Working Title- Wenas Wildlife Area Manager
Classification- Fish & Wildlife Biologist 3
Job Status- Full-Time/Permanent
WDFW Program- Wildlife Program – Lands Division
Duty Station- *Selah, Washington – Yakima County
*Although this is a hybrid opportunity, the successful candidate must be available to report to the duty station located in Selah, Washington as needed.  The selected candidate may be able to telework/work remotely up to one (1) day per week at the discretion of the supervisor.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Embrace this role to manage the Wenas Wildlife Area which comprises over 106,000 acres of WDFW owned and managed lands in Yakima and Kittitas Counties.

With sustainability and conservation in mind, you will serve as the primary liaison for the wildlife area by working with other staff, other agencies and organizations, landowners, agricultural leases, hunters, and the general public.

We are seeking a candidate to create, maintain, and implement a wildlife area plan with involvement from the District Team and a Wildlife Area Advisory Committee.

WHAT TO EXPECT
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, this position will:

Based on the Goals and Objectives from the Wildlife Area Plan(s), develop and implement activities to maintain/improve habitat, species, and/or recreational opportunities compatible with fish and wildlife and their habitats.

• Plan, coordinate, design, implement, and monitor habitat enhancement, species maintenance, and recreation management projects.
• Develop, restore, enhance, and/or maintain wildlife habitats.
• Research habitat restoration techniques; determine native seed mixes; and develop timelines, project management skills and management of budgets.
• Implement projects utilizing tools and equipment necessary and direct staff to implement projects, and/or contracts work to be completed.

Oversee/coordinate the planning and implementation of habitat enhancement and maintenance projects on the Wildlife Area to benefit Fish and Wildlife recreation or operations.   Projects of this nature are often proposed and implemented by others inside or outside the agency.

• Take part in or lead cross program processes (restoration pathway) to ensure projects are appropriate for the land and address concerns of all interests.
• Coordinate with outside organizations and other agency programs proposing projects while maintaining productive working relationships.
• Prepare and write agricultural leases and grazing permits including the completion of required processes to document compatibility and address any concerns.
• Prepare well-written reports on progress, project completion or results as appropriate or required.

Prepare contracts, budgets and allotments for multiple funding sources including annual BPA contracts with budgets, statements of work and progress reports; then manage and monitor associated contracts and budgets.  Seek and apply for additional grant funding to support wildlife area management plan implementation.

• Develop contracts and budgets in coordination with regional and headquarters staff, and enter contracts into Novatus and budget allotments into CAPS Financial.
• Utilize BPA contracting system (PICES) to enter and track budget and contract information.
• Track budget expenditures and adjust spending plans as necessary.

Develop and write wildlife area plans and plan updates that guide habitat, wildlife, and recreation management.  Monitor and report progress toward plan goals and objectives.

• Draft plan updates, develop projects, schedule meetings, facilitate meetings, present information to WAAC, DT and other user groups, and coordinate with staff to develop work plans.

Recruit, train, direct, mentor, and evaluate staff.

• Monitor work activities and ensure compliance with plans, assignments, policies, procedures, and directives.
• Work with staff to improve performance and effectiveness.
• Develop annual work plans and evaluations for staff and provide professional mentoring.
• Manage volunteers and volunteer projects.

Provide information to the public regarding fish/wildlife, WDFW lands, and recreation on the wildlife area and promotes agency values.

• Serve as the primary public relations contact on the Wenas Wildlife Area and provide information to individuals, sports clubs, outdoor recreation groups, conservation groups, school groups, agricultural groups, business professional, civic groups and the general public.

Maintains wildlife area infrastructure, including buildings, grounds, roads, signs, irrigation systems, public use facilities, equipment, etc.

• Coordinate and complete preventative maintenance as needed whether alone or directing staff/contractors/Capital Asset Management Program (CAMP) staff.
• Submit capital fund requests through agency process for capital improvements.

Working Conditions:

Work setting:  This position works in an office and in the field.   Fieldwork presents additional risks and involves travel to and from field sites, often requiring work in outdoor conditions, including inclement weather and difficult terrain such as deep snow, slippery rocks, steep banks, and sticky mud.  Field surveys are conducted using various modes of transportation and on foot.  Outdoor work could include exposure to hazardous wildlife.  Biological sampling requires handling potentially hazardous materials, using needles, cutting instruments, and other sharp tools, increasing the risk of exposure to pathogens or injury.  Outdoor settings may include private land, which may be in active crop production, posing additional risks such as uneven ground, exposure to agricultural equipment, or contact with hazardous substances.  Work outdoors in adverse weather conditions or rugged environments can further contribute to physical and environmental hazards.  Proper training, use of personal protective equipment, and adherence to established safety guidelines are essential to mitigate these risks.  This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.

Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.  At times work may be off-schedule due to seasonal demands, emergencies, and time-critical assignments.

Travel requirements: Occasional overnight travel required.  Daily travel will include, highways, county roads and primitive wildlife area roads.

