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 (WDFW) is recruiting to fill one full time, permanent, Fish & Wildlife Biologist 4 position located in the Wildlife Program, Region 2. The duty station for this position is the Wenatchee District Office located at 3860 Hwy 97A, Wenatchee, Chelan County. However, there may be some flexibility for an alternate duty station located within the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife.
 
This positions serves as a statewide specialist for managing wolf activities related to population inventorying and monitoring, and carrying out management protocols.

• Designs and conducts surveys and/or studies to address management needs for wolves.
• Interprets and applies scientific findings to guide wolf management and policy.
• Develops planning documents to implement wolf conservation and management strategies.
• Writes reports to communicate study findings and status of wolves to guide management and policy.
• Manages specialized wolf activities and projects statewide.
• Provides technical input for managing wolves, and serve as an expert resource for managing high profile incident response.
• Communicates with the public and other agencies on diverse wildlife issues within an assigned area.
• Develops and leads training and information workshops related to wolf management.

Qualifications
A Bachelor’s degree in wildlife management, wildlife research, natural resource science, or environmental science.
AND
Five years of professional experience in wildlife or habitat management or research.
Note: A Master’s degree in the applicable science will substitute for one year of the required experience.
Note: A Ph.D. in the applicable science will substitute for two years of the required experience.
OR
Four years as a Fish & Wildlife Biologist 3.

Competencies
Must demonstrate comprehensive understanding of the principles, practices, and methods of environmental or resource management, methods and techniques of field sampling, testing, data gathering, basic research and field investigations; applicable state, federal and local environmental & wildlife regulations and policies; technical report writing methods.
 
Additionally, a successful candidate must have experience that demonstrates thorough working understanding of:

• Wolf population ecology.
• Wolf habitat and prey relationships.
• Wildlife survey methods
• Environmental rules and regulations.
• Personal computer hardware and software (MS/Office)
• Wildlife species identification
• Wolf management tools and field techniques
• Contract development and administration
• Statistical methods

The successful candidate will possess the following skills & abilities:

• Effectively communicate orally and in writing with agency staff, other agencies, industry, and the general public;
• Use sound, independent judgment to make decisions on environmental problems associated with wildlife conflict and completing assigned tasks;
• Developing effective objectives, timelines, and action plans;
• Follow prescribed protocols and procedures.
• Accurately and legibly record data and other information.
• Follow oral and written directions.
• Accept supervision.
• Work independently and as a team member.
• Use critical thinking in collecting, recording, compiling, and summarizing data.
• Conduct field surveys to collect data.
• Visually discriminate when identifying and distinguishing biological and physical features.
• Recognize differentiating plant and animal characteristics to identify species.
• Effectively and safely operate and perform basic maintenance on atvs, 4-wheel drive vehicles, and standard highway vehicles.
• Effectively and safely operate additional equipment and tools including: radios and other mobile communication devices, laptop computers, digital cameras, spotting scopes/binoculars, global positioning systems, radio telemetry, motion activated cameras, tools associated with fencing, traps, guns, snares, pyrotechnics, and radio telemetry.
• Safely use power and hand tools.
• Ability to dispatch animals.
• Use Computer with Microsoft software for word processing, spreadsheet, and other applications, web based tools, e-mail, and calendar clients.
• Ability to mediate contentious situations, using skills such as: a high degree of diplomacy, tact, and an exceptional ability to listen, communicate, and resolve complex problems.
• Negotiate effectively, appropriately and respectfully, representing the agency with the intentions of a good faith partner.

Working Conditions

• This position works in an office setting that includes reading, writing, phone, and computer use and may include travel for field duties.  Typical hours are 8 to 5 M-F, although duties occasionally require work in excess of 40 hours. These hours are flexible to accommodate seasonal workload or additional duties as assigned by the Carnivore Section Manager or Game Division Manager for work performed outdoors.
• Must have the ability to operate a vehicle and hold a valid driver’s license.  Fieldwork also requires knowledge of the operation of a GPS, compass, and digital camera.  Must be able to load and transport equipment and gear, and operate a variety of equipment, including ATVs.
• Physical, environmental, or mental demands of key work: Must be able to drive a vehicle to conduct field review of project sites.  Physical capacity to work in remote environments, conducting transects wildlife surveys, depredation investigations, and other related tasks.  These activities can consist of 8 to 10 hour days, for several days in a row.
• Health, Safety or Administrative Requirements: Capable of walking over rough terrain for short distances (≤ 1 mile) regularly or occasionally over long distances (several miles). Must be able to walk over difficult terrain, lift and carry at least 40 pounds short distances.
• Willingness and ability to work extended hours as necessary to complete assignments.  May include extended travel and evening or overnight trips.
• An interest in wildlife, habitat, and working with others in a collaborative and regulatory environment to influence sound resource management.

Union
This position is covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between the State of Washington, Department of Fish & Wildlife, and the Washington Association of Fish and Wildlife Professionals (WAFWP).  As a condition of employment you must either join the union and pay union dues, or pay the union a representational or other fee within 30 days of the date you are put into pay status.
 
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.