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 Department of Fish and Wildlife is recruiting to fill one full time, non-permanent, Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2 position located in the Wildlife Program, Region 3. The duty station for this position is located at the Wenas Wildlife Area, 312 Mt Vale Rd, Selah, WA 98942. The employment period is four (4) months with an expected employment start date of January 16, 2018.
 
As a journey-level biologist under general supervision of the Wildlife Area Manager, assists with administration, planning, developing priorities, and implementing the management plan for the Wenas Wildlife Area and BPA contract requirements, including all habitat, fish and wildlife, and recreational use management activities in the wildlife area. 
 
The position supports WDFW’s Lands Division by performance of activities, including planning and implementation, vital to proper maintenance and enhancement of WDFW’s lands:

• Primary management objectives on the Wenas Wildlife Area are protection and enhancement of shrub-steppe, forest and riparian habitats, and management of recreational use.
• Independently conducts studies on habitats, plants, animals, and recreational use on wildlife areas.
• A primary responsibility is to assist the Manager with completing Environmental Compliance permitting, including producing a NEPA-compliant Environmental Assessment, for the Wenas target shooting proposal.

• Completes Environmental Compliance permitting for the Wenas target shooting proposal.
• Writes NEPA-compliant Environmental Assessment, as well as completion of state and county permitting processes.
• Participates in planning and conducting public meetings.
• Updates and implements the written management plan for the Wenas Wildlife Area; Carries out activities specified in the management plan, using adaptive management as needed.
• Assists Wildlife Area Manager to develop, implement, and monitor habitat enhancement and maintenance projects. Evaluates and analyzes data, formulates conclusions and writes summaries; Writes technical reports and plans for review by the wildlife area manager.
• Develops grant proposals for funding enhancement, restoration and other habitat or recreational use projects. Monitors budget and writes project reports for successful grants.
• Completes annual Road Maintenance and Abandonment Plan (RMAP) inspections.
• Coordinates with WLA Manager and the Capital Assets and Management Program (CAMP) engineers to develop annual plans to meet Road Maintenance and Abandonment Plan (RMAP) obligations.
• Participates in development of annual BPA statements of work and progress reports.

A Bachelor’s Degree in Wildlife Biology, Environmental Science, Wildlife Science, Biology, Ecology, or a closely related Natural Resource field.

• Three years of professional experience in a natural resource specialty such as wildlife management, land management, land technician, natural resource technician, forest cruising, natural resource engineering, or engineering aide.
• A MS degree in Wildlife Biology, Environmental Science, Wildlife Science, Biology, Ecology, or a closely related Natural Resource field may be substituted for one year of professional experience.

Must have or be willing to obtain a valid Washington State Driver’s License.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

• Knowledge of federal and state environmental rules, regulations, and procedures
• Strong project management and organizational skills
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally both orally and in writing.
• Experience developing and editing content for grant proposals, technical reports, and presentations
• Experience identifying wildlife and plant species and monitoring vegetation
• Experience developing and managing budgets and contracts.

Working Conditions:

• Ability to work in the field in all weather conditions and over difficult terrain and surfaces.
• Ability to walk, bend, stoop, while at times carrying up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to load and transport equipment and gear.
• Ability to safely operate motor vehicles, tractors and implements, and ATVs.
• Ability to use critical thinking in collecting, recording, compiling, and summarizing data.
• Ability to follow oral and written directions.
• Willingness to accept supervision.
• Ability to work independently and as a team member
• Ability to visually discriminate when identifying and distinguishing biological and physical features.
• Willingness and ability to perform routine and repetitive work.
• Willingness and ability to perform in a punctual and dependable manner.
• Willingness to perform in a safe and efficient manner.
• Ability to complete required administrative paperwork in an accurate and timely manner.

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.