Game and Fish Technician - Fort Polk, LA

Colorado State University • Fort Polk, LA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Game and Fish Technician is a Colorado State University employee and member of the Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands (CEMML) team, stationed at Fort Polk, Louisiana. The technician works as an independent cooperator supporting the Fort Polk Conservation Branch and collaborates with the INRMP Program Manager and CEMML team members to carry out game, fish, and wildlife projects. The position supports fisheries management, wildlife habitat and population monitoring, forest habitat assessments, invasive species management, project data collection and reporting, and other natural resource program areas as needed.

CEMML is a research, education, and service unit within CSU’s Warner College of Natural Resources. The role includes field and office work, coordination with Federal and CSU personnel, equipment care, outreach, and participation in meetings, training, and seminars. The position has no supervisory duties.

Requirements

• High school diploma.
• Experience with wildlife management, natural resource management, or invasive species management.
• Experience conducting fieldwork and accurately recording, entering, and proofing data.
• Demonstrated proficiency using field data collection applications, compasses, maps, data tablets, and GPS units.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Access.
• Valid driver’s license or ability to obtain one by the employment start date.
• Ability to obtain a Common Access Card (CAC); U.S. citizenship is a prerequisite.
• Must be legally eligible to work in the U.S. by the proposed start date; visa sponsorship is not provided.
• Ability to perform strenuous fieldwork and work in challenging conditions, including variable weather, insects, wildlife, and dense brush.
• Ability to work up to two weekends per year, consisting of five 16-hour days, during mandatory white-tailed deer check efforts at the Fort Polk and Fort Polk North Wildlife Management Areas.
• Successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check for new hires.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in wildlife management, botany, horticulture, biology, ecology, or a closely related science.
• At least one year of experience with wildlife management, natural resource management, or invasive species management.
• Experience working with game species.
• Experience writing technical reports.
• Experience working with ArcGIS and ArcMap.
• Experience with 4WD, off-road, and ATV/UTV driving.
• Experience with carpentry-type power equipment, chainsaws, and farm equipment.
• Natural resource experience in Louisiana.
• Experience working on a military installation.

Responsibilities

• Implement fisheries and aquatic resource management activities, including fish population sampling through electrofishing, netting, and seining; water quality monitoring; aquatic vegetation management; water control structure maintenance; and fish stocking.
• Conduct wildlife and habitat monitoring and management, including establishing and maintaining wildlife food plots, conducting game bird population surveys, monitoring white-tailed deer, and assessing habitat to support forest prescription development and wildlife management objectives.
• Manage, report, and accurately record project data.
• Perform equipment inventory and maintenance.
• Support project outreach and coordinate with Federal and CSU personnel.
• Attend meetings, trainings, and seminars.
• Assist with other natural resource projects and program areas, including invasive and nuisance species management, non-game wildlife, botany, outreach, threatened and endangered species conservation, maneuver damage assessments, and other conservation projects as assigned.

Benefits

• Colorado State University describes a robust benefits package, a collaborative atmosphere, and a focus on work-life balance. Detailed benefits information is available through the university.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED