Please see the following website for application link: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/2354632/natural-resource-technician-2-01694w#

Description

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 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) protects, conserves, and restores the State’s native fish and wildlife populations and their habitats. These properly managed resources provide sustainable fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing and other outdoor experiences for millions of residents and visitors. WDFW’s employees are diverse, interdisciplinary, and enjoy the challenges and satisfaction of working in perhaps the Nation’s most beautiful state. Biologists, scientists, enforcement officers, spatial analysts, land stewards, administrators, lab and computer technicians, customer service representatives and others manage hundreds of fish and wildlife species, maintain nearly a million acres of public wildlife lands, provide opportunities for recreational and commercial fishing, wildlife viewing and hunting, protect and restore habitat and create and enforce the laws that protect fish and wildlife resources. Find out more about us and the important work we are a part of at www.wdfw.wa.gov.

Duties

Job Knowledge (to perform the essential activities of this position, the employees must know or understand the following): Fire ecology; fire effects and by-products and their ecosystem actions; fire weather; fuel types; fuel conditions; fuel assessment; smoke management; NWCG standards; knowledge of tools and techniques used to prepare for and implement Rx burns.
Duty: Prescribed Fire Pre and Post Operations 55%
Tasks include:

• Function within a team environment to accomplish overall ecological fire management activities including: planning; fuels inventory and area layout; preparation of tools and equipment; preparation of burn units, such as establishing fuel breaks/line construction; implementation of firing techniques using firing devices; patrolling and mop up assignments. Maintain ecological function of natural systems for the benefit of fisheries and wildlife habitat. Provide for employee and public safety while implementing assigned work projects.

Duty: Equipment Operation and Maintenance 25%
Tasks include:

• Ability to operate various types of equipment such as 4-wheel drive vehicles, all-terrain vehicles (ATV & UTV), chainsaws and hand tools in a safe and efficient manner. Ability to provide equipment maintenance and repair to a fire ready condition, including hand tools, chainsaws, water delivery pumps and vehicles. Ability to organize and track inventories of fire line equipment for accountability of equipment and costs.

Duty: Other Duties 15%
Tasks include:

• Participate in forest thinning operations to reduce and maintain stand densities. Ability to conduct miscellaneous wildlife area duties as assigned during non-fire periods such as visitor signage replacement, repair construction, assistance with planting of food plots, weed control, fence construction and maintenance, etc.

Duty: Other Duties 5%
Tasks include:

• Gathers or assists in gathering detailed resource information to provide basic pre- and post-burn monitoring such as fuels inventories and vegetation surveys. This data is required for creating burn plans and monitoring prescribed burn goals and objectives (first and second order fire effects).

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS:
Graduation from high school or a GED and three months of natural resource related labor experience.

• One years’ experience on prescribed burns or wildland fire suppression.
• Qualified as a FFT2

Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge of fire dependent habitat management objectives.
• Understanding of current associated agency policies, procedures, and rules.
• Ability to work collaboratively with others in preparing and implementing Rx burns.
• Ability to navigate using GPS, maps, photo interpretation, compass, and other mapping products.
• Ability to traverse unit boundaries and accurately create maps.
• Proficient computer skills such as MS Word, MS Excel, with aptitude for learning new software programs.

PREFERRED:
Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

• Training in portable pumps and water use (S-211)
• Career oriented toward fire ecology/science and learning to use fire to achieve resource management objectives.
• First-aid/CPR certification or similar certification such as first responder.
• Experience leadership, e.g., experience as squad boss, crew boss.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Experience with prescribed burning, preparation and implementation.
• Possess good listening and speaking skills, with the goal of positive interactions with public and interagency resources.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in writing.
• Observational and analytical skills to detect and assess problems in field settings, and ability to develop practical solutions to those problems.
• Experience with the operation and maintenance of essential equipment used in Rx burn or wildland firefighting operations.
• Understanding of Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife – Lands Division policies and procedures
• Ability to safely operate motor vehicles in field situations including snow.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment

• Valid State Driver’s License
• First Aid (training provided)
• ATV certification (training provided)
• Certified and current under National Wildfire Coordinating Group specifications and standards Qualified as FFT2 having received training in Introduction to ICS (I-100), Human Factors on the Fireline (L-180), Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior (S-190), Firefighter Training (S-130), Advanced Firefighter (S-131), Look Up, Look Down, Look Around (S-133).
• Must be capable of passing the arduous physical fitness standard of carrying a 45-pound pack 3 miles in 45 minutes annually.
• Must be 18 years old at time of employment.

The employee must know or understand:

• Communication: Understands oral and written instructions, listening, incorporating, and learning from what supervisors and others have said. Also when unclear or in doubt regarding direction, asks appropriate questions for clarification.
• Safety focus: Adhere to all workplace and safety standards for fire management operations.
• Use of fire management tools and fuel inventory tools.
• Equipment operation (ATV, UTV, 4-wheel drive vehicles, fire engine, water pumps).
• Use of water handling equipment.
• Ability to effectively work with multiple individuals from multiple organizations towards a common goal.
• Takes personal responsibility for the quality and timeliness of work and makes the best use of available time and resources.

Supplemental Information

Working Conditions
Duty station is located in the Yakima area. Position is a combination of office and fieldwork. The employee must be willing to work alone and traverse steep, uneven terrain in all weather conditions. The employee is expected to spend their time working in the field under sometimes-difficult conditions. Weather conditions can vary from freezing to over 100 degrees F, and terrain is steep and rocky. Other hazards include poisonous reptiles, insects and plants. Employees must be capable of lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds over steep, rugged terrain in hot or cold weather.

The employee will be leading and working closely with other Prescribed Fire Team members for extended periods. Good leadership and exceptional people skills are essential to success of this position and the success of the Prescribed Fire Team as a whole.

The employee must be able to drive a vehicle on primitive roads during all weather conditions in 4 wheel drive trucks and ATV’s. The employee utilizes agency radio equipment and/or cell phone for communication in the field. Office duties require use of standard office furniture and equipment (e.g. desks, files, cabinets, computers, telephones, fax machines, copy machines, etc.). Field duties require frequent use of GPS, topographic maps, aerial photos, compass, clinometer and chain. Field duties also require use of hand and motor-driven cutting equipment such as axes, saws and chainsaws.

Employees must be willing to work hours outside of the regular 8:00 am – 5:00pm, Monday – Friday work hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Travel up to 40% of the time including overnight trips.

Union
This position is in the bargaining unit represented by the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Professionals and is subject to the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the State of Washington, Department of Fish & Wildlife, and the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Professionals.

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 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.