WDFW is a great place to work and has implemented several, and is developing additional, initiatives that create a great working environment, including:

• We support a healthy work/life balance by offering flexible/alternative work schedules and mobile and telework options. (Depending on job duties).
• We have a formal training program to provide and encourage employee growth and development, while also promoting informal mentoring relationships and sharing knowledge across the agency.
• We value and are actively involved in promoting diversity and inclusion within WDFW. The focus of our Diversity Advisory Committee includes employee engagement and education; reinforcing WDFW values; and maximizing the value of diversity and identifying strategies for inclusion.

• Post signs on fields enrolled in the WDFW access program throughout Region 3 using pickup truck, ATVs, t-posts, drill motors, and post pounders.
• Mark, using GPS, the boundaries of private lands enrolled in the access program and assist in creating maps.
• Conduct weed control at parking lots.

• Contact landowners in person and by phone to determine interest in WDFW’s voluntary hunter access project and build relationships with private landowners
• Discuss program with hunters to promote stewardship of private lands in program, promote the programs, and identify potential problems with access sites.
• Assess migratory bird use of agricultural fields to determine high priority areas for gaining hunter access.

Assist with the implementation of habitat improvement.

• Contact landowners to promote habitat plantings and improvement projects and communicate the specific requirements and potential benefits of these programs.
• Assist in planting and maintenance of habitat projects.

Assist with wildlife research and monitoring projects.

• Assist with capture, banding, and surveying wildlife.
• Transport and set up traps and maintain bait stations for wildlife (primarily waterfowl and/or doves).
• Transport and release captive reared pheasants.

• Assess land condition and apply appropriate weed suppression efforts to control spread of noxious weeds.
• Assist with habitat plantings as directed.
• Assist with monitoring and management of wildlife area wetlands.

Assist with maintenance of wildlife area facilities and grounds.

• Maintain and safely operate equipment and tools (large and small tractors, ATV’s, trailers, spray equipment, drills, augers, and hand tools).
• Maintain wildlife area facilities and inform Wildlife Area Manager of needs.
• Maintain wildlife area sign postings and replace old/missing signs when needed.

Public Outreach.

• Develop relationships with local school science/biology programs.
• Work with volunteers on habitat improvement projects

Work Setting, including hazards:

• This is primarily a field position with up to 90% of time spent outside of the office.
• The incumbent will need to be able to work long hours in inclement weather conditions including extreme heat, cold, rain and snow, along busy state highways and walk through thick vegetation, climbing over and around fences and debris on uneven terrain and slippery surfaces while carrying up to 30lbs of field gear.
• The other 10% of the time is spent in the office entering data with typical office hazards

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

• Variable but typically Monday-Friday 8:00-5:00

Travel Requirements:

• Vehicle travel up to 200 miles per day. Overnight travel rarely required.

Tools and Equipment:?

• ATV, drill motors, trailers, herbicide spray equipment, hand tools, tractors, small engines, etc

Customer Interactions:

• Represent the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife in a professional manner. Have professional and respectful dialog with coworkers, partners, landowners, and the public at all times.

Qualifications.

Education: College level work in the field of fish, wildlife, or habitat management, agriculture, forestry, or a natural resource science may substitute year-for-year for experience.

Prefer:

an Associate’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, environmental science, or related field; or equivalent in education/experience.

Professional: prefer three (3) years of experience as a Habitat Technician, Scientific Technician or equivalent similar technician in wildlife field.

Experience interacting with farmers, ranchers, and hunters.
Experience gaining access to private lands for hunting.
Experience operating in the field with minimal supervision.
Knowledge of migratory waterfowl foraging patterns in the Columbia Basin.
Knowledge of WDFW public access programs.

Leadership Skills/Abilities: Ability to effectively collaborate, cooperate, demonstrate organization and time management skills to effectively prioritize workload and maximize efficiency; Balances quality of work with ability to meet deadlines by making efficient and effective use of available time, equipment and resources. Works with dedication, commitment and professionalism. Adapts to stressful or changing situations and priorities. Transitions easily between tasks, responding quickly and efficiently to work requests; successfully returns to incomplete tasks and continues working with minimal need to become re-oriented to the task. Works accurately and timely with minimal supervision. Exhibits self-initiative in developing or upgrading knowledge and skills, and applying that new knowledge or skills in the work environment.
Communication Skills/Abilities: Ability to convey ideas and facts orally and in writing.
Consulting Skills/Abilities: Ability to partner with field crew staff, supervisors and collaborators to identify and resolve complex or sensitive issues.
Ability to: develop positive, productive, respectful working relationships with coworkers and collaborators. Sensitivity to the concerns of Public and Private Landowners; independent judgment to handle situations encountered in the field.
Computer Resources and Program Skills/Abilities: Experience with Microsoft Word and Excel; Access, ArcGIS, and personal computers, familiarity within Windows driven computer programs.
Working with WDFW Management – This position must ensure to keep management timely apprised of controversial issues, especially politically sensitive matters, and consult with supervisor and management prior to acting on particularly sensitive or controversial matters or representing the Department on such matters so that WDFW management can participate in deciding positions or actions to be taken.
Appearance and Attire – While an agency dress code is not currently required, staff are expected to dress appropriately for the type of work they are conducting.  A professional appearance including grooming and attire is expected when working with local, state, and federal agencies, tribes, permit applicants and the public. Footwear used during field work should be appropriate so as to minimize risk of injury.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:
Experience operating small and large equipment, e.g., tractors, ATV’s, trailers, augers. Knowledge of farming practices in Eastern Washington.

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.