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) 9 months full time non permanent Fish & Wildlife Biologist 1 position. The duty station for this position is located at the Wenatchee District Office, 3860 Chelan Hwy, N. Wenatchee, WA 98823.

This is an entry-level professional biologist working under direct supervision of the District Wildlife Biologist to implement Wildlife Program goals, objectives, and assignments within District 7.  Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s District 7 is in north central Washington and includes Chelan and Douglas counties.  Under the supervision of the District Biologist, this position inventories, monitors, and manages wildlife populations.  This position provides analysis and assessment of wildlife or habitat management data for review by District Biologist.  Assists with developing recommendations for wildlife management and recreation opportunities within a district.  Implements wildlife management conservation and recreation activities within a district.  Communicates with the public and other agencies on diverse wildlife issues within an assigned area.

DutiesManage wildlife species:

• Provide logistical support for mule deer capture / radio collar work.  Check and collect biological data from hunter harvested bear and cougar, and bighorn sheep.  Deploy barrels for hunters to deposit grouse wings and check barrels to collect and sort wings.  Coordinate and participate in pheasant release program.  Assist with endangered pygmy rabbit recovery efforts, investigate mortality of radio collared big game species, place bait at bighorn sheep trap site, deploy and check game cams.

Conduct surveys to monitor wildlife populations:

• Conduct winter mule deer surveys, monarch butterfly larval survey, monitor bighorn sheep during the rut, check western grey squirrel hair snag tubes, conduct pygmy rabbit winter surveys, and coordinate volunteer winter turkey surveys.

Public support and outreach:

• Respond to public questions regarding hunting and wildlife-oriented recreation. Participate in community outreach events as they arise.  Participate in cooperative projects with conservation partners.  Assist and respond to injured/nuisance wildlife.

Data management:

• Enter and review data from surveys and management tasks.  Manage data as directed by supervisor.  Use GPS units and manage spatial data use and mapping.

Administration:

• Complete paperwork associated with timesheets and purchases, participate in mandatory training, learn and comply with agency policies, and contribute to bi-monthly activity reports.  Attend meetings.

• This position is largely a field-based position and works in remote settings often times alone.
• Ability to work in inclement weather over difficult terrain, including slippery rocks, steep banks, and sticky mud.
• Ability to walk, bend, stoop, often on uneven terrain, while at times carrying up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to load and transport equipment and gear.
• Ability to safely operate motor vehicles in field situations

Schedule (i.e., hours and days): 

• This is a full time 40 hours per week position normally scheduled M-F 8-5 some irregular hours and weekend work will be necessary, as seasonal tasks require.

Travel Requirements: 

• Less than 10% of time

Tools and Equipment: 

• The ability to use a wide variety of hand and power tools as well as operate machinery is a requirement of this position.

Customer Interactions:

• This position frequently interacts with the public. Strong communication skills are a necessity

QualificationsRequired Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

• Basic understanding of wildlife surveys and management
• Working knowledge of survey techniques and methods
• Comfortable with navigation using GPS and map & compass
• Good working knowledge of wildlife and their habitats in northcentral Washington
• Ability to interact with the hunting and non-hunting public and represent the agency in the field.
• Critical thinking and the ability to make decisions based on the best available information.
• Experience with public outreach
• History of collaboration within a team and positive relations co-workers.

Supplemental InformationUnion:

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.