Helene Restoration Division Conservation Aquaculture Technician

About Us

The NC Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) is the state government agency created to conserve and sustain the state's fish and wildlife resources through research, scientific management, wise use and public input. The NCWRC is the regulatory agency responsible for the enforcement of North Carolina's fishing, hunting, trapping, and boating laws. The agency has an operational budget of approximately $100 million and employs approximately 700 full-time staff and 100 seasonal temporary staff across the state, including wildlife and fisheries biologists and technicians, wildlife law enforcement officers, wildlife educators, communication specialists, and customer service, information technology and administrative professionals. The NCWRC Mission is to conserve North Carolina's wildlife resources and their habitats and provide programs and opportunities that allow hunters, anglers, boaters, and other outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy wildlife-associated recreation.

Description of Work

Job Description Summary

The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission is accepting applications for a Wildlife Conservation Technician I for our Helene Restoration Division – Marion Conservation Aquaculture Center.

The position is responsible for technical operations of the Marion Conservation Aquaculture Center (CAC), a nongame fish and mollusk research and propagation facility. The position will assist the CAC Coordinator with propagation and research of rare, threatened, and endangered freshwater mussels and fishes as determined through projects approved by the Helene Restoration Division and USFS. Propagation activities include:

• Mussel infestations and nongame fish production.
• Collect and report data that document subject species' health and vitality as well as the success of methods, equipment used, and environmental conditions.
• Monitor health of aquatic species and report abnormalities.
• Maintain facility biosecurity.
• Conduct necessary water and sediment changes.
• Assist with tagging individuals prior to distribution.
• Collect water samples and perform basic water chemistry analyses, such as dissolved oxygen concentrations, pH, alkalinity, hardness, etc.
• Prepare routine reports and interact with the public.
• Respond to and address day-to-day to conditions at the MCAC.
• Conduct inventory on species and record data.

Infrastructure related duties include facility construction and modifications as needed, Maintain hatchery grounds, buildings, and equipment. Clean and maintain filters, UV systems, pumps, and intakes to ensure systems are operational.

A modified schedule is associated with this position which involves working 40 hours per week within a Monday-Friday timeframe (specific times set by manager), with night work and overnight travel required on occasion. Individuals in this position may be required to work some limited weekends and/or holidays.

This position will be based out of the WRC Marion State Fish Hatchery / Marion Conservation Aquaculture Center located in Marion, NC (McDowell County).

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

CRITICAL NOTE

This is TIME LIMITED position that ends September 2035.

Recruitment Range: $33,902 - $59,327.

Management Preferences

• Knowledge and/or experience working with North Carolina's freshwater nongame fish and mollusk species and their habitats.
• Knowledge of North Carolina's freshwater nongame fish and mollusk species and their habitats.
• Experience in using ArcGIS and data collection.
• Experience operating and maintaining a variety of equipment, tools and vehicles required to perform the duties of the position; including power tools, hand tools, and shop tools, laboratory equipment, water quality instruments and testing equipment.
• Experience with aquatics species propagation.

Minimum Education and Experience

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an "equivalent combination of education and experience." If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.

Associate Degree in wildlife or fisheries management or construction management from an appropriately accredited institution and two years of experience which has included the management of wildlife or fisheries resources or the operation of heavy equipment; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Necessary Special Qualification

Possession of a valid North Carolina driver's license required within 90 days of hire. Some positions may require Commercial Driver's License (CDL), pesticide applicator's license and/or NC Burner Certificate. Some positions may require coursework in fish culture.

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.