State of Washington
Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
invites applications for the position of:
NATURAL RESOURCE SPECIALIST 2
*11561W
SALARY: $3,213.00 – $4,214.00 Monthly
OPENING DATE: 12/15/14
CLOSING DATE: 01/05/15 11:59 PM
DESCRIPTION:
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is dedicated to protecting native fish and wildlife, and
providing sustainable fishing, hunting, and wildlife, viewing opportunities for millions of residents and visitors.
Working throughout the state, WDFW’s employees: field biologists, enforcement officers, land stewards, lab
technicians, customer service representatives and others – manage hundreds of fish and wildlife species,
maintain nearly a million acres of public wildlife lands, provide opportunities for recreational and commercial
fishing, wildlife viewing and hunting, protect and restore habitat and enforce laws that protect fish and wildlife
resources. Find out more about us and the important work we are a part of at www.wdfw.wa.gov.
Natural Resource Specialist 2
(Permanent)
The Department of Fish and Wildlife is recruiting to fill one full time, permanent, Natural Resource Specialist 2
position located in the Wildlife Program, Region 2. The duty station for the position is the Methow Wildlife Area
(MWA) near Winthrop, Washington with work performed in Okanogan County.
The Methow Wildlife Areas consists of multiple units that total more than 34,000 acres and is located to the
western Okanogan County along the foothills of the Methow Valley. Vegetation includes bunchgrasses and
bitterbrush interspersed with stands of Douglas fir and ponderosa pine. Winthrop is a popular cross-country
skiing site, with over 100 miles of groomed trails. Other popular activities include rock climbing, hiking,
mountain biking, river rafting, horse-back riding, hunting and fishing, golfing, spectacular sight-seeing and other
outdoor activities.
This position serves as the Assistant Manager of the Methow Wildlife Area (MWA). Under the direction of the
manager, this position designs and implements projects to maintain and improve habitats, species, or
recreation on the wildlife area. Projects include implementing wildlife area plans, monitoring agricultural and
grazing permits, restoring habitats, Integrated Pest Management, and routine equipment and facility
maintenance. This position also assumes the duties of the Wildlife Area Manager in the Manager’s absence.
Job Bulletin
http://agency.governmentjobs.com/washington/job_bulletin.cfm?JobID=1025211[12/15/2014 4:08:54 PM]
DUTIES:
The candidate will participate in the development and implementation of the Methow Wildlife Area Management
Plan; management of budgets; submits reports; conducts large-scale vegetation monitoring projects (both forest
and rangeland); makes management recommendations; manages weeds and maintains weed control records;
repairs and maintains infrastructure; and maintains and operates small and large equipment. Specific duties
include:
· Plans, implements and monitors noxious weed control projects across the MWA. Specific tasks
include: identifying weed species, mapping them and assessing the risk they pose to habitat, mixing
and applying herbicides with sprayers mounted to trucks, tractors, ATV’s and backpacks, acquires and
releases biological control agents, mechanical techniques including mowing and tilling and other
measures. Has lead responsibility for record keeping, safety measures, and generating appropriate
reports.
· Develops and implements adaptive management plans for enhancing shrub-steppe and forest habitats
across the MWA. Uses a variety of techniques to monitor shrub-steppe and forest community
composition. Shrub-steppe restoration practices including plowing, disking, mowing, developing and
acquiring seed mixes, planting and other vegetative treatments. Has lead responsibility for grazing and
agricultural permit compliance monitoring. Assists with developing detailed grazing plans, permits and
prescriptions. Keeps appropriate records and generates reports as needed. May provide assistance
implementing silvicultural prescriptions, including marking timber, delineating timber sale boundaries,
and other forest management activities.
· Develops and implements prioritized plans for installing, repairing or removing infrastructure across the
MWA.
· Lead on coordinated volunteer projects, Disabled Hunter Program, and Forest Wood Permit Program.
· Develops maps for management actions and analyze data to provide information to support
management plans actions.
· Assist with other infrequent WDFW activities (e.g. prescribed burning within the Okanogan Lands
Complex, winter emergency deer feeding).
QUALIFICATIONS:
One to two years of experience as a Natural Resource Specialist 1.
OR
Three years of professional level experience in a natural resource specialty such as natural resource
engineering, land or range management, land technician, natural resource technician, forest cruising, or
engineering aide.
OR
A Bachelor’s degree in a related specialty area such as natural resource management, rangeland or forest
ecology, wildlife management, or environmental sciences, and two years of professional level experience in a
natural resource specialty.
A Master’s degree or PhD. will substitute for one year of the required experience.
A valid Washington State or other state driver’s license.
Computer software and hardware experience including MS Office.
Communicate effectively (clearly and concisely) orally and in writing; with planning abilities.
Well-developed people skills and possess strong ethics/integrity to be a successful representative of the
wildlife area.
Preferred Experience:
A strong working knowledge and experience working with plant identification and monitoring techniques,
management and enhancement of shrub-steppe and forest plant communities; previous experience in noxious
weed identification and control; possession of a pesticide applicator’s license; background in the use of
agricultural practices and equipment; background in computer hardware and software including MS Office and
mapping programs such as GIS.
Experience is based on full time equivalency (i.e., 40 or more hours/week). Part time work is prorated (e.g., 20
hours/week for 6 years = 3 years of experience). Do not count experience that was a part of your educational
requirements.
Job Bulletin
http://agency.governmentjobs.com/washington/job_bulletin.cfm?JobID=1025211[12/15/2014 4:08:54 PM]
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
WORKING CONDITIONS
The successful candidate must be willing and able to work hours outside the regular 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Monday – Friday work hours including evenings and weekends; work in all weather conditions including
extreme heat, cold, snow, and over difficult terrain including slippery rocks, steep banks, and mud; walk, bend
and stoop while at times carrying over 40 pounds; load and transport equipment and gear weighing over 40
pounds; safely operate motor vehicles, sometimes with trailers, tractors and implements, construction
equipment, farm machinery, shop equipment, a variety of hand and power tools, and ATV’s; work alone in
remote areas in a safe and efficient manner.
Union
This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement between the State of Washington, Department of
Fish and Wildlife, and the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE), which contains a “union
security” provision. This means that, as a condition of employment you must either join the union and pay
union dues, or pay the union a representational or other fee within 30 days of the date you are put into pay
status.
To apply for this position you MUST complete your profile at www.careers.wa.gov and attach the following to
your profile before completing the online application:
· A cover letter describing how you meet the qualifications of this position (generic cover letter will not be
accepted).
· A current resume (please make it succinct).
· Three professional references (personal references do not count as professional).
Please note: Failure to follow the above application instructions will lead to disqualification. E-mailed
documents will not be accepted in lieu of attaching your documents to the online profile.
Upon submission of your online application, you will immediately receive a confirming e-mail. You will then be
notified via e-mail of your status during the process. In addition to the e-mail notifications, you can check the
status of your application at any time by visiting your online profile at www.careers.wa.gov. Due to the high
volume of applications that we receive, we ask your understanding and encourage you to use the online
process and avoid calling for information.
The Department of Fish and Wildlife is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working
environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, and ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity
diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, persons over 40 years of age,
disabled and Vietnam era veterans and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, are encouraged
to apply. Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative
format may call (360) 902-2276 or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (360) 902-2207