WDFW staff comprise a talented and passionate group of people dedicated to protecting Washington’s Fish & Wildlife Resources.  

Our employees serve the public with integrity, we hold ourselves accountable to both the quality of our work, and the way in which we perform it.

With that in mind, 

Picture yourself conducting surveys and monitoring for endangered butterflies.

This is an opportunity to accurately record data and quantify the abundance and distribution of butterflies following reintroduction efforts.

The optimal candidate takes pride in their work, uses sound judgment, and can work collaboratively.

We are seeking a candidate with demonstrated skill representing WDFW values of professionalism, accountability, empathy, integrity, and respect.

Our Butterfly Technician, 

• Collects data relative to butterfly position, abundance, and behavior during multiple life stages.
• Records data using voice recorders and paper forms in a precise, accurate, and consistent fashion.
• Captures, handles, and releases adult and/or larval butterflies.
• Conducts surveys for larval nests and monitors larval development.
• Transcribes field data and conducts accuracy checks.
• Conducts habitat assessment surveys for an endangered butterfly to quantify abundance and distribution of habitat characteristics.
• Is responsible for the layout of sampling grids, and data upload/download between GIS and GPS technologies.
• Under the supervision of an agency biologist, performs maintenance of spatial accuracy and integrity of GIS data using GPS technology.
• Is responsible for the simultaneous assessments of numerous vegetation characteristics using ocular (vision) estimates based on evolving field protocols.

WORKING CONDITIONS: 

• Work Setting, including hazards:    
  1. Field work occurs in prairie environments, in the south Puget lowlands and on uneven walking surfaces.
  2. Some sites on Joint Base Lewis-McChord may contain unexploded ordnance (artillery shells) – work on these sites requires special training and safety equipment (flak jacket/helmet), which can weigh up to 30 lbs., in addition to personal field equipment (binoculars/data recorders).
• Schedule: 
  1. This is an on-call position, hours may vary and are typically up to 40 hours per week.
  2. Work may occur on any day of the week and some weekend work is required.
  3. Field work hours may be highly variable and are dependent on weather conditions and other scheduling issues.  
• Travel Requirements: 
  1. Daily travel to/from field sites located within 50 miles of assigned work location.
  2. Occasional regional travel may be required to collect or distribute animals to captive-rearing facilities or for other purposes.
• Tools and Equipment:   
  1. Operating a pick-up truck, GPS units, binoculars, and other standard field equipment.
  2. Occasional use of hand and power tools for restoration of other purposes may also be required.   
  3. Office work requires use of standard equipment including computers (including Microsoft Office suite and ArcGIS software), copiers, printers, etc.    

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Six (6) semesters or nine quarter hours of college course work involving major study in biology, zoology, natural sciences, or closely allied field.

 AND

• One (1) season of field data collection experience. (Minimum of 3 months).

AND

• Knowledge of principles and procedures of biological research and management, standard field methods, and population measurement techniques.

     AND 

Ability to: 

• Visually estimate distances to animals with a high degree of accuracy.  (Nearest 10 centimeters).
• Search for and identify south Puget Sound prairie butterflies by sight in the field.
• Sit, stand, or walk for prolonged periods while observing and interpreting behaviors of wildlife species.
• Visually discriminate when identifying and distinguishing biological and physical characteristics of plants and animals.
• Document, interpret and communicate wildlife species/habitat information in a detailed manner.

Competencies: 

• Proficiency in using Microsoft Office software, especially Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Navigate in unfamiliar and undeveloped areas in adverse weather conditions.

Please Note: Professional equivalent experience may substitute, year for year, for the education requirement, as long as it is in biology, zoology, natural sciences, or closely allied field.

Certifications/Licenses: 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology, ecology, zoology, or environmental science.
• Two field seasons conducting surveys and collecting behavioral observations of butterflies. (Minimum of 1 month each).
• Knowledge of butterfly biology, ecology, and behavior.

Experience with: 

• Searching for and identifying south Puget Sound prairie butterflies by sight in the field.
• Conducting systematic, repeated surveys for focal species and maintaining detailed documentation.
• Conducting searches for insect larvae.
• Working independently in remote locations.
• Identifying common South Puget Sound prairie plants.
• Conducting grassland vegetation surveys.

Ability to: 

• Identify and estimate cover of plant species or vegetation groups using ocular (visual) estimates or frequencies with a high degree of accuracy.
• Conduct detailed data entry in a timely and effective manner with a high degree of accuracy over an extended period.
• Operate a variety of small hand and power tools.
• Drive a 4X4 vehicle.

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

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 cover letter describing how you meet the qualifications of this position (Generic cover letter will not be accepted).
• A current resume.
• Three professional references. 

IMPORTANT NOTE: 

The Department of Fish and Wildlife’s priority during the Covid-19 health crisis is to keep our staff, candidates, and the public safe.  We are hiring and encourage you to apply to open positions.  We have transitioned to a virtual recruitment process, to include web-based interviews.

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 professionalism, accountability, empathy, integrity, service, and respect.

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:

• Subject line should 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 RecruitmentTeam@dfw.wa.gov. 
• Subject line should 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. For further information, please contact us at RecruitmentTeam@dfw.wa.gov.

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.   All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status and are encouraged to apply. 

 Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 902-2276 or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at (800) 833-6388.

This recruitment is contract funded by a combination of federal and local (i.e. capital) funds.

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.