Private Lands Biologist – Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2 – Permanent – *06485-24

FULL-TIME/PERMANENT

PRIVATE LANDS BIOLOGIST

FISH & WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST 2

Wildlife Program – Region 4

La Conner, Washington – Skagit County

This recruitment is posted until June 26, 2024, with a first review of applications to take place on June 12, 2024.  Application review will be ongoing, and therefore, we encourage you to submit your application materials as soon as possible.  This recruitment may be closed at any time.

This position may be eligible for telework.  The default assigned work location of all WDFW positions – both on-site and telework-eligible positions – are within the State of Washington.  Frequency of onsite work will vary based on business and operational needs.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s stated mission is to preserve, protect and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.

The Private Lands Biologist implements projects on private properties to achieve Wildlife Program goals and objectives within Region 4.

Work to provide public access on private lands, and improve wildlife habitat on private lands in Region 4.

In this dynamic role, you will work to gain public access for hunting and watchable wildlife opportunities.

With your experience, you will collaborate with landowners to implement habitat enhancements on private lands to benefit waterfowl and other species.

You thrive on building collaboration and teamwork, supervising and mentoring technical and professional level staff in order to support an effective, motivated team.

Duties:

Here are some things you will be doing in this role,

Under the supervision of the Regional Program Manager, and working with other staff, develops landowner agreements for Private Lands Access Programs: 

• Writes contracts, develops proposals, negotiates, and develops landowner access agreements, leases, and/or MOUs with private landowners including agricultural producers, timber companies, non-governmental organizations, and other entities to facilitate public access to private lands.
• Access is to provide recreational opportunities to the general public, including hunting and wildlife viewing.
• Works with Financial Services Program staff to administer contracts and ensure timely lease payments associated with private lands access agreements.

Implements “on the ground” elements of Private Lands Access Programs: 

• Assesses private properties for suitability for hunting game birds and game animals, and for wildlife viewing.
• Establishes partnerships with private industrial timber companies by serving as a primary contact to assist with issues caused by public hunting access on private timberlands.
• Conducts and supervises staff in the following tasks: preparing maps, developing signage, posting signs, installing hunting blinds, cleaning and repairing blinds, picking up trash, ensuring hunter compliance, reporting hunting violations to enforcement personnel, providing program information through WDFW website and other media.

Assists Private Lands Section Manager in the development of the Private Lands Access Programs:

• Research funding sources, writes funding proposals, coordinates with partnering entities, identifies program objectives/deliverables/timelines, identifies equipment and personnel needs, and coordinates with WDFW Enforcement, Fish and Wildlife Program personnel.
• Assists District Biologists in informing hunters about special permit hunts on private lands.

Supervision and Mentoring:

• Sets goals and objectives, develops strategies to implement, and develops performance measurements and standards for the purpose of ensuring individual and program performance objectives are met.
• Monitors and inspects work in progress to ensure continuity and timely completion of work.

Implements monitoring programs to assess efficacy and success of Private Lands Access Programs:

• Conducts surveys and/or implements user questionnaires to assess level of public use, user satisfaction, and facilitates user feedback.
• Uses information from surveys/questionnaires to modify programs.
• Prepares written reports and presentations to promote programs and demonstrate success.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work Setting, including hazards:
  • Work in inclement weather over difficult terrain, including slippery rocks, steep banks, and sticky mud.  Walk, bend, stoop, while at times carrying up to 40 pounds.  Load and transport equipment and gear.
  • Work independently and as a team member.
• Schedule:
  • Typically, Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
  • During field seasons, incumbent is expected to adjust the work schedule to meet business needs, including evening and weekend work.
• Travel Requirements:
  • Travel throughout Region 4.
• Tools and Equipment:
  • Duties require the use of standard carpentry and landscaping equipment and a WDFW owned vehicle.
• Customer Interactions:
  • Regular contact with the public, including some contact with those who may be angry, distraught, or frustrated.

