Are you quick learner who is willing to work independently and as a member of a team to further the conservation of state endangered species in a beautiful field setting? 

Do you want to work hard and have fun in a diverse team environment where there’s never a dull moment?

If so, come join a great team that shares your interests! 

These are opportunities to assist with survey efforts for a variety of different species including ferruginous hawks, ground squirrels, common loons and waterfowl.

With your experience, you will accurately and legibly record and organize data and other information into appropriate databases.

The optimal candidates take pride in their work, are enthusiastic and have a positive attitude even in the face of challenging field conditions.

We are seeking candidates with demonstrated skills representing WDFW values of professionalism, accountability, empathy, integrity, and respect.

Duties

Our Shrub-Steppe Diversity Species Technicians, 

• Conduct wildlife surveys for shrub-steppe species including Ferruginous Hawks and Ground-squirrels.
• Follow established survey protocols for Ferruginous Hawk nesting surveys.
• Use trucks, hike, and navigate to historic nesting locations using handheld GPS — which may entail hiking several miles over rocky and uneven terrain, and conducting up to 2 hours of observations on site to determine site occupancy.
• Identify other raptor species and nests.
• Perform additional survey work for ground squirrel – this entails navigating within pre-defined grids cells along transects using GPS while listening for high pitched calls and looking for sign.
• Maintaining waterfowl trap sites and assist with trapping and banding.
• Collect and enter detailed accurate data using GPS, cell phone apps, and datasheets.
• Properly maintain field equipment.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work Setting, including hazards:
  1. Field work requires working in remote locations, hiking long distances on/off trail, along steep, rocky slopes, difficult terrain/surfaces during all weather conditions.
  2. Field work also requires safely driving on unimproved roads using 4×4 vehicles and transporting equipment weighing up to 40 pounds over uneven terrain.
  3. Waterfowl work will be in shallow wetland conditions involving frequent wading and lifting 40lb bait bags.
  4. WDFW promotes a culture of safety surrounding COVID and other activities – mask use, social distancing, and following changing guidelines on safety protocols will be expected.
• Schedule:   
  1. Typically, 40 hours per week, Monday – Friday.
  2. Early mornings and long days possible.
  3. Occasional weekend work may be required.
  4. Workload demands may require work outside the assigned work hours and adjustment of work schedules.
• Travel Requirements:   
  1. Travel from the duty station in Pasco to work locations in other districts.
  2. May require overnight stays or short periods in remote field stations, hotels, bunkhouses, or travel trailers, up to 20% of time.
• Tools and Equipment:
  1. GPS, Spotting Scope, Binoculars, 4×4 Truck.
• Customer Interactions:
  1. Much of the work will be conducted on private lands.
  2. Technicians will represent WDFW and act respectfully and strive for positive interactions with landowners and any public encountered.
  3. Public engagement during outreach to water recreators during Loon surveys.

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

 AND 

        OR

        OR 

Certifications/Licenses: 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Demonstrated ability to properly identify raptors (birds of prey) in flight and perched.
• Ability to detect high pitched calls of ground-squirrels.
• Experience conducting raptor surveys or hawk counts.
• Wildlife identification and Survey methods.
• Experience using a GPS and mobile devices to collect spatial data.
• Ability to navigate using a handheld GPS off-trail in rugged terrain.
• Experience with accurate data collection and data management.
• Ability to use binoculars and spotting scope.

Supplemental Information

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.