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
(Full-time; Non-Permanent)

The Department of Fish and Wildlife is recruiting one (1) full time, non-permanent, Natural Resource Worker 2 position located in Selah, Washington within the Wildlife Program. The duty station is the Wenas Wildlife Area, located approximately 25 mile west of Selah, with work performed in Yakima and Kittitas Counties. The employment period is scheduled for work from July through September, 2017 based on program needs.

The purpose of this position is to assist the Wildlife Area staff in performing maintenance and habitat activities on the Wenas Wildlife Area. This position performs semi-skilled natural resource-related labor activities; performs technical nature resource management activities under explicit guidance; independently performs natural resource labor.

Primary duties include the following:

• Treat noxious weed infestations using integrated pest management techniques (e.g. herbicides, mowing, hand pulling, etc.). Use of herbicides will occur under the supervision of licensed applicators. Note: a significant amount of time each day/week will involve applying herbicides with a backpack sprayer.
• Assist with maintenance and repair elk, livestock, and/or other types of fencing; patch holes, replace staples, brace old posts, install new posts, and build rock jacks.
• Maintain signs and kiosks; assist with maintenance of buildings and other facilities.
• Clean up litter and monitor public use.
• Assist with habitat restoration projects including: soil preparation, mowing, and seeding, using tractor or ATV and implements.
• Operate, maintain and repair vehicles, equipment, and tools.
• Identify and respond to public safety and health issues and other liability issues on the wildlife area.
• Interact with the public and neighboring land owners to answer questions and address concerns or complaints.
• Assist wildlife area staff with volunteer groups, correction crews, WCC crews, and other special interest groups.

OR
One year as a Natural Resource Worker 1.

Valid Washington State, or other state, driver’s license is required.

Work Experience:

• General work experience in building and equipment maintenance, construction, or repair work.
• Experience operating 4×4 pickups, ATVs and tractors.
• Experience maintaining vehicles and equipment such as pumps, small engines, tractors, etc.
• A Public Operator Pesticide Applicator’s license (opportunity to obtain this license may be provided). 

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

• Safely operate motor vehicles including trucks, tractors, hydraulic dump trailers, tractors, and ATV’s.
• Safely operate and maintain hand and power tools and equipment for metal and wood construction.
• Accurately maintain a daily log of sites worked at and the time spent at each location and provide weekly reports.
• Understand and comply with health and safety policies, procedures, and standards to establish and maintain a safe work environment; report potential hazards, accidents, or critical incidents in a timely manner.
• Follow written and oral directions.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to communicate in a professional manner with the public (including positive and negative interactions).
• Ability to communicate in a professional manner with colleagues.
• Ability to meet productivity standards, deadlines, and work schedules.
• Ability to troubleshoot problems with vehicles or equipment and make necessary repairs while working in remote areas.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining high quality of work.
• Basic computer skills.
• Ability to lead volunteers, crews, and special interest groups.

• The standard work schedule of Monday through Thursday, 6:00 am to 4:30 pm. And may work hours outside of the regular 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday – Friday including evenings and weekends. During peak workloads hours may be long and irregular.
• Safely operate motor vehicles, ATV’s, hydraulic dump trailers, tractors, chippers, chain saws, pumps, brush cutters, pressure washers, and other specialized equipment and power tools. Transports supplies and equipment using trailers to remote sites.
• Walk, bend, and stoop, often on uneven terrain while at times carrying up to 50 pounds.
• Load and transport equipment and gear.
• Work in all weather conditions including extreme heat or snow and sometimes over difficult terrain and surfaces up to 90% of the time;
• Safely handle and dispose of bio-hazardous materials;
• Work alone in remote areas;
• Travel up to 10% of the time including occasional overnight trips;
• Perform routine and repetitive work;
• May be required to obtain the following:
  • First Aid Training;
  • Defensive Driving Training   ·     .

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). (Failing to provide a Cover Letter will eliminate you from consideration.)
• A current resume (please make it succinct)
• Three professional references (personal references do not count as professional)