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.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife is recruiting to fill one (1) full time permanent NATURAL RESOURCE TECHNICIAN 2 position. The duty station for this position is located in Stevens County at 755 South Main, Colville, WA.

This position assists the Region 1 Private Lands Biologist 2 in the implementation of wildlife program goals and objectives to develop the Private Lands Access Program in four counties, encompassing all of District 1 and Lincoln County in District 2.

Private Lands Program (80% of position time)

• Under the direction of the Private Lands Biologist 2, serves as field representative of the Private Lands Access Program in District 1.  Participates in the design, development and implementation of hunter access programs on private timberlands and private agricultural lands; and provides public access opportunities on private lands for fish and wildlife related recreational opportunities in Northeast Washington.
• Under the direction of the Private Lands Biologist 2, works with private landowners to improve, protect and restore wildlife habitat.

Wildlife Conflict Program (20% of position time)

• Under the direction of the Private Lands Biologist 2, assist the District 1 Wildlife Conflict Specialists with wildlife conflict duties, livestock depredation investigations, DPCA contracts, and wildlife conflict in general.
• Under the direction of the Private Lands Biologist 2, assist the District Wildlife Conflict Specialists with wildlife damage to commercial crops, nuisance wildlife complaints and the issuing of contracts and permits to address wildlife damage.

DUTIES:

Development of Hunter Access Programs
Tasks include:

• Work with private landowners and coordinate with volunteers to manage the hunting access program on private timberlands and private agricultural lands in Northeast Washington.  Provide direction and education to the public regarding hunter access opportunities on private lands.  Conduct landowner interviews, write reports and assist with contract development regarding the WDFW hunter access program.  Attend and participate in public meetings with WDFW and interagency staff, NGO’s, and local interest groups to promote and develop the private lands hunter access program.  Direct and inform the public on local issues related to WDFW Wildlife Program function.

Implement Hunter Access Programs
Tasks include:

• Provide landowners with the materials necessary for the implementation of the WDFW hunter access program including Hunting Only by Written Permission, Hunting by Reservation, Feel Free to Hunt and Cooperative Road Management programs on private lands.  Provide signs and posting materials and assistance with posting of property boundaries.

Habitat Development
Tasks include:

• Work with private landowners to improve, protect and restore wildlife habitat.  Encourage and implement habitat improvements on private lands in Northeast Washington with an emphasis on habitat improvements for whitetail deer and wild turkeys.

Wildlife Conflict
Tasks include:

• Assist the District 1 Wildlife Conflict Specialists with wildlife conflict duties surrounding livestock depredations, nuisance and dangerous wildlife complaints, developing and issuing wildlife conflict contracts, permits, and wildlife conflict in general.
• Assists the district Wildlife Conflict Specialists with addressing bear, cougar and wolf conflict reports or complaints; including working with livestock producers.
• Responds to nuisance wildlife and wildlife damage complaints to commercial crops and participates in lethal removal of wildlife as needed.
• Educates the public about wildlife conflict programs and solutions for deer, elk moose and turkey.
• Creates contracts and issues permits to landowners for DPCA and DPCA-L programs.  Coordinates with regional and statewide wildlife conflict staff on projects, meetings and trainings as required.

Assisting Wildlife Program Staff
Tasks include:

• Other duties as assigned, including assisting regional staff with Wildlife Program implementation, collection and compilation of wildlife harvest data and public use data.  Assist with cross-program project implementation as necessary.

• Routinely cooperates with regional and statewide Private Lands and Wildlife Conflict staff to accomplish agency and program goals.

Working Conditions:

Work Setting, including hazards: 

• Ability to work outdoors in inclement weather over difficult terrain, including steep slopes and snow and ice.  Ability to walk, bend, stoop, often on uneven terrain while carrying up to 40 pounds.  Willingness and ability to participate in capture and handling of wildlife.  Ability to load and transport equipment and gear. Willingness and ability to perform routine and repetitive work.

Schedule (i.e., hours and days): 

• M-F 8-5, but also available for non-scheduled workweek and hours.  Willingness and ability to work long and irregular hours.

Travel Requirements:

• Periodic travel out of the normal area of responsibility will be required, with overnight travel up to 10% of the time.

Tools and Equipment: 

• Basic hand tools, cordless power tools, chainsaw, ATV, 4×4 pickup, wildlife capture and telemetry equipment.

Customer Interactions: 

• Willingness and ability to perform in a punctual and dependable manner.  Willingness to perform in a safe and efficient manner.
• Willingness and ability to work with others in a safe and respectful manner.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

Graduation from high school or GED, including 1 year of high school science and 1 year of experience as a Natural Resource Technician 1 or 2  or Scientific Technician 1 or 2.
OR
Graduation from high school or GED, including 1 year of high school science and 2 years of laboratory or field experience as an assistant biologist, zoologist or chemist.

College coursework involving major study in biology, zoology, fisheries, wildlife, chemistry, natural sciences, or a closely allied field will substitute, year for year, for experience, provided the coursework includes at least 6 semester or 9 quarter hours of natural science classes.
Ability to:

• Accept supervision.
• Follow oral and written instructions/directions.
• Follow prescribed policies, protocols and procedures.
• Effectively communicate orally and in writing.
• Record data and other information accurately and legibly.
• Work independently and as a team member.
• Visually discriminate when identifying and distinguishing biological and physical features.
• Effectively and safely operate standard highway vehicles, ATV’s and trailers.
• Safely use hand and power tools, including chainsaws.
• Use GPS, computer with Microsoft software for word processing, spreadsheet applications, web-based tools,   email, and calendar clients.
• Complete required administrative paperwork in an accurate and timely manner.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications: 

Job knowledge (to perform the essential activities of this position, the employee must know or understand the following):

• WDFW hunter access and habitat programs.
• Fish and wildlife habitat management requirements.
• WDFW hunting and fishing regulations.
• Private landowner issues.
• Fish and wildlife species identification.
• Local and state laws governing land use.
• WDFW wildlife conflict/wildlife control policies and procedures.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• Washington State driver’s license

In-Training Plan, If Applicable:

• Defensive driving training.
• First aid training.
• ATV operator training
• Chainsaw operator training
• Heat-related illness training
• Firearms Training

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, include 3 professional references, 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 note: Failure to follow the above application instructions will lead to disqualification. Emailed documents will not be accepted in lieu of attaching your documents to the on line profile.

Upon submission of your online application, you will immediately receive a confirmation 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.