he 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.

This position assists the supervisor in performing maintenance and habitat activities on the Oak Creek Wildlife Area for up to 3 months during the winter.  The primary purpose of the position is to assist in the elk and big horn sheep winter feeding program.  Primary duties include: load and move hay, equipment operation, elk fence maintenance, hazing of wildlife, ground maintenance and misc duties.

• Assisting with winter feeding operations.
• Load feed trucks with hay using tractors.
• Drive trucks to and from on feed sites and feed hay using automated feeders or by hand as part of crew.
• Accurately count elk and big horn sheep daily and record numbers on data sheet.

Equipment operation.

• Operates and maintains tractors, ATV’s, trucks, small mechanical and hand tools.
• Safely operate trucks and equipment in off road situations.
• Plow snow using trucks on remote feed site.

Fence repair and construction.

• Maintains and repair elk fence.
• Patch holes, replace staples, brace old posts, install new posts, and build rock jacks.
• Safely use a variety of hand tools including; hammer, shovel, wire cutters, tamping bars, and saws to accomplish these tasks.

Customer relations.

• Interacting with the public to answer questions about Oak Creek Wildlife Area as needed.

Facility maintenance.

• Assist with wildlife area facilities and grounds maintenance.

Work Setting, including hazards:

• Work is primarily outdoors in winter conditions.

Hazards include:

• inclement weather, uneven terrain, carrying heavy loads (50 pounds).

Schedule (i.e., hours and days):

• 24/7

Travel Requirements:

• No travel

Tools and Equipment:

• Trucks (4×4), tractors, snow plows, hand tool, power tools

Customer Interactions:

• Occasionally answer questions from visitor’s

Job knowledge:
1.         Habitat and farming operations.
2.         Basic tool and equipment operation.
3.         Safety rules and compliance.
4.         Operating small hand and power tools.
5.         Basic mechanical interest and aptitude.
6.         General carpentry.

Other skills and abilities:
1.         Drive a truck and trailers.
2.         Operate farm equipment.
3.         Safely use small hand and power tools and basic equipment.

Behavioral Competencies:
1.         Accountability
2.         Resourcefulness and problem solving
3.         Results oriented.
4.         Adaptability/flexibility.
5.         Reading, comprehending and retaining information.

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
• Three professional references

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.

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.