Natural Resource Specialist - Natural Resource Specialist 1 - Permanent - *00734-25

Working Title- Natural Resource Specialist

Classification- Natural Resource Specialist 1

Job Status- Full-Time/Permanent

WDFW Program- Wildlife Program – Lands Division

Duty Station- Loomis, Washington – Okanogan County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Photo Caption – Sinlahekin Wildlife Area – Photo Credit: Justin Haug

With sustainability and conservation in mind, you will provide public outreach through contact and delivery of information about recreation and other matters on WDFW lands.

This is an opportunity to implement a variety of projects, lead volunteers, implement the wildlife area's Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plan and keep the area infrastructure in good working condition.

We are seeking a candidate to implement shrubsteppe restoration projects on the wildlife area.

WHAT TO EXPECT

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

Habitat Enhancement projects.

• Implements an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program on the wildlife area that includes the application of herbicide to noxious weeds by boom truck, backpack sprayer, ATV sprayer and mower. Knowledge of proper mixing techniques, understanding the label and laws/safety required. 
• Field designs and implements Dry Forest habitat restoration projects with the direction of the wildlife area manager and assistant manager. 
• Determine equipment and tools needed to complete the work activity in a safe and efficient manner. 
• Document work completed using mapping software and report through gathering GPS data any immediate problems with fences throughout the complex. 
• Monitor vegetation response to IPM treatments.

Infrastructure Maintenance and repairs.

• Maintains existing capital facilities and project equipment on wildlife area.
• Monitors public use on the wildlife area, ensuring access and recreational uses of the wildlife areas are consistent with wildlife and habitat goals.
• Repairs and maintains infrastructure, and maintains and operates small and large equipment; maintains equipment in proper working order.
• Develops construction and maintenance projects for trails and recreation sites.

Administrative Duties.

• Maintain pesticide application records consistent with Washington laws and regulations
• Maintain daily activity logs to document location of work, miles driven, fuel use, equipment use hours, and time spent on individual projects.
• Complete bi-weekly attendance and work activity report.

Working Conditions:

Work setting:  Primarily a field position, working in the field and in a remote office on the Sinlahekin Wildlife Area.  Field work requires carrying tools and a typical fire field/fire pack that may weigh in excess of 50 pounds on uneven terrain, in all types of weather, and often smoky conditions.  Exposure to fire or high heat/burn during fire suppression activities.

Schedule: 40 hours per week position, normally scheduled Monday – Thursday, 7:00 AM - 5:30 PM.  Some night and weekend work will be necessary as seasonal tasks require.  Depending on workload and season, incumbent may be required to work weekends and outside of the normal schedule.

Travel requirements: Periodic travel to training sessions, workshops and meetings. Frequent travel to remote wildlife area units throughout the Okanogan County to those managed under the Sinlahekin Complex and other neighboring wildlife area complexes.

Customer Interactions: Frequent interactions with the public via telephone, during field work, or when working within the community.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Qualifications:

Option 1:  A Bachelor’s degree involving major study in forestry, agriculture, aquaculture, geology, recreation, or a related natural science field.

Option 2:  Equivalent education/experience in a natural resource field, fence construction, farming, wildland fire, or other closely related experience.

License:  Valid driver’s license.

Special Requirement/Condition of Employment:

Pesticide applicators license (within one year of hire).

Preferred Qualifications:

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

• Working knowledge of Shrub-Steppe and Dry Forest Habitat vegetation management techniques and strategies.
• Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
• Experience with heavy equipment operation and maintenance.
• WSDA public operator’s license and experience with the use of herbicides.
• Critical thinking and the ability to make decisions based on the best available information.
• Experience with overseeing volunteer groups.
• Experience with livestock behavior and management, including fence repair and construction.

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 #2025-00734.

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Salary : $3,811 - $5,117