Natural Resource Specialist 2 - Wenas Wildlife Area - Permanent - 2025-09074
Title- Natural Resource Specialist 2
Job Status- Full-Time/Permanent
WDFW Program- Wildlife Program – Lands Division
Duty Station- Wenas Wildlife Area - Selah, Washington – Yakima County
Closing Date- 1/4/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!
This position provides hands-on field support on the Wenas Wildlife Area, encompassing more than 120,000 acres of WDFW-managed lands in Yakima and Kittitas Counties. Under the direction of the Wildlife Area Manager, the role supports management of wildlife-oriented recreation and public use, serving as a key point of connection between WDFW and nearby communities including Yakima, Selah, and Ellensburg.
Responsibilities include maintaining facilities, structures, and equipment, as well as implementing projects to enhance habitats, species, and recreational opportunities. The position plays an important role in protecting and improving shrub-steppe, forest, and riparian habitats while ensuring safe, well-managed recreational access and high-quality customer service on the wildlife area.
What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Natural Resource Specialist will,
Implement activities to maintain/improve habitat, species, and/or recreational opportunities compatible with fish and wildlife and their habitats:
- Assists with implementation of habitat, fish, wildlife, and recreational use management activities on the Wenas Wildlife Area.
- Oversees multiple target shooting sites
- lead volunteer projects on trail maintenance and other recreational projects.
- Develop a strong understanding of the different forms of recreation on the Wenas Wildlife Area such as hunting, fishing, mountain biking, birdwatching, hiking, horseback riding, and more.
- Develop and implement habitat projects to benefit critical wildlife species.
Collects and analyzes data on recreational use of Wildlife Areas, including hunting, fishing, and non-consumptive recreation:
- Maps and/or analyzes data to determine status of plant, animal, and habitats on the Wildlife Area
- Assists in formulating changes in regulations
- Monitors recreational use and its impacts or potential impacts to vegetation, wildlife and habitats.
Other duties:
- Maintain tools, equipment, vehicles, facilities, and infrastructure to ensure safe and effective operation and conditions for both staff and the public.
- Assists WLA Manager with planning, coordinating, implementing and monitoring habitat enhancement and maintenance projects on the WLA to benefit fish, wildlife and recreation.
- Work plans, administration, and required reports.
- Develops professional level working relationships with a variety of user groups, adjacent neighbors and throughout the community.
Working Conditions:
Work setting: including hazards: This position works primarily in the field, with additional duties performed in shop and office environments. Hazards include exposure to inclement weather, difficult or uneven terrain, power equipment, and conditions consistent with operating tractors and other heavy equipment in outdoor settings. Duties require safely driving vehicles on primitive roads in all weather conditions using 4x4 trucks and ATVs. Physical demands include walking, lifting, bending, and stooping—sometimes on uneven terrain—and carrying up to 40 pounds. This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.
Schedule: This position is full-time, working 40 hours per week. The standard work schedule includes the potential for occasional evening or weekend work as needed. Schedules may vary based on business needs, time of year, and/or weather conditions.
Travel: Overnight travel is very seldomly required.
Tools and Equipment: Use of standard field tools (e.g., shovels, fence post drivers, spray equipment); chainsaws and other power tools; ATVs; tractors; mowers; skid steers; backhoes; dozers; large trucks and attachments; agency vehicles; and standard office equipment (computer, copier, scanner). Field work also requires GPS units, ArcGIS, smartphones, and a digital camera.
Customer interaction: Communicate with the public during field work, by email and phone, and at public meetings. Develop professional working relationships with neighboring landowners, user groups, and members of the broader community. Regular interaction with individuals who may be upset or distressed.
Qualifications:
Required Qualifications:
Option 1: Five (5) years of professional experience in a related natural resource specialty area, including working on a farm/ranch, conducting agricultural enhancement/farming practices, operating heavy equipment, conducting wildlife habitat enhancement practices.
Option 2: Bachelor’s degree involving major study in forestry, agriculture, aquaculture, geology, recreation, or related natural science and one (1) year of professional experience in a related natural resource specialty area, including working on a farm/ranch, conducting agricultural enhancement/farming practices, operating heavy equipment, conducting wildlife habitat enhancement practices.
Option 3: Equivalent education/experience
Certifications/Licenses: Valid driver’s license
Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess one or more of the following:
Licenses/Certifications:
- Commercial Driver’s License
- Firefighter Type 2 Certification
Three (3) years or more of professional experience in/with:
- Forest management, shrub steppe habitat enhancement, and restoration for big game species.
- Wildlife agricultural enhancement programs/farming practices.
- Wildlife habitat enhancement and restoration.
- Integrated pest management practices
- Recreational users such as hunting, fishing, mountain biking, birdwatching, hiking, horseback riding, and more.
Two (2) years or more professional experience in/with:
- Heavy equipment operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
- Small engine tools such as pumps, chainsaws, brush cutters.
- Operating small hand and power tools (drills, hammer, etc..).
- Carpentry, mechanical, and facility repair.
- Welding and fabrication.
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.)
- GIS and GPS software
- Biological data collection, recording, compiling.
- Eastern Washington native plant species.
One (1) year or more of professional experience in/with:
- Pesticide application
- Habitat management
- Planning, coordinating, and/or supervising the work of volunteers
- Follow prescribed protocols and procedures.
- Conduct field surveys to collect data.
- Communicating orally and in writing with agency staff, other agencies, industry, and the general public.
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 RecruitmentTeam@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 diana.humes@dfw.wa.gov