NATURAL RESOURCES PROGRAM TECHNICIAN

The Natural Resources Program Technician at the State of Arkansas plays a key role in managing and conserving natural resources, focusing on forestry and wildlife. Responsibilities include inspecting forest lands, implementing control measures, conducting research, managing wildlife areas, and providing training. The technician ensures compliance with regulations and engages with stakeholders to educate on forestry and wildlife management. This position is based in North Little Rock, AR.
About the position

The Natural Resources Program Technician plays a crucial role in the Arkansas Department of Agriculture, focusing on the management and conservation of natural resources, particularly in forestry and wildlife. This position is responsible for a variety of tasks including forest and fish propagation, fire prevention, cultivation, and harvesting activities, as well as maintaining wildlife management areas. The technician will work under the governance of state and federal laws, ensuring compliance with regulations while implementing effective management strategies for Arkansas's natural resources. In this role, the technician will inspect forest lands for damage caused by insects or diseases and assist in the implementation of control measures. They will prepare plans for site preparation and improvement of planting, harvesting, and wildlife use. The technician will also conduct research on collected samples, such as fish, blood, water, soil, and plant species, examining animals and specimens to detect diseases or other issues. Additionally, they will engage in agricultural and forest management activities on wildlife management areas, which includes preparing seed beds, selecting and marking trees for thinning or logging, and maintaining waterways, dams, and ponds. The technician will monitor and inspect both public and private wildlife to ensure compliance with state regulations and will be responsible for training personnel in fire safety, accident prevention, and the maintenance of scientific and technical equipment. They will gather, provide, and present educational information and training related to forestry and wildlife to various stakeholders, including federal, state, and local health officers, community organizations, and the general public. Furthermore, the technician will assist in fish and game propagation and maintenance activities, preparing reports on wildlife findings, and ensuring that work areas are clean and well-maintained. Other duties may be assigned as necessary.

Responsibilities
• Inspect forest lands for damage by insects or disease.
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• Assist in implementing plans or recommendations for control measures.
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• Prepare plans for site preparation or improvement of planting, harvesting, marketing, or wildlife use.
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• Conduct or assist in conducting research on collected samples such as fish, blood, water, soil, and plant species.
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• Examine animals and specimens to detect diseases or other problems.
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• Conduct agricultural and forest management activities on wildlife management areas.
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• Prepare seed beds and plant foods; select and mark trees for thinning and/or logging.
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• Utilize soil erosion control measures and maintain waterways, dams, and ponds.
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• Monitor and inspect public and private wildlife to ensure compliance with state regulations.
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• Train personnel in activities such as fire safety, accident prevention, and maintenance of scientific and technical equipment.
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• Gather, provide, and present general and forestry educational information and training to various stakeholders.
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• Provide technical support and services for scientists and engineers in agriculture, environmental science, resource management, and biology.
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• Assist in conducting fish and game propagation and maintenance activities.
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• Prepare reports pertaining to wildlife findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
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• Clean, maintain, prepare, and supply work areas.
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• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements
• The formal education equivalent of a high school diploma.
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• Three years of field experience in wildlife or fisheries management, forestry, land management, or a related area.
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• Knowledge of procedures and methods used in documenting wildlife investigations.
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• Knowledge of equipment and techniques used to maintain buildings, grounds, and equipment.
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• Knowledge of fish propagation, harvesting, cultivation, and maintenance activities.
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• Knowledge of tissue and blood sampling techniques used in collection research.
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• Knowledge of agricultural methods and basic land laws.
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• Knowledge of timber marking, land surveying, and other related forestry techniques.
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• Ability to collect samples of wildlife, perform fish hatchery tasks, prepare reports, maintain files, and present oral and written information.
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• Ability to operate and maintain wildlife equipment.

Nice-to-haves

Benefits