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) protects, conserves, and restores the State’s native fish and wildlife populations and their habitats. These properly managed resources provide sustainable fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing and other outdoor experiences for millions of residents and visitors. WDFW’s employees are diverse, interdisciplinary, and enjoy the challenges and satisfaction of working in perhaps the Nation’s most beautiful state. Biologists, scientists, enforcement officers, spatial analysts, land stewards, administrators, lab and computer technicians, customer service representatives and others manage hundreds of fish and wildlife species, maintain nearly a million acres of public wildlife lands, provide opportunities for recreational and commercial fishing, wildlife viewing and hunting, protect and restore habitat and create and enforce the laws that 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 Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is recruiting a full time, career seasonal Natural Resource Worker 2 position located in the Lands Division of the Wildlife Program in the Okanogan, Washington area. The employment period is March through November, annually.
 
As a member of the Prescribed Fire Team within the Wildlife Program, the incumbent(s) participate in providing statewide fire management implementation services on wildlife areas including fire dependent fish and wildlife habitat restoration and maintenance using prescribed (Rx) fire. Additionally this position is a member of a Prescribed (Rx) Burn Team to help implement projects for fire-dependent dry forest ecosystems with an initial focus in North Central Washington but may include any region in Washington State. The incumbent(s) supports/contributes to the mission of WDFW of preserving, protecting and enhancing fish and wildlife and their habitats by restoring fire as a disturbance agent at the appropriate frequency to fire dependent ecosystems/habitats sustaining and perpetuating the plants and animals dependent thereon.
 
Under supervision of the Prescribed Fire Team Leader this position participates in implementing plans to restore and maintain fire dependent fish and wildlife on wildlife areas primarily in Okanogan County but may include any region statewide which include more 200,000 acres of forest including numerous fire dependent, e.g., dry forest and fire maintained prairies and steppe.

• Coordinating with the Prescribed Fire Team Leader, to implement plans for restoration and maintenance of fire dependent fish and wildlife habitat; Conducting burn unit layout, fuels inventory, and implementing restoration projects as a member of the Prescribed Fire Team.
• Within a team environment to accomplish overall ecological fire management including planning and preparation of tools and equipment; preparation of burn areas, such as line construction, fuels inventory and area layout; implementation of firing techniques using firing devices; post burn monitoring/patrolling and mop up functions. Maintain ecological function of natural systems for the benefit of wildlife and fisheries habitat.   Provide for employee and public safety while implementing assigned projects including prescribed burning.
• Operate various types of equipment such as 4-wheel drive vehicles, all-terrain vehicles (UTV & ATV), chainsaws and hand tools in a safe and efficient manner.  Ability to provide basic equipment maintenance such as trouble shooting pumps, tool maintenance and maintain them in a fire ready condition. Ability to organize and track inventories of fire line equipment so there is accountability of equipment and costs.
• Participate in forest thinning operations to reduce stand densities prior to implementing prescribed fires.  Ability to conduct miscellaneous wildlife area duties as assigned during non-fire periods such as visitor signage replacement, repair construction, assisting planting of food plots, weed control, fence building, etc.
• Provide basic pre- and post-burn monitoring such as fuels inventories and vegetation surveys, this data is required for creating burn plans and monitoring prescribed burn goals and objectives (first and second order fire effects).

Graduation from high school or a GED and three months of natural resource related labor experience.

• One years’ experience on prescribed burns or wildland fire suppression.
• Qualified as a FFT2

Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge of fire dependent habitat management objectives.
• Understanding of current associated agency policies, procedures, and rules.
• Ability to work collaboratively with others in preparing and implementing Rx burns.
• Ability to navigate using gps, maps, aerial photos, compass, orthos, radio.
• Ability to traverse unit boundaries and accurately create a map.
• Proficient computer skills such as MS Word, MS Excel, with aptitude for learning new software programs.

PREFERRED:
Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

• Training in portable pumps and water use (S-211)
• Career oriented toward fire ecology/science and learning to use fire to achieve resource management objectives.
• First-aid/CPR certification or similar certification such as first responder.
• Experience leadership, e.g., experience as squad boss, crew boss.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Experience with prescribed burning, preparation and implementation.
• Possess good listening and speaking skills, with the goal of positive interactions with public and interagency resources.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in writing.
• Observational and analytical skills to detect and assess problems in field settings, and ability to develop practical solutions to those problems.
• Experience with the operation and maintenance of essential equipment used in Rx burn or wildland firefighting operations.
• Understanding of Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife – Lands Division policies and procedures
• Ability to safely operate motor vehicles in field situations including snow.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment

• State Driver’s License
• First Aid (training provided)
• ATV certification (training provided)
• Certified and current under National Wildfire Coordinating Group specifications and standards Qualified as FFT2 having received training in Introduction to ICS (I-100), Human Factors on the Fireline (L-180), Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior (S-190), Firefighter Training (S-130), Advanced Firefighter (S-131), Look Up, Look Down, Look Around (S-133).. Must able to successfully complete the work capacity test at arduous level.

Working Conditions
Duty station is located in the Okanogan area.  Position is a combination of office and field work.  The incumbent must be willing to work alone and traverse steep, uneven terrain in all weather conditions. The employee is expected to spend their time working in the field under sometimes difficult conditions.  Weather conditions can vary from freezing to over 100 degrees F, and terrain is 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 or cold weather.
 
The incumbent will be leading and working closely with other Prescribed Fire Team members for extended periods. Good leadership and exceptional people skills are essential to success of this position and the success of the Prescribed Fire Team as a whole.
 
The incumbent must be able to drive a vehicle on primitive roads during all weather conditions in 4 wheel drive trucks and ATV’s. The incumbent utilizes agency radio equipment and/or cell phone for communication in the field. Office duties require use of standard office furniture and equipment (e.g. desks, files, cabinets, computers, telephones, fax machines, copy machines, etc.). Field duties require frequent use of GPS, topographic maps, aerial photos, compass, clinometer and chain.  Field duties also require use of hand and motor-driven cutting equipment such as axes, saws and chainsaws.
 
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.