Job Title: NATURAL RESOURCE WORKER 2 *03597W
Opening Date/Time: Mon. 04/17/17 12:00 AM Pacific Time
Closing Date/Time: Wed. 04/26/17 11:59 PM Pacific Time
Salary: $2,268.00 – $2,925.00 Monthly
Job Type: Full Time – Non-Permanent
Location: Skagit County – Other, Washington
Department: Dept. of Fish and Wildlife

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.

 

NATURAL RESOURCE WORKER 2

 The Department of Fish and Wildlife is recruiting to fill four (4) full time, non-permanent Natural Resource Worker 2 position located in the Wildlife Program, Lands Division.  The position is anticipated to run from May through October.  The duty station for the position is the Skagit Wildlife Area near Conway with work performed in Island, Skagit, and Snohomish Counties.  However, the position may be required to perform work on a statewide basis on occasion.

The responsibilities of this temporary, six (6) months, position directly address the sound stewardship of fish and wildlife resources by implementing wildlife habitat improvement through weed control and land management activities.  The incumbent conducts Spartina eradication and invasive cattail control through the implementation of integrated pest management (IPM) as part of a small crew under the supervision of experienced staff.  The incumbent operates equipment such as boats, ATVs, mowers, and sprayers and maintains the equipment in estuarine environments, as well as implements other aquatic and terrestrial habitat enhancement/restoration activities.  The incumbent collects and records data using devices such as GPS and cameras, as well as in writing.
 Duties:
Under the direction of a Weed Control Crew Leader, the Natural Resource Worker conducts Spartina (an estuarine, invasive grass) eradication as part of a team using an integrated weed management approach.  Primary duties include:

  • Conduct Spartina eradication; mark Spartina locations using GPS; record data.
  • Remove seedlings and small clones by hand.
  • Conduct vegetation sampling.
  • Operate chemical application equipment.
  • Perform routine maintenance of vehicles and equipment.
  • Conduct cattail and other weed control projects as directed.
 Qualifications:
High school diploma or GED, AND three months of natural resource related labor experience.
OR
One year as a Natural Resource Worker 1.Valid Washington State, or other state, driver’s license.
*Successful candidates will be required to obtain a Pesticide Applicator’s license after hire.

Preferred experience
Experience operating small boats in marine areas.

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

  • Working knowledge of boat and amphibious tractor operation.
  • Knowledge of herbicide application.
  • Understanding of mechanical/small engine repair.
  • Ability to efficiently use a GPS unit.
  • Ability to lead a team and plan independently.
  • Basic understanding of the marine environment and biology/botany.
  • Excellent field work skills including safety, punctuality, and the ability to accept supervision.
  • Professional and respectful interpersonal skills.

Behavioral competencies:

  • Creative and innovative thinking.
  • Communication effectiveness.
  • Organizational and political awareness.
  • Adaptability and flexibility.
  • Accountability.
  • Leadership.
  • Ethics and integrity.
 Supplemental Information:
WORKING CONDITIONS
The successful candidate must be willing and able to:

  • Work in all weather conditions including extreme heat, cold, and rain up to 90% of the time.
  • Work in remote location 75% of the time.
  • Walk over difficult terrain including slippery rocks, steep banks, and mud.
  • Bend and stoop while at times carrying up to 40 pounds.
  • Work with pesticides.
  • Work hours outside of the regular 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday – Friday work hours.  Start times are set by the best available tides and may require early morning starts and occasional overtime.
  • Load and transport equipment and gear weighing up to 40 pounds over uneven terrain.
  • Travel up to 10% of the time including occasional weekends and overnight trips.
  • Safely operate motor vehicles, swamp buggies, airboats, and ATV’s.
  • Safely operate equipment such as brush cutters and chemical application equipment.

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 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.