The Department of Fish and Wildlife has some of the most talented people in the natural resource field. We celebrate and value diversity, appreciating that a workforce composed of those from different backgrounds and experiences creates an inclusive environment, strengthens positive relationships with the local community, and brings new perspectives and approaches to fulfilling the agency’s mission.
 
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is dedicated to preserving, protecting and perpetuating fish, wildlife and ecosystems, while providing sustainable recreational and commercial opportunities dependent on viable fish and wildlife populations. Each day, WDFW employees facilitate fishing, hunting and wildlife viewing opportunities for millions of residents and visitors. WDFW’s employees–field and laboratory biologists, geneticists, research scientists, hatchery professionals, policy experts, fully commissioned law enforcement officers, land stewards, lab technicians, property acquisition specialists, customer service representatives and others work throughout the state. WDFW employees protect and restore critical habitat, strive to facilitate species recovery when necessary, and manage hundreds of fish and wildlife species. WDFW employees maintain nearly a million acres of public wildlife lands. They interpret, apply and enforce state and federal laws and collaborate with stakeholders to protect fish and wildlife resources. Find out more about us and the important work we are a part of at www.wdfw.wa.gov.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is recruiting to fill one full-time, Wildlife Area Manager / Fish and Wildlife Biologist to work in the department’s Wildlife Program. The duty station is in the Methow Wildlife Area, 350 Bear Creek Road, Winthrop, WA, Okanogan County.
 
A fully qualified applicant would assume all duties associated with the position immediately as a Fish and Wildlife Biologist 3.  A selected candidate without full qualifications would be given up to 12 months to complete a specific individualized training plan, during which time the candidate would have a working title of an Fish and Wildlife Biologist 3 In-Training and will be classified as a Fish and Wildlife Biologist 2 with corresponding pay and benefits. Upon satisfactory completion of the training plan, the candidate will be reclassified to a Fish and Wildlife Biologist 3.
 
This position implements the Lands Division’s goals, objectives and assignments on the Methow Wildlife Area (MWA) in Okanogan County. The position assesses, designs, and implements habitat management / maintenance, and recreation projects on the wildlife areas and is the primary internal and external liaison for MWA issues.  The incumbent develops and implements Wildlife Area management plans, manages facilities and real estate properties, manages budgets and contracts. Supervises and recommends hiring of staff.  May conduct biological surveys on wildlife area or provide other technical assistance to program staff.

• Writes and updates wildlife area plans that guide habitat, wildlife, and recreation management; coordinates a citizen’s advisory group for wildlife area, and develops staff work plans based on the wildlife area plan.
• Implements wildlife area plan activities, including habitat and recreation management. Plans, coordinates and monitors habitat enhancement projects on wildlife area to benefit fish and wildlife.
• Works with other WDFW staff, Federal, State and/or local agencies, non-governmental organizations and the public to develop and implement management and public access projects on wildlife area lands.
• Provides information to public, either written or via presentation, regarding wildlife species, habitat enhancement and management, and recreational opportunities.
• Develops wildlife area spending plans; and manages and monitors budgets. Identifies and develops capital improvement projects (e.g., fencing, water control structures, and facilities) on the wildlife area.
• Develops funding and grant proposals for habitat acquisition, enhancement, and management. Prepares project/grant reports.
• Maintains existing capital facilities and project equipment on wildlife area.
• Manages noxious weeds and maintains weed control records;
• Repairs and maintains infrastructure, and maintains and operates small and large equipment;
• Supervising permanent, seasonal and volunteer staff.

• A Bachelor’s degree in wildlife management, range management, forestry, ecosystem management, natural resource science, or environmental science AND three years of professional experience in wildlife management or wildlife research, or habitat management or habitat research.
• Note: A Master’s degree in the applicable science will substitute one year of the required experience. A Ph.D. in the applicable science may be substituted for two years of the required experience.

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.
*College course work involving major study in biology, zoology, fisheries, chemistry, forestry, range, natural sciences, or closely allied field will substitute, year for year, for experience, provided course work includes at least six semester or nine quarter hours of natural science classes.
 
Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

• A strong working knowledge and experience working with forest and/or range management, and habitat enhancement and restoration.
• Knowledge of wildlife species (e.g., mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates) found in eastern Washington.
• Experience in identifying native plant and weed species in eastern Washington.
• Background in the use of farming and ranching practices and equipment.
• Experience with biological data collection.
• Working knowledge of ecological principles and their application to habitat restoration and management.
• Direct experience with wild land management.

Working Conditions:

• This position works in an office setting that includes reading, writing, phone, and computer use and may include travel for field duties.  Typical hours are 8 to 5 M-F, although duties occasionally require work in excess of 40 hours. These hours are flexible to accommodate seasonal workload or additional duties as assigned by the Regional Wildlife Program Manager for work performed outdoors.
• Must have the ability to operate a vehicle and hold a valid driver’s license.  Fieldwork also requires knowledge of the operation of a GPS, compass, clinometer, and digital camera.  Must be able to load and transport equipment and gear, and operate a variety of equipment, including ATVs and tractors. Must be knowledgeable about tools to and able to build fence
• Physical capacity to work in remote forested or rangeland environments, conducting vegetation transects wildlife surveys and other related tasks.  These activities can consist of 8 to 10 hour days, for several days in a row.
• Capable of walking over rough terrain for short distances (≤ 1 mile) regularly or occasionally over long distances (several miles). Must be able to walk over difficult terrain, lift and carry at least 40 pounds short distances.
• Ability to work in difficult terrain, independently and often with little supervision
• Ability to visually discriminate when identifying and distinguishing biological and physical features.
• Ability to complete required administrative paperwork in an accurate and timely manner.
• Ability to work independently and as a team member.
• Ability to travel up to 10% of time.
• Ability to clearly and concisely write for public understanding.
• Ability to articulate species information and data interpretation.

Union
This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement between the State of Washington, Department of Fish & Wildlife, and the Washington Association of Fish and Wildlife Professionals (WAFWP).  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.
 
How to Apply:
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. Please do not include any attachments other than the ones requested above. E-mailed documents will not be accepted after the closing of the recruitment or 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.
 
Please note that initial screening will be solely based on the completeness of application materials submitted and the contents and completeness of the “work experience” section of your application in NeoGov. A resume will not substitute for the “work experience” section of the application. The information provided in your application must support your selected answers in the supplemental questions. Responses not supported in your application may disqualify you from consideration for employment in this position. All information will be verified and documentation may be required.
 
The Department of Fish and Wildlife is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, 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 (TDD) at (800) 833-6388.