The Washington 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. The Department of Fish and Wildlife has some of the most talented people in the natural resource field. Find out more about us and the important work we are a part of at www.wdfw.wa.gov.

Permanent / Career Seasonal
Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2

The Department of Fish and Wildlife is recruiting to fill one full time, permanent, 9-month career seasonal Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2 position located in the Wildlife Program, Region 3. The duty station for this position is located at the Wenas Wildlife Area, 312 Mt Vale Rd, Selah, WA 98942.

This position assists the Wenas Wildlife Area Manager with implementation of Wildlife Program goals, objectives and assignments on the Wenas Wildlife Area in Yakima and Kittitas Counties. As a journey-level biologist under general supervision of the Wildlife Area Manager, the position assists with administration, planning, development, and implementation of the Wenas WLA Management Plan and BPA contract requirements. This includes habitat maintenance and restoration projects as well as management of recreational use on the wildlife area, which is comprised of 105,000 acres of WDFW owned and managed lands. The position independently conducts studies on habitats, plants, animals, and recreational use utilizing predefined methodologies and/or predetermined criteria for studies, surveys, and/or analysis.

Primary management objectives on the Wenas WLA are protection and enhancement of shrub-steppe, forest and riparian habitats, and management of recreational use.

Job Duties:
Assists WLA Manager with planning, coordinating, implementing and monitoring habitat enhancement and maintenance projects on the WLA to benefit fish, wildlife and recreation.
Plans and conducts management activities and studies on wildlife, plants, and habitat on wildlife areas.
Assists with planning and management of sustainable fish and wildlife-related recreational use on the Wenas Wildlife Area.
Develops grant proposals for funding enhancement, restoration and other habitat or recreational use projects.
Conducts annual Road Maintenance and Abandonment Plan (RMAP) inspections and prepares annual report.
Monitors public use on the wildlife area and manages a network of digital car counters, ensuring access and recreational uses of the wildlife areas are consistent with wildlife and habitat goals
Trains staff and volunteers, organizes and oversees work crews and contractors; Directs the efforts of volunteers or Master Hunters on wildlife areas.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:
A Bachelor’s Degree in wildlife biology, environmental science, wildlife science, biology, ecology, or a closely related natural resource field.
AND
one year of professional experience in fish/ wildlife/ habitat management or research.

Note: A Master’s or Ph.D. in the applicable science will substitute for one year of the required experience.

OR

Equivalent education/experience.

Job Knowledge
Implementation of wildlife habitat management plans
Wildlife habitat management and restoration techniques, along with land management methods and practices
Recreation and natural resources planning principles and techniques
Wildlife and habitat survey methods and techniques
Wildlife population relationships and ecology
Weed/Noxious plant identification and management using pesticides and integrated pest management
Management of plant communities
Personal computer software and hardware (MS Office/ArcGIS)
Safety procedures

Ability to:
Communicate effectively in writing and orally
Participate effectively as a team member to accomplish tasks
Manage and coordinate projects and workloads
Organize and prioritize work for self and others
Train temporary and volunteer staff
Follow prescribed protocols and procedures
Conduct field surveys to collect data
Identify wildlife and plants species in shrub-steppe and forest plant communities
Operate and maintain motor vehicles, tractors, farm implements, boats, ATVs

Behavioral Competencies:
Creative and innovative thinking
Communication effectiveness
Organizational and political awareness
Adaptability and flexibility
Accountability
Performance leadership
Ethics and integrity
Results orientation and initiative

Working Conditions:

Work setting, hazards:
Majority of work will be performed in an office environment. Some field work will be required in all weather conditions and over difficult terrain, often slippery rocks, steep banks, and mud. Must have the ability to load and transport equipment and gear, walk, bend, stoop, while at times carrying up to 40 pounds, and safely operate motor vehicles, tractors, and ATVs.
Schedule:
M-F. 8am-5pm; at times work may be off schedule due to seasonal demands, emergencies, and time critical assignments.
Travel Requirements:
Occasional travel is required
Tools and Equipment:
Standard office equipment (computer, copier, scanner) and agency vehicle, Duties may also require use of large trucks, trailers, power and hand tools, welders and torches, tractors and ATV’s.
Customer Interactions:
Contact with the public and other stakeholder, including hunters, hikers, neighboring farmers and ranchers, volunteer groups, and other governmental entities.
Other:
Ability to work independently, safely, efficiently, and with self-motivation

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:
A strong working knowledge and experience working in shrub-steppe, including habitat enhancement and restoration is highly desirable.
Previous experience in Eastern Washington identifying wildlife and plant species and monitoring vegetation is highly desirable
Familiarity with integrated pest management, including herbicide applications and their potential biological impacts
Experience with biological data collection is highly desired
Background in the use of agricultural practices and equipment is desirable.
Experience developing and editing content for grant proposals, technical reports, and presentations
Experience developing and managing budgets and contracts
Strong project management and organizational skills
Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment
Must have or be able to obtain a valid Washington State Driver’s License.

WAFWP:
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.

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 note: Failure to follow the above application instructions may lead to disqualification. E-mailed documents will not be accepted 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.

Veteran Preference Notice
To take advantage of veteran preference, please do the following:
Email a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22 or USDVA signed verification of service letter to RecruitmentTeam@dfw.wa.gov.
Subject line should include recruitment number, position and Vet (#10155 Biologist 1 – Veteran)
Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov
Military Spouse Preference Notice
To take advantage of military spouse preference, please do the following:
Notify us of your military spouse status by email at RecruitmentTeam@dfw.wa.gov.
Subject line should include recruitment number, position and MS (#10155 Biologist 1 – MS)
Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov
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.