical equipment (blowers, motors, pumps, filters).       

FWT I:

• Ability to learn to identify common marine organisms;
• Ability to collect and record data and maintain accurate records and reports;
• Ability to learn methods employed in fish hatcheries;
• Ability to accurately follow instructions;
• Ability to communicate effectively with the public;
• Ability to work as a member of a team;
• Ability to maintain field equipment and facilities;
• Ability to perform manual labor including, lifting supplies and materials up to 50 lbs.;
• Ability to work in heat enclosed spaces, heights, noise, dust, and fumes;
• Ability to conduct work activities in accordance with TPWD safety program;
• Ability to operate a vehicle and pull a gooseneck trailer;

FWT II:

• Ability of Fish and Wildlife Technician I, PLUS:
• Ability to maintain flexibility and work with frequent interruptions and multiple changing priorities;
• Ability to prioritize tasks and schedules;
• Ability to train others;
• Ability to learn basic purchasing procedures.