Wildlife Area Technicians – Natural Resource Technician 3 – Two (2) Non-Permanent – 2026-04916

Title – Wildlife Area Technicians
Classification – Natural Resource Technician 3
Number of Vacancies – Two (2) 
Job Status – Full-Time – Non-Permanent 
Anticipated Appointment Length – 12 months – July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027
WDFW Program – Wildlife Program – Lands Division
Duty Station – Columbia Basin Wildlife Area – Moses Lake, Washington – Grant County 
Salary – The salary listed above does not include the 2% pay increase that goes into effect on July 1, 2026.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

As our Wildlife Area Technicians, you will play a vital role in maintaining public access, improving wildlife habitat, supporting recreation opportunities, and implementing projects that contribute to healthy and diverse ecosystems across WDFW’s Columbia Wildlife Area.

These positions offer the opportunity to work outdoors while contributing to conservation efforts by implementing Wildlife Area Projects that protect, enhance, and restore habitat, support wildlife species, and maintain recreational opportunities.

Envision yourself out in the field carrying out vegetation management activities and performing technical tasks to maintain wildlife area facilities, equipment, and infrastructure.

What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within these roles, the Wildlife Area Technicians will,

Maintain capital facilities, wildlife area infrastructure, vehicles, and equipment:

• Maintain Wildlife Area buildings, information kiosks and signage, and irrigation systems.
• Assist and oversee the implementation of capital improvement projects.
• Maintain roads, culverts, gates, fences, parking lots and other capital improvements.
• Maintain wildlife area vehicles, equipment, and maintenance records.
• Monitor, assess and ensure safety of Wildlife Area facilities and equipment.

Plan, coordinate and implement projects to protect, maintain, and improve habitats, species, and recreational opportunities on the Wildlife Area:

• Implement Wildlife Area projects – restore, enhance, and maintain wildlife habitats.
• Implement Integrated Pest Management plan and apply herbicides as needed.
• Conduct agricultural activities such as mowing, disking, seeding, and trimming trees.
• Operate a variety of small and heavy equipment including brush cutters, chainsaws ATVs, UTV’s, tractors, and excavators.
• Inspect, manage, and maintain access areas and public use resources on the wildlife area to ensure the health and safety of the public, compliance, and the aesthetics of the wildlife area.

Working Conditions: 

Work setting, including hazards: 

• Primarily field work, which may include exposure to inclement weather and difficult terrain including slippery rocks, steep banks, sticky mud, and water.
• Hazards may include tripping/falling, handling and applying pesticides, driving equipment on primitive roads, and working with/loading and transporting small and large equipment including boats, 4×4 trucks, utility and large frame tractors, construction equipment, ATVs, and UTVs.
• Walk, lift, bend, and stoop on uneven terrain while occasionally carrying up to 40 pounds of tools and/or equipment.
• This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.

Schedule: 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 weather conditions.

Travel Requirements: Travel up to 15% of time.

Tools and Equipment: Standard field tools such as shovels, spray equipment, chain saws, other power tools, farm machinery, backhoes, excavators, dozers, ATV’s, trucks, trailers, and boats.

Customer Interactions: Communicate with the public during field work, via email, telephone, and at public meetings.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications: 

Option 1: Two (2) years of experience in habitat management, land management, agriculture, or natural resource operations.

Option 2: An Associate’s degree in natural resource management, forestry, wildlife management, agriculture, environmental science, or a closely related field.

Option 3: One (1) year of experience as a Natural Resource Technician 2.

In addition to meeting one (1) of the qualification options above, the following experience, which may be gained concurrently, is required to qualify for this position:

• Six (6) months of experience operating equipment such as vehicles, ATV’s or trailers.
• Six (6) months of experience with using hand and power tools in outdoor fieldwork, construction, or habitat work settings.

Certifications/Licenses:
Valid Driver’s License.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment: 
Washington State Public Operator Pesticide License must be obtained within six (6) months of hire. 
ATV and UTV certification is required and may be obtained after hire. 

Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess one or more of the following:

Education/Licenses: 

• Bachelor’s degree with major study in fisheries, wildlife, or habitat management, agriculture, forestry, or natural resource science.
• Public Pesticide Applicator License.

Professional experience with the following: 

• Agricultural practices and equipment.
• Planning and coordinating annual agricultural crop establishment.
• Identifying Eastern Washington native plant species.
• Operating heavy equipment such as excavators, graders, or large agricultural machinery.
• Maintaining or managing irrigation systems.
• Conducting wildlife monitoring, surveys, or data collection.
• Delivering public outreach, education, or hunter access programs.

Knowledge of:

• Wildlife agricultural enhancement programs and farming practices.
• Wildlife habitat enhancement and restoration.
• Basics of carpentry, mechanical and facility repair.
• Small, large, and heavy equipment operation, maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting.
• Small engine tools such as pumps, chainsaws, and brush cutters.
• Computer software – Microsoft Office, Geographic Information System (GIS) and Global Positioning System (GPS).
• Managing projects and workloads.
• Safety procedures.

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 kaila.daudt@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: 2026-1234 – 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 kaila.daudt@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2026-04916.

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