These are some of the classifications that are used by the Wildlife Resources Commission. These job specifications provide additional information about the duties of our entry-level positions and also list the minimum education and experience requirements. The Wildlife Resources Commission also advertises jobs that are not listed here. Please check on vacancy postings for positions we are actively recruiting for. Click here for grade and salary range information.

Description of Work. Work in this class involves the enforcement of game, fish, and boating laws and regulations within an assigned section of a district area. Employees patrol fields, forests, and inland waters in automobiles, boats, and on foot to enforce applicable state and federal hunting, fishing, and boating laws and regulations. Work involves considerable public contact, particularly with sportsmen and youth organizations, to explain the programs and regulations of the Wildlife Resources Commission. Work is performed under general supervision, guided by state and federal laws and regulations, and reviewed by superiors through field observations, frequent discussion, and weekly activity reports.

Examples of Duties Performed. Checks licenses of hunters and fisherman and examines the game or fish taken to determine compliance with the applicable laws and regulations. Seizes illegal hunting and fishing devices and all game and fish taken illegally. Investigates violations, arrests violators, and presents court testimony. Investigates complaints regarding damage done by wildlife, suggests preventative measures of issuing permits to kill birds or animals out of season when deemed necessary. Investigates conditions and makes recommendations on the issuance of permits to private citizens to raise game or fish in captivity, or to trap and net game or fish. Inspects facilities engaged in processing or selling game birds for food purposes; examines and correlates records of such processing plants, jobbers, and retail outlets to determine that all sales comply with the law. Makes recommendations on streams to be stocked with fish and assists hatchery personnel in the distribution of such fish. Checks boats for proper certification and boating equipment for quantity and type as required by law; observes boat operation for detection and apprehension of operators who operate recklessly or who are intoxicated or under the influence of "impairing substances". Observes water skiing operations to determine that such operations are in compliance with state laws. Assists in search and rescue operations for the victims of boating accidents or for lost hunters and fisherman. Explains game, fish, and boat laws and regulations to individuals and organizations, presents safety promotion programs. Performs related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. Working knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations relating to the protection and management of game and fish, and to boating and of North Carolina game and fish species, their habitats and natural requirements. General knowledge of and skill in the use of firearms and hunting and fishing equipment. Ability to enforce laws impartially and justly. Ability to operate outboard motor boats, automobiles, and two-way radios. Ability to maintain satisfactory working relationships with the public and other employees. Ability to keep routine records and write standard reports. Necessary Special Qualifications: Possession of a valid North Carolina driver's license and a valid Federal Communications Radio Telephone Operator's License. State employees engaged in "law enforcement work," as defined by State Statute are subject to and must meet the applicable education, employment, and training standards as defined and established by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Training Standards Act and administered through the North Carolina Criminal Justice Training and Standards Council.

Minimum Education and Experience. Certification as a Law Enforcement Officer in accordance with the provisions of the North Carolina Criminal Justice Training and Standards Commission.

Description of Work. This is a journey level professional biological work in the management of wildlife or inland fisheries resources. Employees either function as district biologists or as applied research biologists in either inland fisheries or wildlife management. As district biologists, employees provide technical assistance to land, pond or lake owners in improving habitat and increasing the numbers and varieties of fish and wildlife; perform investigations to determine reasons for declining fish or wildlife populations and to determine possible solutions; conduct and/or participate in surveys to determine actual populations; and solve nuisance wildlife problems. Employees may direct the work of a Wildlife/Fisheries technician. As research biologists, employees independently plan and conduct applied research projects of limited scope and/or participate in larger, more complex studies by planning and conducting a delegated portion of the study. In both cases, work is performed under the general supervision of a higher level biologist and may include other related duties as assigned.

