This position assists the District Biologist in the implementation of Wildlife Program goals, objectives, and assignments.
Key responsibilities include:

• Inventory and monitor wildlife populations. Conduct wildlife surveys, format and store data, compile and analyze data, prepare reports; develop and follow survey protocols; assess health of wildlife populations including obtaining information and materials (e.g., tissue samples) needed to identify the presence of disease within wildlife populations.
• Manage wildlife populations – Assess population responses to land use and habitat changes.  Monitor recreational and subsistence harvest, capture and translocate wildlife, augment populations, assist when needed to dispatch injured wildlife, and make wildlife management recommendations to the District Biologist.
• Managing wildlife related recreation – Obtain input on wildlife-related recreation from all user groups.  Manage District hunting program for public recreation opportunity in conjunction with healthy game populations. Collect and analyze data (using statistical methods) on wildlife populations and harvest; conduct population modeling, and make recommendations to the District Biologist.
• Managing wildlife habitats – Restore and enhance wildlife habitat, protects sensitive wildlife from disturbance, evaluate habitat quality and quantity, and prepare documents for permits to implement habitat modifications.  Work with other state, federal, and private organizations for cooperative wildlife habitat management.
• Conducting various wildlife management tasks – Supervise temporary staff, direct volunteers, communicate with the public on diverse wildlife issues, participate in public meetings, give presentations, and assist the District Biologist in securing funding for wildlife management activities.

• A Bachelor’s degree in wildlife management, wildlife biology, wildlife ecology, forestry, agriculture, natural resource science, environmental science, soil science, range ecology, or closely allied field.
• AND One year of professional level experience in wildlife or habitat management.
• OR Two years of professional experience as a Fish and Wildlife Biologist 1 or Natural Resource Specialist 1 (which requires a Bachelor’s degree involving major study in forestry, agriculture, aqua culture, business, engineering, geology, forestry or a related natural science and one year of related professional experience).

Preferred experience includes:
Experience trapping/immobilizing wildlife
Basic ArcGIS experience

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

• Wildlife population relationships and ecology.
• Wildlife habitat relationships.
• Wildlife survey methods.
• Population modeling.
• Principles of wildlife harvest management.
• Species identification of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates.
• Wildlife management tools and field techniques including experience working with both hunted (game) and non-hunted (non-game) species.
• Computer hardware and software (MS Office, ArcGIS).

The ability to:

• Conduct statistical analyses, make inferences from data, biometrics, and population modeling for wildlife population management recommendations.
• Conduct field surveys to collect data; accurately and legibly record data and other information
• Follow prescribed protocols and procedures.
• Visually discriminate when identifying and distinguishing biological and physical features.
• Work independently and as a team member.
• Effectively and safely operate firearms and ability to dispatch animals.
• Recognize differentiating plant and animal characteristics to identify species.
• 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.
• Willingness to accept supervision.
• Complete required administrative paperwork in an accurate and timely manner.
• 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 small and medium size boats on small and large water bodies including the Columbia River
• 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, and tools associated with fencing, traps, firearms, snares, and pyrotechnics.

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 time.
• Perform aerial and aquatic/marine surveys throughout the District and Region (including small ponds, lakes, and the Columbia River.
• Work in inclement weather walking over difficult terrain in all west side (wet) and east side (arid) habitats
• Walk, bend, stoop, and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Load and transport equipment and gear.
• Safely operate motor vehicles and small boats in field situations.
• Willingness and ability to perform routine and repetitive work.
• Visually discriminate when identifying and distinguishing biological and physical features.
• Safely operate firearms.
• Safely dispatch animals.
• Acquire and maintain a valid Washington State driver’s license
• Complete first aid training.

Union
This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement between the State of Washington, Department of Fish and 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.