Full-Time/Permanent *1874-21

Wenas Wildlife Area Manager – Wildlife Biologist 3 

Wildlife Program – Lands – Region 3

1701 S 24th Ave

Yakima, WA. 98902

Anticipated start date is May 1, 2021.

Do you want to make a difference by making a positive impact on the environment? If so, then join a great team that shares your interests!

 We are seeking a candidate with a passion and dedication to promote the WDFW conservation mission on the Wenas Wildlife Area.

This position offers the opportunity to learn and apply land management principles in a practical setting, with the potential for career advancement.

 Habitats on the Wildlife Area are varied, including shrubsteppe, mixed coniferous forests, streams and rivers, and riparian.

Picture yourself  leading with conservation work on the Wenas Wildlife Area by facilitating public recreation (e.g., hiking, hunting, rafting, fishing, etc.), enhancing fish and wildlife habitat across a range of ecosystems, and working with a diverse public.

Consistent with these agency strategies, this position manages the Wenas Wildlife Area which is comprised of over 120,000 acres of WDFW owned and managed lands in 2 counties (Yakima and Kittitas).  The manager is a senior level professional Biologist working under general directions from the Regional Lands Operations Manager, that is responsible for leading the implementation of all the program’s activities within the Wenas Wildlife Area that have an impact on key program decisions.  Some work is assigned by the Regional Lands Operations Manager, Regional wildlife Program Manager or Regional Director.  Performs work under the guidance of State and Federal regulations, agency policies and procedures, and applicable collective bargaining agreements.

The position creates, maintains and implements a wildlife area plan with involvement from the District Team and a Wildlife Area Advisory Committee.  They also serve as the primary liaison for the wildlife area, by working with other staff, other agencies and organizations, landowners, agricultural leases, hunters and the general public.  Recruits and supervises wildlife area staff.   Plans and implements habitat restoration and management projects on the wildlife area.  Coordinates with BPA on contracts including budgets, work plans and annual and progress reports.

This position has been designated as one for which a Department-issued firearm would be beneficial to the Department.   With the approval of the Appointing Authority or designee, provided the incumbent is able to meet the conditions and requirements of the agency firearm policy (Policy 7011), they may be authorized to carry and utilize a Department-issued firearm while in this position, provided he/she can continue to meet the requirements of Policy 7011.

KEY DUTIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO: 

Based on the Goals and Objectives from the Wildlife Area Plan(s), develop and implement activities to maintain/improve habitat, species, and/or recreational opportunities compatible with fish and wildlife and their habitats including: 

Tasks include: 

• Serving as the wildlife area expert developing projects to meet habitat management, species management and/or recreation management needs.
• Plan, coordinate, design, implement and monitor habitat enhancement, species maintenance, and recreation management projects.
• Develop, restore, enhance and/or maintain wildlife habitats.
• Create, manage, maintain and monitor public recreational use and opportunities.   Requires research of habitat restoration techniques, determining native seeds mixes developing timelines, project management skills and management of budgets.
• Implements projects utilizing tools and equipment necessary and directs staff to implement projects, and/or contracts work to be completed.
• Ensures broad-based input into project development by engaging with and seeking input from District Team (DT) and Wildlife Area Advisory Committee (WAAC).

Oversee/coordinate the planning and implementation of habitat enhancement and maintenance projects on the Wildlife Area to benefit Fish and Wildlife recreation or operations.   Projects of this nature are often proposed and implemented by others inside or outside the agency.

Tasks include: 

• Take part or lead cross program process (restoration pathway) to assure that projects are appropriate for the land and address concerns of all interests.
• Coordinate with outside organizations and other agency programs proposing projects while maintaining good relationships.
• Monitoring of projects during implementation.
• Post project monitoring and adaptive management as needed.
• Prepare and write agricultural and grazing permits including completing required processes to document compatibility and address any concerns.
• Prepare well written reports on progress, project completion or results as appropriate or required.

Develops and writes wildlife area plans and plan updates that guide habitat, wildlife, and recreation management.  Monitors and reports on progress toward plan goals and objectives. (Note:   In some years during active planning efforts, this activity may require a higher percentage of time than the average indicated here.)

Tasks include: 

• Draft plan updates, develop projects, schedule meetings, facilitate meetings, present information to WAAC, DT and other user groups, coordinate with staff to develop work plans.
• Maintains a WAAC that represents a balanced set of resources and recreation interests.

Prepares contracts, budgets and allotments for multiple funding sources including annual BPA contracts with budgets, statements of work and progress reports; then manages and monitors contracts and associated budgets.  Seeks and applies for additional grant funding to support wildlife area management plan implementation.

Tasks include: 

• Developing contracts and budgets in coordination with regional and headquarters staff, entering contracts into Novatus and budget allotments into CAPS Financial.
• Utilize BPA contracting system (PICES) to enter and track budget and contract information.
• Track budget expenditures and adjust spending plans as necessary.
• Develop funding and grant proposals and write project reports for successful grants.

