THE DEPARTMENT

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) serves Washington’s citizens by protecting, restoring and enhancing fish and wildlife and their habitats, while providing sustainable and wildlife-related recreational and commercial opportunities. In Okanogan and Douglas counties, WDFW owns and operates over 90,000 acres of lands for fish, wildlife, and habitats as well as recreational opportunities. The WDFW also owns, maintains and operates over 65 water access sites (boat launch sites, restrooms, camping), providing the public with access to the recreational opportunities on Washington’s rivers, lakes, and uplands.

This position supports WDFW’s mission by supervising and administration of the operation and maintenance of the Wildlife Areas and Access Sites in Region 2’s Okanogan Complex. The Okanogan Complex includes all units of the Sinlahekin, Methow, Wells, and Scotch Wildlife Areas; and WDFW Water Access sites in Okanogan and northern Douglas County. This position works directly with and supports efficient land management operations and the public’s recreational experience, works with local government and lands owners, and policy implementation. This position will contribute to the Okanogan Complex land management team, in a more specialized technical role that may include water rights, agriculture, forestry, and/or range. This position reports to the North Central Washington Wildlife Program Manager and serves as the Lands Division manager and supervisor for 5 senior staff. The Lands Division is dedicated to conservation and managing habitats for fish and wildlife, and providing recreation associated with these resources.

The WDFW is recruiting to fill one (1) full time Natural Resource Specialist 5. The duty station for this position is located in Omak Washington.

• Supervises and directs staff Wildlife Area Managers and Access Site Supervisor engaged in management and stewardship of Wildlife Areas and Access Sites.
• Advises Program and Regional administration on emerging issues and accomplishment of environmental regulatory matters related to Wildlife Areas and Access Sites.
• Provides technical expertise to Okanogan Wildlife Area and Access Site managers in a technical role that may include water rights, agriculture, forestry, and/or range.
• Writes, coordinates submittal, administers, monitors, and reports on grant requests and associated contracts.
• Evaluates progress and prepares reports associated with federal funding from Pitman-Robertson; Bonneville Power Administration, Dingle-Johnson, and local grants.
• Prepares and monitors budget for Wildlife Area and Access sites.

While leading this lands complex, the position will have the opportunity to collaborate with other agencies, tribes, public community, and other stakeholders in advancing the conservation and management of the public lands Okanogan and Douglas counties. Effective interpersonal communication skills are critical in working with diverse audiences and challenging environments. Organizational management skills will provide direct operational functions in budget, personnel, facilities, staff and external communications, outreach strategies, and contracts.

Working Conditions

·         Available for non-scheduled work week and travel.

·         Willingness and ability to work long irregular hours.

·         Ability to work in inclement weather over difficult terrain, including slippery rocks, steep banks, and sticky mud.

·         Ability to walk, bend, stoop, while at times carrying up to 40 pounds.

·         Ability to load and transport equipment and gear.

·         Ability to use critical thinking in collecting, recording, compiling, and summarizing data.

·         Ability to follow oral and written directions.

·         Ability to visually discriminate when identifying and distinguishing biological and physical features.

·         Willingness and ability to perform in a punctual and dependable manner.

·         Willingness to perform in a safe and efficient manner.

·         Ability to complete required administrative paperwork in an accurate and timely manner.

·         Ability to work independently and as a team member.

Additional qualifying experience will substitute, year, for year, for education. A graduate degree in one of the above fields will substitute for two years.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

The best qualified candidates will have the following desired education and experience:

•  Expertise and personal interest in natural resource management.
•  Experience with WA State government systems, processes, and policies.
•  Experience working and collaborating with tribes, stakeholders, communities, and other government entities.

Proven leadership skills of:

•  Self-awareness, self management, and continual growth and learning.
•  Interpersonal awareness and the ability to be inclusive.
•  Effectively build teams and partnerships for shared resources, functions, and problem-solving.
•  Engage, energize, empathize, and motivate staff through effective management relationships.

Experience is based on full time equivalency (i.e., 40 or more hours/week).  Part time work is prorated (e.g., 20 hours/week for 6 years = 3 years of experience).  Do not count experience that was a part of your educational requirements.

*College course work involving major study in biology, zoology, fisheries, chemistry, natural sciences, or closely allied field will substitute, year for year, for experience, provided course work includes at least six semester or nine quarter hours of natural science classes.

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)

A copy of your college transcripts.

Three professional references (personal references do not count as professional)

Please note: Failure to follow the above application instructions will 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.

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.