IF&W Resource Technician (Fisheries) - 0887 (Jonesboro)

IF&W RESOURCE TECHNICIAN 

(FISHERIES)

Opening Date:

September 30, 2024

Closing Date:

October 21, 2024

Location:

Jonesboro

Position #:

01868-0887

Position Type:

Permanent Full Time 

Class Code:

9385

Grade/Salary:

Grade 21 - $44,803.20 - $62,691.20 Per Year*

*Earning potential over the course of nine step increases based on annual performance reviews. New hires start at step 01.

Have you dreamed of working for the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife? Do you have a passion for managing Maine’s inland fisheries resources? Want to make a difference in Maine? Then this opportunity is for you! 

BRIEF JOB DESCRIPTION: This position is housed within the Fisheries Section and works out of the Jonesboro headquarters, serving Fisheries Management Region C - the Grand Lake Region. This is professional services and scientific work at the technician level, involving field work to support management of the State’s fisheries by protecting, preserving, and enhancing Maine’s natural resources in the Grand Lake Region. Responsibilities include aiding senior level resource biologists by collecting field and laboratory data and using established survey and assessment methodologies. An employee in this classification reports to the IFW Resource Supervisor. Work is performed under general supervision, includes occasional night and weekend work, and may be performed outside in all weather conditions.

Responsibilities of this position include (but are not limited to) the following tasks:

• Assists senior level resource biologists by gathering specific fisheries management information
• Compiles, collects, summarizes, and provides technical data (i.e. habitat survey, creel census, gillnetting, electrofishing, etc.)
• Interprets, explains, and promotes agency management programs, plans, and policies
• Leads and coordinates field and laboratory work of contract and temporary non-state employees and volunteers
• Selects the necessary equipment needed to perform field work, surveys, samplings, and biological investigations
• Conducts population inventories and collects fish population data to inform decision making by others
• Enters, transcribes, records, stores, and maintains collected data and summarizes
• Performs routine upkeep, repair, and maintenance of various vehicles, equipment, and gear

For questions related to the position, please contact the Hiring Manager, Joe Overlock, at: joe.overlock@maine.gov

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: A bachelor’s degree in a natural sciences field and six months of biological related experience. Comparable work experience may be substituted for education requirements on a year-for-year basis.

Preference will be given to candidates that successfully demonstrate: 

• Strong interpersonal skills and organizational skills.
• Strong commitment to work respectfully and collaboratively as part of a team dedicated to responsible management of Maine's inland fisheries.
• Experience sampling fish populations through a variety of methods.

Supplemental Questions: In addition to filling out the standard application form, you must address each of the following items and attach your document to aid in applicant screening and selection.  

1. Briefly describe your education in ecology, biology, and fisheries management and how it relates to this position.
2. Briefly describe your experience in freshwater fishery management as it relates to:

   a)      Inventorying, surveying, and monitoring inland fishery resources.

   b)      Conducting angler sport fishery (creel) surveys.

   c)       Interpreting fish ages from scales or other bony structures.

   d)      Fisheries data entry and database management, including the relevant software that you are most familiar with.

3. Briefly describe your experience in communicating orally and in writing with both lay and technical audiences.
4. Briefly describe your experience operating and maintaining snowmobiles, outboard motorboats, non-motorized watercraft, trailers, and ATVs.

                                  INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED

HOW TO APPLY: Interested applicants need to apply online by selecting the "APPLY" button below along with uploading a Cover Letter, current Resume, and Answers to the Supplemental Questions. In order for us to properly determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for any posting, you must be sure your Resume includes month and year for any experience listed along with the duties and responsibilities associated with each particular time period. Any experience that was not full-time employment should be identified as such. 

If you can't apply online and you require a paper application, please download and print one here: https://www.maine.gov/bhr/state-jobs/application-process. Paper applications for this posting should be submitted along with a Cover Letter, Resume, and Answers to the Supplemental Questions, before the closing date, to: Natural Resources Service Center, c/o Kristin McCamish, 32 Blossom Lane, Marquardt Building, Augusta, ME 04333-0155. Please be sure that the title, and position number, of the job you are applying for is included.

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No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Balance – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave. 
• Health Insurance Coverage– The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($11,196.96-$13,172.88 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.  
• Health Insurance Premium Credit– Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements. 
• Dental Insurance– The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($358.08 annual value). 
• Retirement Plan– The State of Maine contributes 13.29% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.  
• Gym Membership Reimbursement– Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense. 
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts– Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses. 
• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness– The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office. 
• Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.
• Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive forty-two (42) consecutive calendar days of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.  
• Voluntary Deferred Compensation– Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions. 
• Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness. 

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics. 

If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you.  Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Thinking about applying?
Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting.  If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.