Review Vacancy
AgencyEnvironmental Conservation, Department of
TitleFish and Wildlife Technician 3
Occupational CategoryI.T. Engineering, Sciences
Bargaining UnitOSU - Operational Services Unit (CSEA)
Salary RangeFrom $59787 to $72429 Annually
Duties Description The Lake Erie Fisheries Research Unit (LEU) delivers a comprehensive fisheries and ecosystem assessment/research program that is conducted in accordance with the governance structure of the Great Lakes Fishery Commission’s (GLFC) Strategic Plan for the Management of Great Lakes Fisheries. The successful execution of the LEU’s program is highly dependent upon research and management planning, assessment/research design and execution, and data analysis and reporting conducted collaboratively with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (OMNRF), Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC), Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR), U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), academia and NGOs.
The Fish and Wildlife Technician 3 at the Dunkirk Research Station will be responsible for supporting fisheries assessment programs on the open waters of Lake Erie and its tributaries with the potential for adverse working conditions (e.g. wind, large waves, rain). The successful candidate must be able to lift 50 pounds, ascend and descend a ladder, and negotiate difficult terrain. The technician will supervise Fish and Wildlife Technician 1s that are carrying out field duties such as creel surveys and the collection of biological data. The incumbent will also be responsible for coordinating logistics for open water sampling events with the Research Vessel Captain and carrying out on-deck health and safety responsibilities associated with sampling on Lake Erie. Additionally, the incumbent will assist with coordination and oversite of facility maintenance, and organization and maintenance of the onsite vehicle fleet.
Typical job duties will include:
•Organize and participate in annual fisheries assessment surveys, using a variety of fisheries sampling gear, including bottom trawls, trapnets, and gill nets.
•Assist the Research Vessel (R/V) Captain in the maintenance and safe operation of the R/V Argo, and several smaller research vessels.
•Coordinate with R/V Captain to schedule and plan research vessel surveys.
•Supervise data collection, data entry and sample processing.
•Coordinate sample collection for outside investigators
•Review written reports.
•Assist Lake Erie Unit staff with other fisheries and limnological studies as required.
•Assist the Unit Leader with coordination and oversite of facility maintenance
•Oversee maintenance and organization of the onsite vehicle fleet
Additional requirements
•Must have a valid driver's license.
•Must possess, or be legally eligible to obtain, a U.S. Passport with no restrictions on travel to Canada.
•Must be able to lift 50 pounds.
•Must be able-bodied and capable of negotiating difficult terrain, ascending/descending ladders while the R/V Argo is underway, and be able to don an immersion suit in 60 seconds.
•Must be able to work on the open waters of Lake Erie in adverse conditions that may cause motion sickness
•Must be able to work at any time day or night, and up to 12 hours or more, in inclement weather and noisy environments.
•Must be able to work overtime and on some weekends.
•Approximately 5 days of overnight travel per year may be required.
Minimum Qualifications Minimum qualifications for provisional appointment:
Must be a qualified employee of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and have had One year of permanent competitive or 55-b/55-c service as a Fish and Wildlife Technician 2.
Minimum qualifications for competitive appointment:
Reassignment - Currently in the title and an employee of DEC
or
Reinstatement Eligible - Previously held the title on a permanent competitive basis or held a title as indicated under the transfer eligible section on a permanent competitive basis
or
Transfer Eligible - One year of permanent competitive service at salary grade 13 or higher and eligible for transfer under Section 70.1: Permanent competitive service as a Fish & Wildlife Technician 2.
*If there is no viable eligible for this title and no more than three individuals interested from among the interested qualified candidates for this position, it may be possible to make a permanent appointment via non-competitive promotion.
Additional Comments Must have a valid driver’s license or demonstrate the ability to meet the transportation needs of the position.
Use of personal protection equipment, including a respirator, will be required.
Must be able to negotiate difficult terrain.
Must be able to work in remote areas.
Must be able to work in adverse weather conditions.
Travel may be required.
Overtime may be required.
Overnight travel may be required.
Weekends and holidays may be required.
Must be able to lift and move objects up to 50 pounds.
must be able to work on vessels that may cause motion sickness.
We offer a work-life balance and a generous benefits package, worth 65% of salary, including:
• Holiday & Paid Time Off
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Pension from New York State Employees’ Retirement System
• Shift & Geographic pay differentials
• Affordable Health Care options
• Family dental and vision benefits at no additional cost
• NYS Deferred Compensation plan
• Access to NY 529 and NY ABLE College Savings Programs, and U.S. Savings Bonds
• And many more...
For new State employees appointed to graded positions, the annual salary is the hiring rate (beginning of the Salary Range) of the position. Promotion salaries are calculated by the NYS Office of the State Comptroller in accordance with NYS Civil Service Law, OSC Payroll rules and regulations and negotiated union contracts.
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).
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.
Email Address PostingResponses@dec.ny.gov
Address
Personnel, 10th Floor
Notes on ApplyingPlease email/mail your resume to the above. Be sure to put vacancy 26-213211 on your letter/resume and also in the subject line of the email or it may not be accepted. Provide a copy of your college transcript with your reply. Unofficial copy is acceptable.

