Fish and Wildlife Technician 1

The duties that the incumbent of the vacancy will be expected to perform. Duties Description Fishing Boat and Tributary Surveys spending 2/3 of the time on the Lake Ontario Creel monitoring angler success/effort. The remaining 1/3 of time will be spent with Fisheries performing fisheries related field work: boat and backpack electrofishing, set/pull gill, trap and fyke nets, collect limnological samples, etc. The technician would typically work M - F from 8 am to 4:30 pm while working out of Avon. The Fishing Boat survey will run from mid-April until mid-September each year, while the Tributary Survey covers mid-September through mid-April. The boat survey schedule includes both weekend days, holidays and three randomly selected weekdays with the shift running from 8 am to 4:30 pm. The tributary survey runs four days per week (10-hour days) and includes both weekend days, holidays and two randomly selected weekdays. The shift hours vary with AM or PM shifts covering daylight hours. The boat survey will consist of anchoring a boat and interviewing returning fishing boats, while the tributary survey consists of driving a specified route covering multiple streams each day while performing counts and conducting interviews. Technicians must effectively interact and communicate with the public, ask questions regarding their angling experience, and accurately record angler answers and biological data. Processing fish for length, weight, clip and scale samples is required as well as data entry. Must be able to safely trailer, operate, and work on board an 18’ boat. Technicians are required to work occasional overtime, nights or longer days depending on needs of the program. The Technician must be able to work in a variety of inclement weather conditions on all projects, and must work effectively both independently and as a team member.

The minimum qualifications required for this vacancy. Minimum Qualifications 30 semester credit hours, including 12 semester credit hours in fisheries; marine resources or wildlife management; mariculture; marine biology; aquaculture; aquatic, marine or terrestrial ecology; zoology; marine technology; botany; limnology; hydrology; or oceanography.Preferred Qualifications: Experience trailering and operating boats as long as 20 feet in length, interacting with the public and identifying various fish species. Experience with various fisheries sampling gear including boat and backpack electrofishing, setting and retrieving gill and trap nets.

Additional comments regarding the vacancy. Additional Comments This is a hourly appointment currently funded through 11/30/2025, with a likelihood of continuing beyond that date. Program needs and funding will determine actual termination date. Must have a valid driver’s license or demonstrate the ability to meet the transportation needs of the position.Must be able to negotiate difficult terrain.Must be able to work in remote areas.Must be able to work in adverse weather conditions. Travel may be required.Overtime may be required. Overnight travel may be required.Weekends and holidays may be required. Must be able to lift and move objects up to 50 pounds.Must have certification to operate motorized boats or personal watercrafts at time of appointment.Telecommuting may be available, will be discussed at interview.The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Our work would not be possible without the diverse backgrounds, experiences, ideas, and abilities of our employees. DEC is committed to developing a workforce which represents the diverse population of New York State. DEC embraces a diverse and inclusive work environment by encouraging all individuals, including those with disabilities, to apply to open positions at the agency.

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