Habitat & Access Specialist

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:  

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is seeking a motivated individual to join the Habitat and Access (H&A) team in Laramie. This position plays a critical role in supporting the daily operations of the Laramie Regional Office and Laboratory, ensuring facilities are safe, efficient, and well-maintained for staff and the public.

As part of the H&A team, this position also contributes to broader land management goals by supporting projects on Wildlife Habitat Management Areas (WHMAs) and Public Access Areas (PAAs). Success in this role requires balancing independent facility responsibilities with collaborative work alongside teammates to enhance both department facilities and wildlife habitats.

Human Resource Contact: Dezzaree Schott / dezzaree.schott@wyo.gov 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:  The listed functions are illustrative only and are not intended to describe every function that may be performed in the job level.

Regional Office & Laboratory Facilities

• Maintain and repair heating/cooling, plumbing, electrical, and lighting systems.
• Conduct preventive maintenance and safety inspections of office and laboratory facilities.
• Maintain specialized laboratory systems such as freezers, filtration systems, fire alarms, and HVAC monitoring.
• Manage contractor services for facility upgrades, repairs, and specialized maintenance.
• Performs routine custodial services, including, but not limited to, trash disposal, vacuuming, restroom cleaning, tile cleaning, interior and exterior window cleaning, and interior and exterior painting.
• Performs preventive maintenance on facility buildings and grounds.
• Performs and oversees landscape care, including watering, maintains sprinkler system; trims trees and plants, and performs other landscape work.
• Responsible for safe working practices and making appropriate use of related safety equipment as required. Removing ice and snow with various tools of the trade.
• Oversees services provided by independent contractors.
• Assists with facility maintenance budget development and prioritization, supply purchasing, and fiscal processing.
• Position makes recommendations and justifications for facility upgrades.
• Manages equipment logs and ensures proper maintenance schedules.

Team Environment & Land Management

• Work closely with H&A staff on projects that improve habitat and public access across the region.
• Assist with planning, budgeting, and implementing land management projects in line with WGFD’s Strategic Habitat Plan.
• Support infrastructure maintenance on WHMAs and PAAs, including roads, fences, signs, and recreational facilities.
• Contribute to weed control, irrigation management, and other land stewardship tasks as needed.
• This position will work on projects that improve or develop aquatic and terrestrial wildlife habitats within the state.

Administrative & Public Relations

• Prepare bid specifications, review contracts, and oversee vendor performance.
• Track and manage facility budgets, purchasing, and equipment maintenance schedules.
• Provide recommendations for facility and land management improvements.
• Provide recommendations for facility and land management improvements.
• Represent WGFD in interactions with contractors, landowners, and the public, promoting positive partnerships.

Qualifications

PREFERENCES: 

Preference may be given to candidates with a bachelor’s degree in wildlife management, range management, ecology, biology, zoology, agriculture, or equivalent experience.

KNOWLEDGE: 

• Knowledge of facility maintenance (HVAC, plumbing, carpentry, custodial, landscaping, snow removal).
• Familiarity with natural resources and land management practices.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, construction documents, and maps.
• Strong problem-solving, organizational, and time management skills.
• Effective written and oral communication; ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; experience with ArcGIS preferred.

PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Operate tools, vehicles, and equipment required for facility and land management tasks.
• Lift and move up to 50 lbs.
• Work indoors and outdoors in a variety of weather and terrain conditions, sometimes for extended periods.
• Occasional overnight or weekend travel may be required.
• Ability to walk in rough, uneven terrain with unstable footing.

NOTES: 

• FLSA: Non-exempt
• This is an at-will employee contract.
• Successful applicants for employment must pass a background check prior to appointment.
• Housing is not provided.
• Please email a cover letter to Jerry Cowles, Habitat and Access Supervisor at jerry.cowles@wyo.gov.  The cover letter should include career plans and suitability for the job.
• CONTACT: For more information regarding this position, contact Jerry Cowles, Habitat and Access Supervisor at 307-721-1378.

Supplemental Information

Click here to view the State of Wyoming Classification and Pay Structure.

Click here to view the State of Wyoming Total Compensation Calculator.

URL: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/wyoming/default.cfm

The State of Wyoming is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively supports the ADA and reasonably accommodates qualified applicants with disabilities.

Class Specifications are subject to change, please refer to the A & I HRD Website to ensure that you have the most recent version.