Assistant Wildlife Area Manager - Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2 - Permanent - *04578-25
Working Title- Assistant Wildlife Area Manager
Classification- Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2
Job Status- Full-Time/Permanent
WDFW Program- Wildlife Program – Lands Division
Duty Station- *Pasco, Washington – Franklin County
*Although this is a hybrid opportunity, the successful candidate must be available to report to the duty station located in Pasco, Washington as needed. The selected candidate may be able to telework/work remotely up to 1 days per week at the discretion of the supervisor.
Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!
Embrace this role to serve as an Assistant Manager of the Sunnyside/Snake River Wildlife Area (SSRWA), which includes more than 20,000 acres within Yakima, Benton, and Franklin counties.
With your experience, you will collect, organize, and/or provide analysis and assessment of fish, wildlife, lands or habitat management data and actions.
We are seeking a candidate to be responsible for monitoring, restoration, management or research of fish, wildlife, lands or habitat.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, this position will:
Facilitates, manages, and monitors the public use on the Sunnyside/Snake Wildlife Area.
- Conducts or oversees wildlife/habitat surveys, data collection, and habitat improvement.
- Assists with planning and developing priorities, coordinates, assists with implementation of all habitat, fish, wildlife, and recreational use management activities on the Sunnyside/Snake Wildlife Area.
- Assesses and evaluates fish and wildlife habitat management programs.
- Solves field and equipment problems to complete the assignment within timeframe.
- Oversees and assists wildlife area technician and volunteers with various tasks and projects.
Implement Wildlife Area Management Plan.
- Participates in Wildlife Area activities which include the development and implementation of the Management Plan
- Development and management of the operating budget
- Recommendations for the capital budget
- Conducting wildlife and habitat surveys
- Negotiating and monitoring agreements on behalf of the state with both private sector and other governmental agencies on issues such as land use and habitat management for the purpose of enhancing, protecting, and perpetuating fish and wildlife on Wildlife Area Lands.
Reviews, comments on project proposals, Environmental Impact Statements & other permits.
- Participates in the development of grant proposals for funding enhancement, restoration, and other habitat or recreational use projects.
- Assists with negotiating, writing, implementing, and monitoring agricultural leases and contracts for wildlife enhancement or habitat restoration projects, and evaluates the benefits to fish and wildlife.
Provides technical assistance and support related to species and habitats through training, the writing of technical plans and reports, and compiling/analyzing data used within the Wildlife Area.
- Submits periodic progress reports outlining current project status, findings, plans, and recommendations.
- Assists in formulating hunting and/or fishing seasons and changes in regulations.
- Works with technical committees to improve protocols and planning documents (provides expertise and opinions).
- Provides prescriptions and conducts or organizes work to enhance habitats on public or private land.
- Assists with completing land acquisition and easement grants.
Manage facilities and infrastructure.
- Manages equipment inventory used for research, maintenance, fish and wildlife habitat enhancement projects, and restoration and preservation projects.
- Assists with maintenance of Wildlife Area infrastructure, including buildings, grounds, diking systems, public use facilities, etc.
- Assists with purchases of equipment, seed, fertilizer, herbicides, etc., and hires vendors to apply some or all these products.
Working Conditions:
Work setting: Work is conducted in an office and in the fields. Required fieldwork may be in inclement weather and in steep and rugged terrain, sometimes in remote locations and during inclement weather. Must be able to drive a vehicle to conduct field review of project sites. Work in remote forested and aquatic environments, conducting surveys and other related tasks. These activities can consist of 8- to 10-hour days, for several days in a row. Capable of walking over rough terrain for short distances (= 1 mile) regularly or occasionally over long distances (several miles). Fieldwork also requires knowledge of the operation of a GPS, clinometer, and digital camera. This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.
Schedule: Typically, 10 hours per day, 4 days per week. The work schedule is flexible due to seasonal demands, emergencies, and time critical assignments. Willingness/ability to work extended hours as necessary to complete assignments.
Travel requirements: Occasional travel required.
Customer Interactions: Regular interactions with WDFW personnel, other local, state, and federal government personnel, consultants, contractors, private non-profit agency representatives, tribal representatives, project applicants.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required Qualifications:
Option 1: Bachelor’s degree in wildlife management, wildlife biology, or wildlife ecology, and one (1) year of professional experience in wildlife management or wildlife research.
Option 2: Associate’s degree in wildlife management, wildlife biology, or wildlife ecology, and three (3) years of professional experience in wildlife management or wildlife research.
Option 3: Five (5) or more years of experience in wildlife management, wildlife biology or wildlife ecology or wildlife research.
License: Valid driver’s license.
Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:
- First Aid (training provided).
- State pesticide license (training provided).
- ATV certification (training provided).
Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:
- A Master’s degree or Ph.D. in wildlife management, wildlife biology, or wildlife ecology.
- Managing and administering contracts.
- Knowledge of wildlife habitat relationships and habitat management principles.
- Knowledge of State environmental rules, regulations, and procedures.
- Budget management.
- Experience with wildlife survey methods.
- Proficient oral and written communication skills.
- Knowledge of wildlife management tools and field techniques.
- Contract development and administration.
- Organization and time management.
- Experience with human-wildlife conflict management.
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, etc.).
- Drive a truck and tow a trailer.
- Operate ATV’s and farm equipment.
- Safely use small hand and power tools and basic equipment.
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 #2025-04578.