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NYS Department of Environmental Conservation

Fish and Wildlife Technician 1

NYS Department of Environmental Conservation · Albany, NY

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  • On site
  • Full-time
  • $50,000 / year
  • Albany, NY

Job highlights

  • Manage and compile data for wildlife species.
  • Utilize ArcGIS for mapping species distributions.
  • Respond to public inquiries and data requests.
  • Assist with fieldwork and monitoring projects.
  • Support wildlife diversity and conservation efforts.

About the role

Job Title

Fish and Wildlife Technician

Location

Albany, NY

Job Summary

This position is based in DEC’s Central Office in Albany and the incumbent will work with the Herpetofauna and Invertebrate Unit biologists on data management. Duties will primarily be office based and involve working with DEC staff and external partners on data compilation for freshwater mussels, frosted elfin, Karner blue butterflies and other invertebrate species as needed, as well as data entry and quality checking of information related to all taxa the Unit is responsible for. The incumbent will also assist with mapping species occurrences and creating distribution maps in ArcGIS, researching/responding to data requests, answering public inquiries as needed, and other related tasks as assigned. As part of the Wildlife Diversity Section, the incumbent may be asked to assist Wildlife staff involved in the implementation of other programs or tasks as assigned. Limited opportunities may also exist to assist with fieldwork for at-risk species. Potential work may include surveys of terrestrial and aquatic invertebrate species, surveys for reptile and amphibian species, assisting with bird and mammal monitoring projects, and maintaining/transporting field equipment.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Thirty 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:
  • Strong organizational and communication skills, with excellent attention to detail and experience managing large datasets.
  • Proficiency with using Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Excel, Word, and Sharepoint) and familiarity with ESRI products (ArcGIS).
  • Knowledge of New York’s invertebrate species, particularly freshwater mussels and butterflies/moths.

Additional Comments

  • Actual work schedule, duties and travel requirements may vary and will be discussed at the interview.
  • Must have a valid driver’s license or demonstrate the ability to meet the transportation needs of the position.
  • Travel may be required.
  • Overnight travel may be required.
  • 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. Please be advised, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation does not use E-Verify, and we are unable to provide sponsorship for employment visa statuses (i.e. H-1B, Self-Sponsorship, STEM OPT).

Key skills/competency

  • Data Management
  • Data Entry
  • Quality Assurance
  • ArcGIS Mapping
  • Species Occurrence
  • Public Inquiries
  • Wildlife Management
  • Invertebrate Species
  • Herpetofauna
  • Fieldwork

Skills & topics

  • Fish and Wildlife Technician
  • Wildlife Management
  • Data Management
  • ArcGIS
  • Species Data
  • Invertebrate Ecology
  • Herpetology
  • Conservation
  • New York State
  • DEC

How to get hired

  • Tailor your resume: Highlight your coursework in fisheries, wildlife management, ecology, or zoology, and any data management experience.
  • Showcase technical skills: Emphasize proficiency in Microsoft Office and ArcGIS, along with any knowledge of New York's invertebrate species.
  • Address qualifications directly: Clearly state how you meet the minimum semester credit hour requirements and preferred qualifications in your application.
  • Prepare for the interview: Be ready to discuss your organizational and communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage datasets.
  • Demonstrate transportation readiness: Ensure you have a valid driver's license or can explain how you'll meet the transportation needs of the role.

Technical preparation

Master relevant coursework in wildlife or ecology.,Practice data entry and quality checking.,Gain proficiency in Microsoft Excel and ArcGIS.,Research New York's invertebrate species.

Behavioral questions

Describe your attention to detail in data tasks.,How do you manage large datasets effectively?,Give an example of responding to public inquiries.,How do you handle diverse team collaborations?

Frequently asked questions

What are the primary responsibilities of a Fish and Wildlife Technician at NYS DEC?
The primary responsibilities of a Fish and Wildlife Technician at the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation involve office-based data management for various wildlife species, including freshwater mussels and butterflies. This includes data compilation, entry, quality checking, and mapping using ArcGIS. You will also respond to data requests and public inquiries, with potential opportunities for fieldwork.
What educational background is required for the Fish and Wildlife Technician position?
To qualify for the Fish and Wildlife Technician position, you need thirty semester credit hours, with at least 12 of those hours focused on relevant fields such as fisheries, wildlife management, ecology, zoology, or related biological sciences.
Is experience with data management and GIS important for this role?
Yes, strong organizational skills, experience managing large datasets, and proficiency with Microsoft Office applications are highly preferred. Familiarity with ESRI products like ArcGIS is also a significant advantage for mapping species occurrences and creating distribution maps.
Are there opportunities for fieldwork as a Fish and Wildlife Technician?
While the role is primarily office-based, there are limited opportunities to assist with fieldwork for at-risk species. This could include surveys for invertebrates, reptiles, amphibians, and assisting with bird and mammal monitoring projects.
Does the NYS DEC offer sponsorship for employment visas for the Fish and Wildlife Technician role?
No, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation does not use E-Verify and cannot provide sponsorship for employment visa statuses such as H-1B or STEM OPT.
What is the work arrangement for the Fish and Wildlife Technician position?
The position is primarily office-based in Albany, NY. However, telecommuting may be available and will be discussed during the interview. Travel may also be required.
How does the NYS DEC foster diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility?
The NYS DEC is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment by valuing the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities of its employees. They encourage all individuals, including those with disabilities, to apply to open positions.
What transportation requirements are needed for the Fish and Wildlife Technician job?
A valid driver's license is required, or you must be able to demonstrate the ability to meet the transportation needs of the position, as travel may be necessary.