Examples of Duties Performed. District and applied research biologists work in either wildlife management or inland fisheries management. The work of district biologists is characterized by a wide variety of assignments from solving nuisance wildlife problems to planning or participating in wildlife or fish survey work. The work of research biologists is generally limited to one species of wildlife. The work of research biologists requires the selection of sampling techniques, equipment and data gathering methods. Work includes assignments representative of all phases of the study process including problem identification, planning, organizing, scheduling, conducting, analyzing and documentation of results. The work of district biologists is generally characterized by recurring problems with similar solutions. Occasionally, unusual problems occur which defy standard problem solving techniques and standard solutions. Work requires the practical application of biological principles in either inland fisheries or wildlife management. Employees must be knowledgeable of wildlife or fisheries species, their habits and habitats, and the range of environmental problems affecting wildlife or fish populations. Employees apply professional principles and practices, divisional policies and procedures and scientific standards for taxonomic identification. These standards are applicable to most situations encountered. District biologists receive overall areas of emphasis and goals. Within these broad guidelines, employees independently plan and conduct their district activities. Research biologists, when participating in strides, receive goals for their study phase and are expected to plan and conduct their portions independently. As study leaders, employees plan and conduct entire studies independently. As district biologists are located away from their immediate supervisor, their work is reviewed through submitted reports on activities and results and occasional on-site visits from their supervisors. The work of research biologists is reviewed through technical review of study plans, periodic status reports and technical review of study results.

Decisions made by district biologists affect individual landowners, citizen groups interested in wildlife or inland fisheries management, and individual hunters and fishers. Decisions made by them and research biologists involved in survey work contribute to decisions which affect the establishment of hunting and fishing regulations. Decisions made by district biologists could impact on wildlife or fish populations on individual tracts of land lakes or ponds. Decisions made by research biologists could impact on management techniques applied statewide or on hunting or fishing regulations.

Working contacts are required with members of the general public, individual or groups of hunters and fishers, members of environmental groups, members of other natural resources agencies, and the owners of land lakes, or ponds. Contacts are primarily for educational purposes and to present the results of surveys and recommendations resulting from those surveys. The majority of work is performed in the field. Employees are exposed to disagreeable conditions such as inclement weather and agricultural chemicals. Employees are exposed to hazardous chemicals, dangerous animals, moving equipment and the hazards of traveling through forested areas or on open waters.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. Working knowledge of the principles and practices of wildlife management or fisheries management, zoology and botany. Working knowledge of a variety of species of wildlife and fish, their habits and habitats. Working knowledge of wildlife or fisheries management study techniques and equipment. Working knowledge of fish and game production, distribution, and management. Ability to prepare written technical reports. Ability to communicate effectively orally. Ability to design and conduct moderately complex field studies. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other biologists, members of the general public, and members of groups interested in wildlife or fisheries management.

Minimum Education and Experience. Graduation from a four year college or university with a degree in wildlife or fisheries management, zoology or biology and two years of experience in wildlife or fisheries management; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. SPECIAL NOTE - This is a generalized representation of positions in this class and is not intended to identify essential functions per ADA. Examples of work are primarily essential functions of the majority of positions in this class, but may not be applicable to all positions.

Description of Work. Work in this class involves the performance of operational and data collection and analysis duties in support of biologists in the management of wildlife or inland fisheries resources. Employees perform the more routine duties such as maintaining vehicles and equipment, rearing of fish at one of the State's fish hatcheries, transporting and stocking fish, collecting and compiling field data, analyzing water samples, operating heavy and farm type equipment to prepare land for habitat development, planting and cultivating crops, and participating in wildlife restoration activities, trapping and banding. Duties are performed under the general supervision of a wildlife or fisheries biologist. Work may include other duties as required.

