Assists in conducting professional scientific studies and provides analysis and assessment of data collected to provide impacts or determine analysis that may lead to change of agency goals or mission objectives and/or provide other factors on fish and wildlife conservation, habitat or land use. Gathers and/or analyzes samples to study the effects of particular affect or mitigation strategies that may contribute to fish and wildlife priorities.  Summarizes and assesses data using standard statistical procedures and scientific analysis.  Develops initial reports of findings and provides recommendations to higher level fish and wildlife staff. This position may respond to routine inquiries or requests for technical assistance regarding the scientific background and technical implementation of agency programs.
 
Tasks include:

• Significant responsibility for implementing the wildlife area management plans, to include conducting and overseeing wildlife/habitat surveys and data collection.
• Implements adaptive management plans for restoring, enhancing, and maintenance of forest, wetland, and meadow habitats.
• Conducts field reviews of restored sites, recommends and implements future management activities.
• Surveys wildlife areas for invasive vegetation, native T&E plants, and general habitat conditions; uses predefined methodologies to implement appropriate management.
• Assures compliance with applicable laws, label restrictions, and record keeping associated with agricultural chemical applications to wildlife areas.
• Implement and manage the Integrated Pest Management Program (IPM) on wildlife areas.
• Assists with development of forest plans, timber harvest permits, and other land-use permits. Monitors permits and keeps appropriate records.
• Assists in development of capital improvement projects, and applies for grants to maintain/improve Wildlife Area.
• Provides consultation to neighboring landowners and agricultural business on grazing and agricultural land-use permits, and to other agency staff on fish, wildlife, habitat, and recreation on WDFW lands.
• Works with other WDFW staff, Federal, State and/or local agencies, non-governmental organizations and the public to develop and implement ecosystem/habitat management and public access projects on wildlife area lands.  Provides information to public, either written or via presentation, regarding wildlife species, habitat enhancement and management, and recreational opportunities.
• Assist the Wildlife Area Manager and District Biologists in collecting biological data; trapping, transfer, and releasing wildlife; conducts annual surveys for priority.
• Plan and perform wildlife habitat improvement and maintenance.
• Cultivates native vegetation and food plots using predefined methodologies.
• Operate and maintain diesel and gasoline powered equipment and vehicles, tractors, and farming implements necessary to conduct and maintain habitat enhancement and restoration projects.
• Assists the Wildlife Area Manager to plan, coordinate, implement, and monitor wetland, forest and other habitat management/restoration projects to benefit wildlife and enhance public recreation.
• Participate in interagency projects that contribute to the restoration and conservation of fish and wildlife habitat via wildlife area use plans, regulations and actions.
• Serve as intra- and inter-agency liaison for the Wildlife Area.
• Participates on the local WDFW District Team.
• Helps the Wildlife Area Manager to manage Wildlife Area budgets with accountability, including meeting all reporting requirements, developing work plans, etc.
• Helps to maintain WDFW infrastructure, including buildings, grounds, roads, signs, and public use facilities.
• Monitors public use on the wildlife area ensuring that access and recreational uses of the wildlife areas are consistent with wildlife and habitat goals.

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).A Master’s degree or Ph.D. in wildlife management, wildlife biology, wildlife ecology, natural resource science, environmental science, soil science, range ecology, or closely allied field will substitute for one year of the required experience.
OR
Equivalent education/experience. 
 
Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

• A strong working knowledge and experience working with forest management, and habitat enhancement and restoration for big game species is highly desirable.
• Previous experience identifying big game, waterfowl, songbirds, birds of prey, and shorebirds in the field.
• Background in the use of agricultural practices and equipment is highly desirable.
• Experience with biological data collection is highly desired.
• Experience in identifying Eastern Washington native plant species is highly desirable.

Working Conditions:

• Ability to work in inclement weather, including extreme heat or snow, over difficult terrain, including slippery rocks and steep banks up to 60% to 70% of the time.
• Ability to walk, bend, stoop, while at times carrying up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to load and transport equipment and gear weighing over 50 pounds over uneven terrain.
• Ability to use critical thinking in collecting, recording, compiling, and summarizing data.
• Ability to follow oral and written directions.
• 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.
• Willingness to accept supervision and correction.
• Ability to complete required administrative paperwork in an accurate and timely manner.
• Ability to work independently and as a team member.
• Ability to safely operate motor vehicles, trailers, farm machinery, shop equipment, small boats, and ATV’s in field situations.
• Ability to travel up to 10% of time.

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.