Wildlife Habitat Construction Technician

Arizona Department of Administration•Yuma, AZ

12d•Onsite

About The Position

The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) is seeking a skilled tradesperson with a passion for the outdoors to join their team as a Wildlife Habitat Construction Technician in Region 4 (Yuma). This role involves constructing, maintaining, and repairing wildlife waters and habitat structures, applying construction talents to make a tangible impact on landscapes. The job offers an "office" in the great outdoors, working in remote, rugged terrain, and involves coordinating with volunteers and working alongside a team dedicated to conservation. The position is responsible for everything from fabrication to field deployment of specialized projects that keep ecosystems thriving.

Requirements

General knowledge of a variety of construction trades (carpentry, plumbing, working with cement, welding, painting).
Basic knowledge of survey equipment, levels, string line, power tools, generators and welders.
Knowledge of handling and applying hazardous materials associated with fiber glassing, PVC plumbing and other industrial water-proofing materials.
Knowledge of transport of Department and other agency personnel and volunteers and materials via aircraft, including different helicopter models, loading order and weight distribution of passengers, weight limitations affected by temperature and wind, rigging long-line loads with cargo nets and chokers and basic knowledge of ground-to-pilot hand signals.
Knowledge of two-way radio communications, including the Department radio system (vehicle and handheld radios).
Knowledge of map reading and determining approximate location using hand-drawn and computer-generated topographical maps.
Basic knowledge of global positioning system devices, such as acquiring way points and applying to topographical interfaces.
Basic knowledge of rendering First Aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the use of an automatic electronic defibrillator.
Knowledge of vehicle operations including OHVs, four-wheel drive pick-ups, 1 and 1.5 ton crew trucks and heavy duty water trucks.
Knowledge of all laws and rules pertaining to operating vehicles requiring a Commercial Drivers License.
Knowledge of safe boating and navigational practices.
Skill in fence building, including lay-out, staging and installation of barbed and smooth wire, pipe rail and chain link fence materials.
Skill in effective and safe use of pneumatic devices such as jack hammers, rock drills and post pounders.
Skill in using power tools such as chain saws, gas-powered cutting saws and cement mixers.
Skill in plumbing including assembling PVC, HOPE, copper, galvanized and steel pipe systems.
Skill in welding including stick and MIG types, and proper oxygen acetylene cutting torch operation.
Skill in concrete including forming, reinforcing, mixing and pouring concrete.
Skill in masonry including using mortar to adhere natural rock or concrete block to habitat enhancements.
Skill in developing skills specific to habitat enhancement construction and maintenance materials used in the fabrication of steel rain collection aprons and skills related to fiber glassing.
Skill in safe loading and transporting materials over long distances on rough and remote roads, while driving and maintaining specialized, heavy duty four-wheel drive vehicles.
Skill in camping in extremely remote areas for extended periods of time, while developing strong inter-personal communication skills.
Skill in team building with other Department staff and volunteers.
Skill in safely operating and working around heavy equipment as needed.
Ability to read, comprehend and apply information from Manufacturer's Safety Data Sheets for all applicable materials used.
Employment is contingent upon completion of a post-offer medical/physical examination and the agency’s ability to reasonably accommodate any restrictions.
Position requires OSHA 10/30 certification, Forklift/Telehandler certification and First Aid CPR certification (must obtain within 6 months of hire).
Position requires possession of and ability to retain a current, valid State of Arizona Driver’s Class A CDL with tanker endorsements (must obtain within 6 months of hire).

Nice To Haves

Enjoyment of working outdoors and the ability to camp out for extended periods of time.
Genuine interest in hunting, fishing, and/or wildlife management.
Demonstrated hands-on experience in construction trades, specifically welding techniques, plumbing systems, masonry and concrete work.
Experience in constructing habitat-specific enhancements, particularly the fabrication of steel rain collection aprons and fiber glassing applications.
Experience in the safe operation and field maintenance of heavy-duty 4WD vehicles and heavy equipment, with a focus on hauling and transporting materials across rough, remote terrain.
Proficiency in the effective and safe use of a wide array of pneumatic devices and power tools, ranging from jackhammers and post pounders to gas-powered cutting saws and cement mixers.
College degree or college-level courses, especially as they relate to the biological aspect of this position.
Experience in various construction trades, farming, ranching or from trade schools.
Trade skills that are most useful include carpentry, welding, plumbing and concrete finishing.
Good communication skills.
Appreciation for wildlife and wildlife management in Arizona.
Ability to adjust to dynamic work conditions in remote settings.

Responsibilities

Constructing, maintaining, and repairing wildlife waters and habitat structures throughout Region 4.
Performing a wide variety of construction tasks requiring technical skills in the use of tools and equipment.
Camping out for multiple days in remote areas.
Coordinating with the regional volunteer program and working directly with volunteers to execute projects and daily tasks.
Ensuring compliance with Department procedures, maintaining high standards of quality, and meeting project deadlines while adhering to safety protocols and OSHA standards.
Managing and maintaining materials and equipment.
Construct, maintain and repair habitat development projects per Department policies, procedures and standards, and OSHA construction safety standards.
Safe highway and off-road operation of Department off-highway vehicles (OHV), four-wheel drive 3/4 ton, 1 ton, 1.5 ton, heavy duty water trucks, backhoes and skid steer loaders if applicable.
Operation and maintenance of a large variety of Department hand tools, power tools, welders and other construction equipment, camp gear and work areas.
Attend and participate in Department training opportunities and meetings and provide quality customer outreach and supervision in the field when applicable.
Accurate and timely completion of required Department electronic records and paperwork, including ETE entries, diaries, travel reimbursement forms, position resource files, Department surveys, purchasing documents and other required documentation for position.
Acquisition and safe transportation of construction materials and other supplies to and from Department projects, per municipal, state and federal laws and rules.
Load and unload project materials and personnel from trucks and helicopters, strictly adhering to all related Department and OSHA safety policies and standards.
Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

13 days’ of vacation
12 sick days
10 paid holidays
Tuition Reimbursement Program
Participation in the nationally recognized Arizona State Retirement System
Superior health care options
Vision care, dental care, pharmacy benefits, and flexible spending account (options available)
Life, long-term disability, and short-term disability insurance options are available
Many more benefit programs are available
Paid Parental Leave program