Qualifications:

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• A Bachelor’s degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science.

And

• One (1) year of professional experience in fish management or fish research, wildlife management or wildlife research, or habitat management or habitat research.
  • Please note: A Master’s degree or Ph.D. in the applicable science will substitute for the required experience.

Or

• Two (2) years as a Fish & Wildlife Biologist 1.

License:

• Valid unrestricted driver’s license.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• Applicant may be required to obtain a pesticides applicator’s license.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
In addition to those required qualifications, our ideal applicant will also have some or all of the following:
 
Knowledge, experience, and/or familiarity with:

• Game bird and game animal identification.
• Diversity species identification.
• Wildlife management techniques and wildlife habitat requirements.
• Familiarity with hunting techniques and hunting seasons for game birds and game animals.
• Running farm equipment.

Ability to:

• Think critically.
• Collect, record, compile, and summarize data.
• Follow oral and written direction.
• Perform work detail in a safe manner.
• Complete required administrative paperwork in an accurate and timely manner.
• Work independently and as a team player.
• Accept supervision.
• Operate motor vehicles and small boats.
• Conduct data analysis and make inferences from data.
• Speak and write effectively.
• Follow prescribed protocols and procedures.
• Conduct field surveys.
• Operate computers and use applicable software including Microsoft Office (e.g. Word, Excel, PowerPoint), web-based tools, geographic information systems, emails.

Job knowledge:

• Fish and wildlife habitat management requirements.
• Federal, state, local and agency private lands conservation programs.
• Private landowner issues.
• Agricultural and silvicultural practices.
• WDFW habitat and access programs.
• Grant writing.
• Contract development and administration.
• Pesticide laws and application.
• Local and state laws governing land use.
• WDFW Hunting and fishing regulations.

Supplemental Information:

Please note: Failure to follow the instructions below may lead to disqualification. 

Experience and education selected, listed, and detailed in the Supplemental Questions must be verifiable/listed on your application.

In order to successfully apply for this position, you MUST complete your profile at www.careers.wa.gov and attach the following to your profile before completing the online application:

• A completed online application that shows your experience as it relates to this position.
• A cover letter describing how you meet the qualifications of this position (a generic cover letter will not be accepted).
• A current resume.
• Three professional references.

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

JOIN THE WDFW TEAM:

Learn about our agency and the perks of working for WDFW!

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has some of the most talented people in the natural resource field.  We celebrate and value diversity, appreciating that a workforce composed of those from different backgrounds and experiences creates an inclusive environment, strengthens positive relationships with the local community, and brings new perspectives and approaches to fulfilling the agency’s mission. We value demonstrated skill in living WDFW values of Accountability, Service, Professionalism, Integrity, Respect, and Empathy (ASPIRE).

WDFW employees may be eligible for the following:

Medical/Dental/Vision for employee & dependent(s), Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), Vacation, Sick, and other Leave*, 11 Paid Holidays per year*, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Tuition Waiver, Long Term Disability & Life Insurance, Deferred Compensation Programs, Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP), Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA), Employee Assistance Program, Commute Trip Reduction Incentives (Download PDF reader), Combined Fund Drive, SmartHealth.

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.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer

VETERAN PREFERENCE NOTICE:

To take advantage of veteran preference, please do the following:

• Email a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or USDVA signed verification of service letter to Cheri.Weld@dfw.wa.gov.
• Subject line must include recruitment number, position, and Vet (for example: #10155 Biologist 1 – Veteran)
• Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.

MILITARY SPOUSE PREFERENCE NOTICE: 

To take advantage of military spouse preference, please do the following:

• Notify us of your military spouse status by email at Cheri.Weld@dfw.wa.gov.
• Subject line must include recruitment number, position, and MS (for example: #10155 Biologist 1 – MS)
• Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.

Note: Please blackout any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers.

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.  

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 JaymeChase@dfw.wa.gov,  or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 800-833-6388.

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.

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