Wildlife Area Technician – Natural Resource Tech 2 – Non-Perm – *09228-24

Title– Wildlife Area Technician
Classification– Natural Resource Technician 2
Job Status– Full-Time/Non-Permanent
Appointment/Season Length– 18 months – November 4, 2024 – June 30, 2026
WDFW Program– Wildlife Program – Lands Division
Duty Station– Brewster, Washington – Okanogan County

Note: Salary listed does not include spray operators pay – spray operator pay is base pay plus 10% while performing spray operation duties

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Are you project oriented and passionate about keeping the outdoors sustainable for wildlife and accessible for recreational use? 

With your expertise you will maintain the Douglas County Wildlife Area Complex, specializing in weed control and other habitat management and monitoring activities that will keep habitats thriving!

The optimal applicants will have in interest in natural resources, land management, species conservation, habitat restoration and an ability to identify Eastern Washington native plant species.

What to Expect-

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Wildlife Area Technician will,

• Use truck, tractor, UTV, 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.  
• Soil preparation, mowing, planting shrubs/trees, seeding, maintain irrigation systems, using tractor, ATV, UTV, and implements. 
• Irrigate food plots, shrub rows using handlines, permanent irrigation lines, and center pivot irrigation system.
• Safely operate trucks and equipment in off-road situations.
• Safely use a variety of hand tools including hammer, shovel, wire cutters, tamping bars, hand saws, and chainsaws.  

Working Conditions: 

Work Setting, including hazards: Work is performed primarily outdoors in all weather conditions and over rough terrain – while at times carrying up to 40 pounds of tools and/or equipment. Duties include driving over primitive terrain, as well as loading and transporting heavy equipment. Must be able to negotiate water in emergency situations.

Schedule: Overtime Eligible; Monday – Thursday 7:00am – 5:30pm; at times work may be off-schedule due to seasonal demands, emergencies, and time critical assignments.

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. 5% to 10% may be occasional travel required for training or meetings.

Tools and Equipment: Trucks, pickups, ATVs, UTVs, boats, trailers, tractors with a variety of implements, heavy equipment, sprayers, power, hand tools, GPS units.   Occasional use of personal computer hardware and software (MS/Office/Outlook).  

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications: 

High school graduation or GED and two (2) years of experience as a Natural Resource Worker 2.

     OR

High school graduation or GED and 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.
• General repairer

     OR

Equivalent education/experience.

Certifications/Licenses: Valid Driver’s License

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• Obtain a WA Pesticide applicators license within the first 6 months of employment.
• First Aid and CPR certified – Required within 6 months of employment.
• All-terrain vehicle (ATV), and utility terrain vehicle (UTV) certification (provided by agency).

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.
• Experience in building and equipment maintenance, construction, or repair work.
• Experience maintaining vehicles and equipment such as pumps, small engines, and tractors, etc.
• Pesticide Applicator’s license (opportunity to obtain this license will be provided).

Your application should include the following:

• A completed online application.
• An up-to-date resume (chronological preferred) showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
• 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 spouses of active-duty military personnel 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 [email protected]. 
• 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 [email protected], 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 [email protected]. 

Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to [email protected] and reference the job number in the subject line.

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