Key responsibilities include:

• Coordinates efforts to monitor the prevalence and distribution of TAHD.
• Contributes to the development of methods to monitor the prevalence and distribution of TAHD.
• Coordinate and facilitate the dissemination of information related to TAHD to WDFW staff, members of the general public, hunters, private and public landowners, other government agencies, non-government organizations, tribes, working groups, and other stakeholders.
• Coordinate the lethal removal of elk severely affected by TAHD.  Coordinate the collection of suspect animals under targeted surveillance.
• Assist with ongoing research efforts to further understand the cause and effects of TAHD.

A Bachelor’s degree in wildlife management/biology/ecology, natural resource sciences, or environmental science
AND
Three (3) years of professional level experience in a wildlife management-related field.
OR
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.
OR
Two (2) years as a Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2.
Equivalent education/experience.

A valid State driver’s license w/o restrictions.

Preferred experience includes:

• One (1) year working with ungulates.
• One (1) year conducting surveys.
• Master of Science in wildlife management/biology/ecology, natural resource sciences, or environmental science.
• One (1) year as project lead.
• Previous experience with public outreach.

Competencies
Well qualified applicants will demonstrate competencies in the following areas:
Knowledge of:

• Wildlife population relationships and ecology.
• Elk ecology
• Wildlife disease
• Wildlife habitat relationships.
• Wildlife survey methods.
• Basic spatial analysis techniques and statistics.
• Applicable state, federal, and local environmental regulations and policies.
• Principles of wildlife harvest management.
• Principles of wildlife damage management
• Personal computer hardware and software (MSOffice).
• Must have good oral and written communication skills – conveys clear, timely, persuasive messages that positively influence the thoughts and actions of others.
• WDFW hunting and fishing regulations.
• Plant and animal species identification.
• Wildlife management tools and field techniques.
• Contract development and administration.

The ability to:

• Follow prescribed protocols and procedures.
• Conduct field surveys to collect data.
• Conduct data analysis and make inferences from data for management recommendations.
• Accurately and legibly record data and other information.
• Recognize differentiating plant and animal characteristics to identify species
• Oversee volunteers.
• Organize and prioritize work for self and others.
• Develop effective objectives, timelines and action plans.
• Communicate clearly and effectively with individuals and groups within and outside of the organization, both in writing and verbally.
• Negotiate effectively, appropriately, and respectfully, representing the agency with the intentions of a good faith partner.
• Mediate contentious situations, including skills such as: a high degree of diplomacy, tact, and an exceptional ability to listen, communicate, and resolve complex problems.
• Use critical thinking in collecting, recording, compiling, and summarizing data.
• Visually discriminate when identifying and distinguishing biological and physical features.
• Work independently and as a team member.
• Use Computer with Microsoft software for word processing, spreadsheet, and other applications, web based tools, e-mail, and calendar clients
• Effectively and safely operate and perform basic maintenance on atvs, 4-wheel drive vehicles, and standard highway vehicles.
• Effectively and safely operate additional equipment and tools including: radios and other mobile communication devices, laptop computers, digital cameras, spotting scopes/binoculars, global positioning systems, radio telemetry, motion activated cameras, tools associated with fencing, traps, firearms, snares, pyrotechnics, and radio telemetry.
• Effectively and safely operate firearms and ability to dispatch animals.

Working Conditions
The successful candidate must be willing and able to:

• Work long, irregular hours outside the regular business hours of 8:00 am – 5:00 pm including evenings and weekends.
• Travel on a frequent basis.
• Work in the field up to 70% of the work place.
• Perform aerial and surveys.
• Work in inclement weather walking over difficult terrain
• Bend, stoop, and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Load and transport equipment and gear.
• Safely operate motor vehicles in field situations.
• Safely operate firearms.
• Safely dispatch animals.

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.