 Recruits, trains, directs, mentors and evaluates staff

Tasks include: 

• Monitors work activities and assures compliance with plans, assignments, policies, procedures and directives.
• Works with staff to improve performance and effectiveness.
• Develops annual work plans and evaluations for staff and provides professional mentoring.
• Manages volunteers and volunteer projects.

Provides information to the public regarding fish/wildlife, WDFW lands, and recreation on the wildlife area and promotes agency values

Tasks include: 

Maintains wildlife area infrastructure, including buildings, grounds, roads, signs, irrigation systems, public use facilities, equipment, etc.

Tasks include: 

• Coordinates and completes preventative maintenance themselves, or by directing staff, contractors or Capital Asset Management Program (CAMP) staff.
• Submit capital fund requests through agency process for capital improvements.  Prioritize maintenance and repairs within wildlife area budget.

WORKING CONDITIONS: 

Work Setting, including hazards: 

• Position is based out of Region 3 Office.
• It is a combination of office and field work, estimated at 60% office and 40% in the field.
• General office hazards include sitting, ergonomics, computer use and tripping hazards.

• Field work hazards include, inclement weather, lifting up to 40 pounds, steep and rugged terrain.

Schedule: 

Travel Requirements: 

• Occasional overnight travel required.
• Must have ability to operate a vehicle and hold a valid driver’s license.
• Daily travel will include, highways, county roads and primitive wildlife area roads.

 Customer Interactions:

• Position requires regular contact with external customers and stakeholders including purchasers, contractors, adjacent landowners, other governmental representatives and the media.
• Position has frequent contact with general public and wildlife area visitors.

Licenses:

• First Aid (training provided by WDFW)
• Hold or obtain Public Operators State pesticide license withing 6 months of employment
• ATV certification (training provided)
• CDL (desirable)
• Firefighter Type 2 (desirable, training provided).

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

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

AND

• Three years of professional experience in wildlife management, wildlife biology, wildlife ecology, natural resource science, environmental science, soil science or range ecology.

OR

• Two years as a Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2.

 OR

• Seven years of professional experience in wildlife management or wildlife biology, wildlife ecology or natural resource.

 Note: A Master’s degree in the applicable science will substitute one year of the required experience.  Note: A Ph.D. in the applicable science may be substituted for two years of the required experience. 
 
Job knowledge and experience: 

• Additionally, must demonstrate comprehensive understanding of the principles, practices, and methods of environmental and land resource management.
• Agricultural equipment and practices.
• Methods and techniques of field sampling data gathering.
• Basic research and field investigations; applicable state, federal and local environmental & wildlife regulations and policies.
• Technical report writing methods and strong writing skills and be proficient in the use of ArcGIS.

 Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

• One-year supervisory experience.

Well qualified applicants will demonstrate competencies in the following areas:

Knowledge of:

• Effectively planning for the long-term needs of a Wildlife Area.
• Managing and administering contracts with various funding sources.
• Wildlife habitat relationships and habitat management principles.
• Applicable Federal, State and local environmental rules, regulations, procedures and policies.
• Accountability for managing budgets, staff, and other state-owned resources.

• Wildlife survey methods.
• Wildlife management tools and field techniques.
• Utilizing ArcGIS

 The ability to:

• Organize and prioritize work for self and others.
• Develop effective objectives, timelines and action plans.
• Communicate clearly and effectively with individuals and groups within and outside of the organization, both in writing and verbally.
• Negotiate effectively, appropriately, and respectfully, representing the agency with the intentions of a good faith partner.
• Provide leadership, training, guidance, and correction to supervised staff.
• Oversee volunteers.
• Follow prescribed protocols and procedures.
• Conduct field surveys to collect data.
• Conduct data analyses and make inferences from data for management recommendations.
• Mediate contentious situations, including skills such as: a high degree of diplomacy, tact, and an exceptional ability to listen, communicate, and resolve complex problems.
• Use critical thinking in collecting, recording, compiling, and summarizing data.
• Work independently and as a team member.
• Use Computer with Microsoft software for word processing, spreadsheet, and other applications, web-based tools, e-mail, and calendar clients.
• Effectively and safely, operate additional equipment and tools including radios and other mobile communication devices, digital cameras, spotting scopes/binoculars, global positioning systems, radio telemetry, and motion activated cameras.

Other Skills and Abilities

Ability to:

• Drive a truck and tow a trailer.
• Operate ATV’s and farm equipment.
• Safely use small hand and power tools and basic equipment.

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.  Many of our staff are currently working from home; 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.

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 essential: Maintain animal husbandry, hatchery operations for fish/animal welfare and associated testing/vet response etc.

*(Images shown are Pre-COVID, WDFW Staff follow current COVID Safety Protocol including the use of face masks)