Description
JOB CLASS TITLE: Wildlife Conservation Technician I
WORKING TITLE: CWD Field Technician (Multiple Positions)
DEPARTMENT: NC Wildlife Resources Commission
DIVISION/SECTION: Wildlife Management/Operations
SALARY: $15.00 - $22.00 per hour
SALARY GRADE / SALARY GRADE EQUIVALENT: NC05
APPOINTMENT TYPE: Temporary Full-Time
WORK LOCATION: Districts 2, 6, 7, and 8
OPENING DATE: 6/16/2026
CLOSING DATE: Until Filled
DESCRIPTION OF WORK:
* Appointment times are 4-month, September/October 2026 through January/February 2027 or
5-month, September 2026 through January 2027
* Positions will be home-based and located in Districts 2, 6, 7, and 8
The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (WRC) is seeking applicants to fill multiple Wildlife Conservation Technician (Working Title: “CWD Field Technician”) positions. These positions will be considered full-time temporary positions with a 40-hr work week. Appointment times vary for each location with four-month as well as 5-month appointments available depending on location. Start dates vary as well, with most beginning either early September or October 2026.
The primary purpose of these positions will be to support WRC’s ongoing disease monitoring efforts in white tailed deer, specifically and focused primarily on Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) surveillance. Under the supervision, direction, and training of WRC Wildlife Management Division Regional Supervisors and District Biologists, these positions will coordinate and collaborate with Cervid Health Cooperators (CHCs), meat processors, private landowners, land managers, hunt clubs, hunters, etc., to facilitate the collection and processing of tissue samples consistent with agency protocols for CWD surveillance.
Applicants must have a basic knowledge of local wildlife, excellent oral and written communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently in an unsupervised capacity and as part of a team. The primary responsibilities will be tissue sample collection, staffing check stations, coordinating sample collections with CHCs, tissue transport and processing, data collection and management, and carcass/tissue disposal. Other duties may be assigned.
The employee must be a self-starter and willing to keep a flexible schedule. Frequent daily travel, extended workdays, and weekend work will be required to meet agency objectives.
The workstation for these positions will be in the employee’s home-based office using an agency provided phone, computer, and truck. The workstation location for these positions will be located within the respective Districts.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES / COMPETENCIES:
Individuals in this position should have basic knowledge of biological principles and management practices as applied to wildlife management. Written and oral communication skills are needed as well as excellent interpersonal skills to effectively work with CHC participants, hunters, agency staff, landowners, and many other contacts. Applicants must be familiar with the use of computers and GPS. Applicants should have basic knowledge and ability to implement wildlife surveys, accurately collect field data, accurately process and input field data, and prepare written reports. Successful applicants must have the physical stamina to work outdoors for prolonged periods of time in adverse weather conditions. The ability to handle, collect, and process tissues from hunter harvested or otherwise deceased deer will be required daily.
MANAGEMENT PREFERENCES: Management prefers applicants with a 2- or 4-year degree in Wildlife or Fisheries Management (or an equivalent combination of related field experience).
MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
Demonstrated ability to perform the work as described.
NECESSARY SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS: Individual in this position must have a valid North Carolina driver’s license and must maintain an acceptable driving record. The position requires knowledge of local wildlife, the ability to effectively communicate agency messaging as it pertains to CWD, working with dead wildlife, and the ability to accurately collect and maintain tissue samples and associated data.
SPECIAL NOTE: There are no leave (Vacation or Sick) or retirement benefits offered with these temporary positions. Health and other insurance benefits are not provided for temporary positions; however, Human Resources may provide assistance in obtaining insurance through the Affordable Care Act at the employee’s expense, if eligible.
APPLICATION: All applicants must complete and submit a State of North Carolina application for employment using the attached or by going to the OSHR’s website: https://oshr.nc.gov/nc-paper-job-application/open. Send completed application and resume to jason.allen@ncwildlife.gov.
Direct inquiries regarding the position and application process to:
Jason Allen
NCWRC Piedmont Region Operations Supervisor (Districts 3, 5, 6)
336-514-0306
Requirements
Individual in this position must have a valid North Carolina driver’s license and must maintain an acceptable driving record. The position requires knowledge of local wildlife, the ability to effectively communicate agency messaging as it pertains to CWD, working with dead wildlife, and the ability to accurately collect and maintain tissue samples and associated data.
