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.

Natural Resource Worker 2
(Non-Permanent)

The Department of Fish and Wildlife is recruiting to fill one full time, non-permanent, Natural Resource Worker 2 position located in the Wildlife Program, Region 4. The duty station for this position is located at 21961 Wylie Road, Mount Vernon, WA 98273 Skagit County.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife’s mission is to preserve, protect, and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities. A key role of the Wildlife Program and more specifically the Lands Division in achieving this mission is to preserve and protect wildlife habitats and provide sound stewardship of WDFW owned and managed lands.

This position will support land management activities on the Skagit Wildlife Area. Under the supervision of the Biologist 3 (Wildlife Area Manager) the incumbent will carry out a variety of basic skill level land management tasks that support the agency goals.

Duties

• Assists with implementation of habitat maintenance activities on the Skagit Wildlife Area by performing basic management activities to include assisting with waterfowl enhancement projects, other habitat enhancement project, wetland management and moist soil management on the wildlife areas.
• Assists with weed control activities on the Skagit Wildlife Area.
• Assists with implementing public access projects such as trail construction, footbridge construction and maintenance, blind construction and maintenance, fence construction and maintenance, kiosk/sign construction and maintenance.
• Assists with maintaining buildings, grounds, and infrastructure and will use skills such as basic carpentry, plumbing and other similar trade skills.
• Operates and maintains tractors, farm implements, boats and other heavy equipment used to implement fish and wildlife habitat enhancement projects.

QualificationsQualifications
Graduation from high school or GED, and three (3) months of natural resource related labor experience.

Competencies:
Basic habitat management experience or understanding.
Pesticide Applicators license or willing to obtain
Plant/Weed Identification
Basic farming skills

The successful candidate will possess the following skills & abilities:

• Accept supervision. Work independently and as a team member.
• Effectively and safely operate and perform basic maintenance on ATVs, 4-wheel drive vehicles, tractors/implements, boats and standard highway vehicles.
• Follow oral and written instructions/directions.
• Follow prescribed policies, protocols and procedures.
• Effectively communicate orally and in writing.
• Work independently and as a team member.
• Effectively and safely operate standard highway vehicles, ATV’s, tractors and trailers.
• Safely use hand and power tools, including chainsaws.

Behavioral Competencies:

• Communication effectiveness.
• Adaptability and flexibility.
• Accountability.
• Ethics and integrity.
• Safety awareness

The successful candidate must be willing and able to:

• Work in the field in all weather conditions, walk streams and over rugged terrain up to 50% of the time. Ability to work in inclement weather over difficult terrain, including slippery rocks, steep banks, and sticky mud.
• Ability to walk, bend, stoop, while at times carrying up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to load and transport machinery, equipment, and gear.
• Willingness and ability to perform in a punctual and dependable manner.
• Willingness to accept supervision.
• Occasional work hours outside of the regular 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday – Friday work hours including evenings and weekends, occasional early morning, evening, and weekend duties.
• Safely operate motor vehicles.

Supplemental InformationWorking Conditions

• This position primarily works in the field but at times may work in an office setting that includes reading, writing, phone, and computer use and may include travel for field duties.  Typical hours are 8 to 5 M-F, although duties occasionally require work in excess of 40 hours. These hours are flexible to accommodate seasonal workload or additional duties as assigned by the Skagit Wildlife Area Manager for work performed outdoors.
• Must have the ability to operate a vehicle and hold a valid driver’s license.  Must be able to load and transport equipment and gear, and operate a variety of equipment, including ATVs, boats and tractors with implements.
• Physical, environmental, or mental demands of key work: Must be able to drive a vehicle, with trailer to units to conduct field habitat or weed control projects routinely.  Ability to walk in muddy and wet environment for extended hours (6 to 8 hours).
• Health, Safety or Administrative Requirements: Capable of walking over rough terrain for short distances (? 1 mile) regularly or occasionally over long distances (several miles). Must be able to walk over difficult terrain, lift and carry at least 40 pounds’ short distances.
• Willingness and ability to work extended hours as necessary to complete assignments.

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.