Examples of Duties Performed. Employees either function in wildlife or inland fisheries management. In their respective area, employees perform a wide variety of duties ranging from the more routine to those requiring some detailed data collection and compilation. As duties assigned are normally the more routine, guidelines are generally available for most work processes. However, judgment must occasionally be exercised in unusual or emergency situations not covered by the available guidelines. As duties are generally of an internal, operational nature, there is little opportunity for actions which reflect upon the organization. The completion of projects accurately and on time is generally the responsibility of a higher level technician or biologist. Actions could result in the loss of brood stock or fish to be used for stocking purposes, incorrect management decisions based on incorrect or incomplete data supplied to higher level technicians or biologists, injuries to collected animals or to technicians or biologists involved in collection work, or the failure to recognize expected results in habitat development or crop production. Routine duties are performed independently with review only upon completion if at all. More critical or complicated tasks are reviewed during progress and upon completion. Contact is primarily with other staff members to discuss work procedures. Some contact is required with members of the general public. Internal communications are to clarify duties or report results. Communications with the general public are generally to collect data or to explain actions. The majority of the work is performed in the field. Employees are exposed to disagreeable conditions such as inclement weather and agricultural chemicals. Employees are exposed to hazardous chemicals, dangerous animals, moving equipment and the hazards of traveling through forested areas or on open waters.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. Working knowledge of the more routine practical techniques and procedures involved in either inland fisheries management or wildlife management. Working knowledge of the types and habits of the more common species of inland fish or wildlife. Ability to operate and maintain equipment and vehicles used in either wildlife or inland fisheries management. Ability to accurately compile and summarize data. Ability to communicate effectively orally. Ability to prepare written reports.

Minimum Education and Experience. Graduation from a two year technical college with an Associate Degree in wildlife or fisheries management and one year of experience in the management of wildlife or fisheries resources; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Requirements for Trainee Appointment - Graduation form a two year technical college with an Associates Degree in wildlife or fisheries management.

Description of Work. This is journey level technician work in research or management activities in wildlife or inland fisheries management. Employees, depending on their area of assignment, conduct wildlife and fish surveys through field observation, data collection, laboratory analysis and report preparation; prepare land for habitat development; plant and cultivate plants for habitat development or nursery production; operate heavy equipment in land preparation activities; maintain vehicles and equipment; or oversee technicians involved in hatchery work. Work is performed independently under the supervision of a higher level technician or biologist and may include other duties as assigned.

Examples of Duties Performed. Employees function in wildlife or fisheries management in either applied research or management. Within their respective area of assignment, employees perform a wide variety of research and/or management duties requiring drawing conclusions based on field data or laboratory data derived from field data and making wildlife or fisheries management recommendations. Decisions and recommendations require the collection and analysis of a variety of standard data. Work requires some adaptation and modification of standard wildlife or fisheries management and research techniques to respond to emergency or unusual situation in the field. Most tasks require strict adherence to standard research or management procedures and techniques. Duties are generally of an internal nature. There is some opportunity for actions which reflect upon the organization when employees assume responsibility for tasks which are of public interest. In these cases, work of inferior quality or work not finished on time would adversely impact on the image of the organization. Actions could result in the loss of brood stock or fish to be used for stocking purposes, incorrect management decisions or personal recommendations based on incorrect or incomplete field data, injuries to collected animals or to other technicians or biologists involved in collection work, or the failure to recognize expected results in habitat development or crop production. Field work is generally performed independently with review limited to an overview of work upon completion. More critical tasks or projects receive a detailed review upon completion. Contact is generally with other staff members, members of related organizations or members of the general public. Discussions concern work procedures or matters of mutual interest. Contacts are made to exchange information, explain findings, or present information. The majority of the work is performed in the field. Employees are exposed to disagreeable conditions such as inclement weather and agricultural chemicals. Employees are exposed to hazardous chemicals, dangerous animals, moving equipment and the hazards of traveling through forested areas or on open waters.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. Working knowledge of the practical techniques and procedures involved in either inland fisheries management or wildlife management. Working knowledge of the types and habits of a variety of inland fish or wildlife species. Ability to operate and maintain equipment and vehicles used in inland fisheries or wildlife management. Ability to plan collection efforts and accurately collect field data. Ability to accurately analyze field data. Ability to prepare written reports. Ability to effectively communicate orally.

