Helene Restoration Division Conservation Aquaculture Technician

State of North Carolina • McDowell County, NC

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) is seeking applications for a Wildlife Conservation Technician I to work at the Marion Conservation Aquaculture Center (CAC), a facility focused on research and propagation of nongame fish and mollusks. This position is responsible for the technical operations of the CAC and will assist the CAC Coordinator in propagating and researching rare, threatened, and endangered freshwater mussels and fishes. The role involves data collection, monitoring species health, maintaining facility biosecurity, performing water quality analyses, preparing reports, and interacting with the public. Infrastructure-related duties include facility maintenance, grounds upkeep, and ensuring the operational status of hatchery systems. This is a time-limited position ending September 2035.

Requirements

• 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.
• Possession of a valid North Carolina driver’s license required within 90 days of hire.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge and/or experience working with 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.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Assist with mussel infestations and nongame fish production.
• Collect and report data documenting species health, vitality, and the success of methods, equipment, and environmental conditions.
• Monitor the health of aquatic species and report any 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 (e.g., dissolved oxygen, pH, alkalinity, hardness).
• Prepare routine reports and interact with the public.
• Respond to and address day-to-day conditions at the MCAC.
• Conduct inventory on species and record data.
• Perform 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.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree