• Assess, enroll, plan, and manage wildlife habitat restoration projects on private lands.
  • This position conducts biological studies to evaluate habitat conditions using predefined methodologies for shrub-steppe species. Implements field projects designed to test the efficacy of herbicide treatments to improve or create wildlife habitats; coordinates research project work plans with Federal, State, local governments and private and other organizations; submits periodic progress reports outlining current project status, findings, plans, and recommendations. Restoration/enhancement projects will focus on shrub-steppe habitats in rangelands and converting previously farmed lands for priority species and other upland wildlife. Knowledge required includes: shrub-steppe plant materials, soils, herbicides.
  • The ability to identify and survey for plant and animal species using established protocols.
  • The ability to write plans that result in successful habitat enhancement projects, write grants and contracts, and create and maintain databases.
• Habitat Enhancement Project Implementation and Maintenance.
• Assess, enroll, implement and maintain hunting and fishing access programs on private lands.
• Survey Wildlife and Plant Populations:
  • Responsible for developing and implementing wildlife surveys to monitor wildlife populations of interest such as game species and State and Federal priority species within the Columbia Basin. Requirements for this duty include the ability to: identify game and non-game wildlife species, identify native and invasive plant species, ability to navigate using GPS, read and create maps, record field data, and digitize data. Analyze data write reports and give wildlife management recommendations.

• A Bachelor’s degree in wildlife management, wildlife biology, or wildlife ecology AND one year of professional experience as a Fish & Wildlife Biologist 1 or equivalent in wildlife management or wildlife research.  A Master’s degree or above in an applicable science will substitute for the required experience.
• A valid Washington or other State Driver’s License.

Preferred:
In addition to the above experience and training, preferred applicants will also have:

• A Master’s Degree in Wildlife Biology or a closely related field
• Quantitative training and experience for data analysis: Demonstrated coursework, training, and/or experience working with statistics, data analysis, or biometrics  and geographic information systems such as ArcGIS
• Demonstrated experience working with both hunted (game) and non-hunted (non-game) species.

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

• Wildlife population relationships and ecology.
• Wildlife habitat relationships.
• Wildlife species identification and age/sex classification
• Wildlife survey methods and appropriate statistical analysis.
• Principles of wildlife harvest management.
• Personal computer hardware and software (MS/Office, ArcGIS, Terrain Navigator, Statistical software).
• Hand-held GPS devices
• Wildlife and habitat management tools and field techniques.
• Federal, state, local, and agency private lands conservation programs.
• Agricultural and silvicultural practices.
• Pesticide laws and application.
• Pesticide applicators license.
• Local and state land use laws.

Ability to:

• Conduct field surveys to collect data.
• Follow prescribed protocols and procedures.
• Ability to speak and write effectively.
• Conduct data analysis and make inferences from data.
• Communicate effectively and maintain positive relationships with other governmental agencies and private landowners.
• Effectively be a “team-player”.
• Follow prescribed protocols and procedures.

In addition, candidates should have a record of accomplishments which demonstrate the following character qualities: Ethics and Integrity; Communications Effectiveness; Results Orientation and Initiative; and Adaptability/Flexibility.

• You must be willing and able to work long irregular hours, with a non-scheduled workweek and travel, perform aerial and/or water-based surveys, work in inclement weather walking long distances over difficult terrain, including slippery rocks, steep banks, and sticky mud, bend, stoop, and at times carry up to 40 pounds, load and transport equipment and gear, safely operate motor vehicles including snowmobiles, ATVs, and small boats in field situations, visually discriminate when identifying and distinguishing biological and physical features, complete administrative paperwork in an accurate and timely manner, and work both independently and as a team member.
• You will also be expected to acquire and/or maintain a valid driver’s license, Washington State Pesticide Applicators License, and complete first aid training.

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.