Minimum Education and Experience. Graduation from a two year technical college with an Associate Degree in wildlife or fisheries management and two years of experience in the management of wildlife or fisheries resources; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Description of Work. This is professional work in managing forests which are leased or owned by the Wildlife Resources Commission in order to effectively manage both forest resources and wildlife populations and to provide technical assistance to other state and federal agencies and special interest groups in managing forests for the benefit of wildlife. Employees are responsible for managing forests and providing technical assistance in one of four wildlife regions. Forest management responsibilities include preparing annual and long range forestry/wildlife management plans; planning, marking and administering forest inventories; wildfire prevention and control; controlling pests; and supervising technicians and temporary workers in such activities. Technical assistance activities include providing advice on the management of National Forests; field evaluations and recommendations in areas where forest management activities may impact on endangered or threatened species; involvement with country forestry committees; and assisting District Biologists in providing advice on coordinated timber-wildlife management to private landowners and groups. In addition, employees occasionally assist with forestry and wildlife research projects and present educational programs. Work is performed under the general supervision of a Wildlife Biologist Supervisor I and may include related duties as required.

Examples of Duties Performed. Assignments cover the full spectrum of forest management activities from development through the implementation of forest management plans as well as advising other agencies and groups in the development and implementation of such plans. The management of habitat in order to enhance wildlife populations is a primary consideration in all activities. Forests managed vary in type due to soil conditions, topography and climate. The various types of forests support different species of wildlife. When preparing or advising in the preparation of forest/wildlife management plans, employees must consider the type of forest and the species present in the forests in selecting from a variety of management practices available. Employees must have a full understanding of the forest management planning process and the variety of forest management practices available. In addition, employees must have considerable knowledge of the various types of forests, the species of wildlife which they support and the impact of forest management practices on wildlife habitat and populations. Various forestry and habitat management handbooks are available which cover all standard practices. Employees are required to develop novel approaches with respect to designing timber-wildlife programs which are practical and meet the recreational demands of sportsmen and the needs of wildlife. Employees function under broad instructions to develop forest management/wildlife plans for the forests in their area of responsibility. Except for special assignments, these plans become the instructions which govern work assignments. Forest management/wildlife plans are reviewed by supervising biologist and central office staff for quality and conformance to agency policies. The implementation of plans is conducted with little technical review. In addition, comments on plans which are prepared by others and providing technical guidance receive minimum review.

Forest management/wildlife planning decisions and the implementation of those plans could affect wildlife populations and revenues on lands leases or owned by the Wildlife Resources Commission. Technical assistance and guidance given could have similar impact on federal agencies which manage forests. Decisions could result in lose of revenue for the Wildlife Resources Commission and loss or damage to habits which would have a detrimental impact on wildlife populations.

Contacts are required with federal employees involved in the management of National Forest properties, employees of other State agencies involved in the management of forests, forestry contractors, and private landowners when special expertise in the area of coordinated timber-wildlife management is required. Contacts are required to provide input on forest management/wildlife plans, provide technical assistance, monitor contractors, and provide training.

Work requires the performance of field work during inclement weather or during hot weather. During prescribed burnings, employees are exposed to smoke and heat. Hazards -foot and leg injuries while walking through wooded or bushy terrain. Potential for injuries increase while suppressing wildfires. In addition, employees are exposed to poisonous plants and snakes. Potential for injury from equipment and falling trees is preset due to the need to inspect logging and site clearing operations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. Working knowledge of the types and habitat requirements of wildlife species prevalent in the area of assignment. Working knowledge of wildlife habitat management practices. Working knowledge of the principles and practices of technical forestry as they apply to forest management, marketing, utilization, and protection. Considerable knowledge of the impacts of forest management practices on wildlife habit and populations. Ability to prepare forest/wildlife management plans. Working knowledge of herbicides and pesticides commonly used in forest management and their impacts on wildlife populations. Ability to prepare detailed technical reports. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with representatives of special interest groups, private landowners and employees of other agencies. Physical stamina to work outdoors for long periods of time under adverse conditions.

Minimum Education and Experience. Graduation from a four year college or university with a major in forestry supplemented by the completion of sixteen hours of coursework in wildlife management; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.