NATURAL RESOURCES PROGRAM TECHNICIAN

Position Number: 22088519

County: Pulaski

Posting End Date: Open Until Filled

Anticipated Starting Salary: $32,405

Baucum Nursery

Hiring Authority:

1402 Highway 391 North

North Little Rock, AR 72117

Phone: 501/907-2485

Email: [email protected]

As the largest industry in Arkansas, the Arkansas Department of Agriculture is dedicated to the development and implementation of policies and programs for Arkansas agriculture and forestry to keep its farmers and ranchers competitive in national and international markets while ensuring safe food, fiber, and forest products for the citizens of the state and nation. The Department is organized into five Divisions: Forestry Division, Livestock and Poultry Division, Natural Resources Division, Plant Industries Division, and Shared Services Division.

Position Information

Class Code: B101C

Grade: GS04

FLSA Status: NON-EXEMPT

Salary Range: $29,046.00 - $42,117.00

Summary

The Natural Resources Program Technician is responsible for forest and fish propagation, fire prevention, cultivation, and harvesting activities and/or maintaining a wildlife management area. This position is governed by state and federal laws and agency/institution policy.

Functions

Inspects forest lands for damage by insects or disease, assists in implementing plans or recommendations for control measures, and prepares plans for site preparation or improvement of planting, harvesting, marketing, or wildlife use. Conducts or assists in conducting research on collected samples, such as fish, blood, water, soil, and plant species, and examines animals and specimens to detect diseases or other problems. Conducts agricultural and forest management activities on wildlife management areas, including preparing seed beds and plant foods; selects and marks trees for thinning and/or logging utilizing soil erosion control measures and maintains waterways, dams, and ponds. Monitors and inspects public and private wildlife to ensure compliance with state regulations and trains various personnel in activities, such as fire safety, accident prevention, and maintenance and calibration of scientific and technical equipment. Gathers, provides, and presents general and forestry educational information and training to various federal, state, local health officers, community organizations, and the general public. Provides technical support and services for scientists and engineers working in fields, such as agriculture, environmental science, resource management, and biology. Assists in conducting fish and game propagation and maintenance activities, including monitoring of spawning, hatching, incubation, sexing, and feeding. Prepares reports pertaining to wildlife findings, conclusions and recommendations. Cleans, maintains, prepares, and supplies work areas. Performs other duties as assigned.

Dimensions

None

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

Knowledge of the procedures and methods used in documenting wildlife investigations. Knowledge of the equipment and techniques used to maintain buildings, grounds and equipment. Knowledge of fish propagation, harvesting, cultivation, and maintenance activities. Knowledge of tissue and blood sampling techniques used in collection research. Knowledge of agricultural methods and basic land laws. Knowledge of timber marking, land surveying, and other related forestry techniques. Ability to collect samples of wildlife, perform fish hatchery, prepare reports, maintain files, and present oral and written information. Ability to operate and maintain wildlife equipment.

Minimum Qualifications

The formal education equivalent of a high school diploma; plus three years of field experience in wildlife or fisheries management or forestry or land management, or related area. Additional requirements determined by the agency for recruiting purposes require review and approval by the Office of Personnel Management. OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.

Licenses

None

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of herbicides and fertilizers
• Knowledge and ability of seed stratification and assist with seed planting.
• Knowledge of farm equipment and operation.
• Ability to load and unload trucks and operate forklifts.
• Ability to get a noncommercial chemical applicators license.
• Ability to operate and maintain irrigation equipment.
• Ability to perform nursery, seed orchard, landscaping, and related tasks.
• Ability to offer assistance on technical horticultural methods and operations.
• Ability to operate and maintain farm tractors and equipment.
• Supervise small work crews.
• Backup truck driver.
• Occasional exposure to hazardous chemicals may be required.
• Occasional heavy lifting may be required.
  
  

The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.