Title- Wildlife Area Technician 
Classification- Natural Resource Technician 2
Job Status- Full-Time - Permanent 
WDFW Program- Wildlife Program - Lands Division 
Duty Station- Brewster, Washington – Okanogan County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Implement projects aimed at protecting, maintaining, and enhancing habitats, species, and recreational opportunities within the Big Bend, Sagebrush Flat, and Wells Wildlife Areas.  

In this role, envision yourself conducting vegetation management in shrubsteppe, mesic, and riparian habitats, and performing technical maintenance of facilities, equipment, and infrastructure to ensure the safety of the public, and preservation of the wildlife area.

What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Wildlife Area Technician will, 

Implement Wildlife Area projects: 

• Use a truck, tractor, utility terrain vehicle (UTV), all-terrain vehicle (ATV) and backpack sprayers to apply herbicide to control weeds and use mechanical means to remove weeds.
• Calculate applications rates, mix herbicides and adjuvants to rate and equipment specifications.  
• Maintain wildlife habitats including shrubsteppe, mesic and riparian habitats using beaver dam analogs, post assisted log structures, and Zeedyk structures.
• Soil preparation, mowing, planting shrubs/trees, seeding, maintaining irrigation systems, using tractor, ATVs, UTVs, and implements.
• Conduct agricultural activities such as mowing, disking, seeding, and trimming trees. 
• Operate a variety of small and heavy equipment to include brush cutters, chainsaws, ATVs, UTVs, agricultural tractors and implements, and excavators.

Maintain capital facilities, wildlife area infrastructure, vehicles, and equipment:

• Monitor, assess and ensure the safety of Wildlife Area facilities and equipment.
• Maintain the following: 
  • Wildlife Area buildings, signage, and information kiosks.
  • Roads, culverts, gates, fences, parking lots and other capital improvements.
  • Wildlife area vehicles, equipment, and maintenance records.
  • Oversee and maintain irrigation systems.

Working Conditions: 

Work Setting, including hazards: 

• Primarily field work, with some work performed in an office or shop setting.
• Exposure to inclement weather such as extreme heat or snow. Navigate difficult terrain including slippery rocks, steep banks, sticky mud, and water.
• Potential hazards include tripping, falling and risks associated with operating small and large equipment in outdoor settings, on boats, or near water.
• Walk, lift, bend, and stoop sometimes on uneven terrain and at times carrying up to 40 pounds of tools and/or equipment up to four (4) days per week.
• Safely drive on primitive roads during all weather conditions. Use 4 x 4 trucks, utility and large frame tractors, construction equipment, ATV’s, UTV’s, and load and transport heavy equipment.
• Must be able to negotiate water in emergency situations. Must be able and willing to safely perform tasks around water.

Schedule: Typically, Monday – Thursday 7:00 A.M. – 5:30 P.M. and the willingness and ability to work long irregular hours.

Travel Requirements: Daily travel to field sites. Wildlife area units are in Douglas and Okanogan counties and travel may require daily round trips of up to 170 miles. Travel for required training or meetings is occasional (5% - 10%). 

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications: 

High school graduation or GED.

AND

Three (3) of experience as a Natural Resource Worker 2 or equivalent.

OR 

Three (3) years of related professional equivalent experience, including:

• Working on a farm/ranch.
• Conducting agricultural enhancement/farming activities.
• Operating heavy equipment.
• Conducting wildlife habitat enhancement activities.

OR

A Bachelor’s degree with major study in fish, wildlife, or habitat management, agriculture, forestry, aquatic land studies, or natural resource studies.

OR  

An Associate degree in natural resource studies AND two (2) years of technical experience in land management. 

Certifications/Licenses:
Valid Driver’s License. 

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:
Completion of the following training/certifications (agency provided): 

• All-terrain vehicle (ATV), and utility terrain vehicle (UTV) certification.
• Wilderness First Aid, CPR, and AED Training Certification.
• Chainsaw operation and safety training.
• Hold or obtain a Washington State Public Operator Pesticide license within six (6) months of hire.

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

Experience with: 

• Four-wheel drive vehicles and ATVs.
• Building and equipment maintenance, construction, or repair work.
• Maintaining vehicles and equipment such as pumps, small engines, and tractors.
• Identifying Eastern Washington native plant species.

Knowledge of:

• Wildlife agricultural enhancement programs/farming practices.
• Wildlife habitat enhancement and restoration.
• Basics of carpentry, mechanical and facility repair.
• Small, large, and heavy equipment operation, maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting.
• Small engine tools such as pumps, chainsaws, and brush cutters.
• Computer software including Microsoft Office, Geographic Information System (GIS) and Global Positioning System (GPS).
• Safety procedures.

Ability to: 

• Perform habitat management activities.
• Safely mix and apply pesticides.
• Repair and maintain buildings, fences, facilities, and equipment.
• Follow all safety guidelines, perform basic troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance and identify hazards while proficiently operating motor vehicles, trailers, heavy equipment including excavators, backhoes, tractors with agricultural implements, small power equipment (tillers, mowers, chainsaws, grass/brush trimmers) shop equipment, ATVs, and boats.
• Identify wildlife and plant species and ability to visually distinguish biological and physical features.
• Use GPS, mapping software, computer with Microsoft Office software for collaborating, communications, word processing, spreadsheet applications, web-based tools, email, and calendar events.

Certifications: 

• Pesticide Applicator's license.

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 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 Elizabeth.Bullard@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 Elizabeth.Bullard@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2024-13935.

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