Duties

Duties:

• Assist with maintenance of hunter access sites on private lands:
  • Post signs on fields enrolled in the WDFW access program throughout Region 3 using pickup truck, ATVs, t-posts, drill motors, and post pounders. Install and maintain hunting access points, parking lots, and kiosks. Conduct weed control at parking lots. Distribute and collect Register to Hunt and Hunt By Written Permission slips. Enter data and assist with maintaining database of private land access use. Mark, using GPS, the boundaries of private lands enrolled in the access program and assist in creating maps. Identify project needs and suggest opportunities to improve public access to sites.
• Assist with improving and promoting hunter access to private land through WDFW’s access programs:
  • Build and maintain positive relationships with private landowner cooperators. Assess migratory bird use of agricultural fields to determine high priority areas for gaining hunter access. Contact landowners in person and by phone to determine interest in WDFW’s voluntary hunter access project. Discuss program with hunters to promote stewardship of private lands in program, promote the programs, and identify potential problems with access sites.
• Assist with private land habitat improvements:
  • Contact landowners to promote habitat plantings and improvement projects and communicate the specific requirements and potential benefits of these programs. Assist in planting and maintenance of habitat projects.
• Assist with wildlife research and monitoring projects:
  • Assist with capture, banding, and surveying wildlife. Transport and set up traps and maintain bait stations for wildlife (primarily waterfowl). Transport and release captive reared pheasants. Assist with additional wildlife projects as needed.
• Assist with habitat enhancement on State owned and/or managed lands:
  • Assess land condition and apply appropriate weed suppression efforts to control spread of noxious weeds.
  • Assist with habitat plantings as directed.
  • Assist with monitoring and management of wildlife area wetlands.
  • Maintains Department of Agriculture pesticide reports.
• Assist with maintenance of wildlife area facilities and grounds:
  • Maintain and safely operate equipment and tools (large and small tractors, ATV’s, dozer, backhoe, ASV excavator, trailers, spray equipment, drills, augers, and hand tools).
  • Maintain wildlife area facilities and inform Wildlife Area Manager of needs.
  • Maintain wildlife area sign postings and replace old/missing signs when needed.
  • Maintain wildlife area access sites.
• Public Outreach:
  • Provide outreach materials and information to the public. Conduct outreach at events or school groups for general science/biology programs.
  • Work with volunteers on habitat improvement projects.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications
Education: College level work in the field of fish, wildlife, or habitat management, agriculture, forestry, or a natural resource science may substitute year-for-year for experience. Prefer, an Associate’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, environmental science, or related field; or equivalent in education/experience.
Professional: prefer three (2) years of experience as a Habitat, Wildlife, or Scientific Technician or equivalent similar technician in a natural resource field.

Experience interacting with farmers, ranchers, and hunters.
Experience operating alone in field settings with minimal supervision.
Experience operating small and large equipment, e.g., tractors, ATV’s, trailers, augers.
Knowledge and experience to independently drive, load, and unload trailers and equipment.
Familiarity with hunting practices and regulations related to a variety of game species found in Eastern Washington.
Demonstrated commitment to safety around machinery and vehicles and ability to identify and avoid hazards.
Leadership Skills/Abilities: 
Works accurately and timely with minimal supervision. Works with dedication, commitment and professionalism. Demonstrate organization and time management skills to effectively prioritize workload and maximize efficiency;
Balances quality of work with ability to meet deadlines by making efficient and effective use of available time, equipment and resources. Transitions easily between tasks, responding quickly and efficiently to work requests; successfully returns to incomplete tasks and continues work with minimal need to become re-oriented to the task.
Exhibits self-initiative in developing or upgrading knowledge and skills, and applying that new knowledge or skills in the work environment.
Communication Skills/Abilities: Ability to convey ideas and facts orally and in writing. Ability to tactfully communicate with various stakeholders including landowners, farmers, hunters, and the public.
Consulting Skills/Abilities: Ability to collaborate with field crew staff, supervisors and partners to identify and resolve complex or sensitive issues.
Ability to: develop positive, productive, respectful working relationships with coworkers and collaborators. Sensitivity to the concerns of Public and Private Landowners; independent judgment to handle unexpected situations encountered in the field.
Computer Resources and Program Skills/Abilities: Experience with Microsoft Word and Excel; Access, ArcGIS, and personal computers, familiarity within Windows driven computer programs.
Working with WDFW Management – This position must ensure to keep management timely apprised of controversial issues, especially politically sensitive matters, and consult with supervisor and management prior to acting on particularly sensitive or controversial matters or representing the Department on such matters so that WDFW management can participate in deciding positions or actions to be taken.
Appearance and Attire – While an agency dress code is not currently required, staff are expected to dress appropriately for the type of work they are conducting.  A professional appearance including grooming and attire is expected when working with local, state, and federal agencies, tribes, permit applicants and the public. Footwear used during field work should be appropriate so as to minimize risk of injury.
Preferred/Desired Qualifications:
Knowledge of farming practices in Eastern Washington.
Experience gaining access to private lands for hunting.
Knowledge of migratory waterfowl foraging patterns in the Columbia Basin.
Knowledge of WDFW public access programs

Supplemental Information

Position is located on the Sunnyside Headquarters Unit in Mabton. This is primarily a field position with 90% of time spent outside of the office. The incumbent will need to be able to work long hours in inclement weather conditions including extreme heat, cold, rain and snow, along busy state highways and walk through thick vegetation, climbing over and around fences and debris on uneven terrain and slippery surfaces while carrying up to 30lbs of field gear. The other 10% of the time is spent in the office entering data with typical office hazards .The position hours are typically Monday-Thursday 7:00-5:00.  May require vehicle travel up to 200 miles per day. Overnight travel rarely required.
Washington State Driver’s License is required.  The position requires the ability to drive a vehicle on primitive roads during all weather conditions in 4 wheel drive trucks and ATV’s. ATV certification required (training provided).
First Aid/CPR Training. (training provided)
Public Operator pesticide license (training provided). Must obtain license within 3 months of start date.

How to Apply
To apply for this position you MUST complete your profile at www.careers.wa.gov.
If you do not fill out the application profile employment history section and provide references in the application profile, then please attach the following to your profile before completing the online application:

• A current resume (please make it succinct)
• Three professional references (personal references do not count as professional)

Please ATTACH a cover letter describing how you meet the qualifications of this position (generic cover letter will not be accepted). Failure to attach a cover letter will eliminate you from continuing to compete for the position.

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.