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.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife is recruiting one (1) full time, permanent Natural Resources Technician 2 position located in the Wildlife Program, Region 3, Wenas Wildlife Area. The duty station is 312 Mt Vale Road, Selah, located in Yakima County.

Under the direction of the Wenas Wildlife Area Manager, the incumbent is expected to perform a variety of technical duties related to land management, including habitat maintenance and enhancement projects, monitor recreational use, and repair and maintenance of equipment, buildings, fences and grounds.
Duties

• Treat weed infestations using integrated pest management techniques (e.g. herbicides, mowing, hand pulling, etc.) using backpack sprayers, ATV, truck, and tractor. Note: a significant amount of time will involve applying herbicides, often with a backpack sprayer.
• Maintain and repair elk and stock fence. Repair holes, replace staples, brace old posts, install new posts, and build rock jacks.
• Maintain signs, readerboards and kiosks; assist with maintenance of buildings and other facilities.
• Assist with habitat restoration projects including soil preparation, mowing, and seeding, using tractor, ATV, and implements.
• Safely and competently operate, maintain and repair tractors, trailers, ATVs, UTVs, trucks, farm implements, backhoes, dozers, gas-powered and hand tools. Safely operate trucks, trailers, and equipment in off-road situations.
• Clean up litter and monitor public use.
• Identify and respond to public safety and health issues and other liability issues on the wildlife area.
• Interact with the public and neighboring land owners to answer questions and address concerns or complaints.
• Work with temporary employees, volunteer groups, correction crews, WCC crews, and special interest groups.

QualificationsGraduation from high school or GED AND one year of experience as a Natural Resource Worker 2 or equivalent.
Position will be required to maintain a pesticide applicators license and is expected to know and abide by pesticide application laws. (opportunity to obtain license will be provided).

Valid Washington State, or other state, driver’s license is required.
Preferred Qualifications:
Three (3) years of experience related to natural resources, including as a Habitat Technician, or equivalent in a similar field, including forestry and agriculture.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience operating four-wheel drive vehicles, farm equipment, and ATVs.
• Experience in building and equipment maintenance, construction, or repair work.
• Experience maintaining vehicles and equipment such as pumps, small engines, and tractors, etc.
• Critical thinking and the ability to make decisions based on the best available information.
• Working knowledge and experience with a wide variety of hand and power tools.

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

• Ability to work independently and with others maintaining a high quality of work in a safe and respectful manner.
• Ability to safely operate and maintain motor vehicles ATV’s, trucks, tractors, hydraulic dump trailers, tractors, and a variety of power tools and equipment.
• Ability to follow written and oral directions.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Basic computer skills.
• Ability to meet productivity standards, deadlines, and work schedules.
• Knowledge of health and safety policies, procedures and standards to establish and maintain a safe work environment.
• Knowledge of vehicles and equipment maintenance and repair.
• Ability to communicate in a professional manner with the public (including positive and negative interactions).
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.

Supplemental InformationWorking Conditions
The employee is expected to spend the majority of their time working in the field under sometimes difficult conditions.  Weather conditions can vary from freezing to over 100 degrees F, and terrain can be 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, cold, or windy weather to conduct maintenance, weed control and habitat enhancement work.
The work schedule is Monday through Thursday, 6:00 am to 4:30 pm. Incumbent must be willing to work hours outside of the regular 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday – Friday as well as evenings and weekends.
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.