Customer Interactions: regular contact with external customers and stakeholders including purchasers, contractors, adjacent landowners, other governmental representatives and the media.   Position has frequent contact with general public and wildlife area visitors.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Qualifications:

Option 1:  A Bachelor's degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science, and three (3) years of professional experience in wildlife management, wildlife biology, wildlife ecology, natural resource science, environmental science, soil science or range ecology (Note: A Master’s degree in the applicable science will substitute for one (1) year of the required experience.  A Ph.D. in the applicable science may be substituted for two (2) years of the required experience.  Closely related qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-by-year basis.)

Option 2:  A Bachelor's degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science, and two (2) years as a Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2.

License:  Valid driver’s license.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• ATV Certification (Training provided through WDFW) (w/in 6 months of employment).
• First Aid (Training provided through WDFW) (w/in 6 months of employment).
• Hold or obtain Public Operators State Pesticide License (w/in 6 months of employment).
• This position has been designated as one for which a Department-issued firearm would be beneficial to the Department.  With the approval of the Appointing Authority or designee, provided the incumbent is able to meet the conditions and requirements of the agency firearm policy (Policy 7011), he/she may be authorized to carry and utilize a Department-issued firearm while in this position, provided he/she can continue to meet the requirements of Policy 7011.

Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of:

• Principles, practices, and methods of environmental and land resource management.
• Agricultural equipment and practices.
• Methods and techniques of field sampling.
• Data gathering.
• Basic research and field investigations.
• Applicable state, federal, and local environmental & wildlife regulations and policies.
• Technical report writing methods and strong writing skills.
• Proficient in the use of ArcGIS.

Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:

• One-year of supervisory experience.
• Commercial Driver’s License.
• Firefighter Type 2 certification.

Well qualified applicants will demonstrate competencies in the following areas:

• Planning for the long-term needs of a Wildlife Area.
• Managing and administering contracts with various funding sources.
• Wildlife habitat relationships and habitat management principles.
• Accountability for managing budgets, staff, and other state-owned resources.
• Wildlife survey methods.
• Wildlife management tools and field techniques.
• Organizing and prioritizing work for self and others.
• Developing effective objectives, timelines and action plans.
• Communicating clearly and effectively with individuals and groups within and outside of the organization, both in writing and verbally.
• Negotiating effectively, appropriately, and respectfully, representing the agency with the intentions of a good faith partner.
• Providing leadership, training, guidance, and correction to supervised staff.
• Overseeing volunteers.
• Following prescribed protocols and procedures.
• Conducting field surveys to collect data.
• Conducting data analyses and making inferences from data
• Mediating contentious situations, including skills such as: a high degree of diplomacy, tact, and an exceptional ability to listen, communicate, and resolve complex problems.
• Using critical thinking in collecting, recording, compiling, and summarizing data.
• Working independently and as a team member.
• Using computers with Microsoft software for word processing, spreadsheets, and other applications, web-based tools, e-mail, and calendar clients.
• Effectively and safely operating additional equipment and tools including radios and other mobile communication devices, digital cameras, spotting scopes/binoculars, global positioning systems, radio telemetry, and motion activated cameras.
• Driving a truck and towing a trailer.
• Operating ATVs and farm equipment.
• Using small hand and power tools and basic equipment.
• Operating a firearm.

Your application should include the following:

• A completed online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
• An up-to-date resume.
• A cover letter detailing your interest in the position, your relevant skills and experience, and why you are the ideal candidate.
• At least three (3) professional references with current contact information.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:

In addition to pay and other special employee programs, there are other benefits that WDFW employees may be eligible for. Click the “Benefits” tab at the top of this announcement to learn more.

Important Note: 

All new employees must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9 Form) on their first day of work. If hired for this or any position at WDFW, you will be required to provide documentation proving you are eligible to work in the United States. For a list of acceptable documents, please use the following link:  https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents

Union - 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.

Veteran and Military Spouse Preference Notice: 

Per RCW 73.16.010 Veterans and qualifying spouses who meet the minimum qualifications of a position are eligible for preference during the initial application review stage. To receive this benefit, please do the following: 

• Notify us of your veteran or military spouse status by email at Cheri.Potter@dfw.wa.gov.
• Veterans only – Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or USDVA signed verification of service letter.
  • Please redact any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers.
• Subject line must include recruitment number, position, and spouse/veteran (example: 2024-1234 – Biologist 1 – Veteran)
• Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer

As part of WDFW’s efforts to advance respectful and inclusive work environments, the Agency expects inclusivity as part of our professional interactions and communications.   Therefore, we want to ensure that all individuals feel welcome, are treated fairly and respectfully.  All staff are empowered to fully contribute to serving their work unit, Agency, and the citizens of Washington.

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.

Request an accommodation: Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format please contact Jayme Chase by phone 360-902-2278 or email Jayme.Chase@dfw.wa.gov, or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 800-833-6388.

Technical Difficulties: If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or support@neogov.com. 

Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to Cheri.Potter@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2025-01445.

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