Wildlife Area Technician - Natural Resource Technician 3 - Permanent

Washington Department of Natural Resources; Washington; On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife seeks a Wildlife Area Technician to implement habitat projects, monitor species, and maintain public use resources at Big Bend Wildlife Area in Brewster, WA. This full-time, permanent position focuses on vegetation management, herbicide applications, and infrastructure upkeep.

The role requires experience in habitat management or related fields, valid driver's license, and potential pesticide licensing within six months.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience in habitat management or natural resource operations.
• Associate’s degree in natural resource management, forestry, wildlife management, agriculture, environmental science, or a related field.
• Six months of experience with hand and power tools in outdoor settings.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate and implement projects to protect, maintain, and improve habitats, species, and recreational opportunities on the Wildlife Area.
• Restore, enhance and maintain habitats using beaver dam analogs, post assisted log structures, and Zeedyk structures.
• Implement Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and apply herbicides as needed.
• Operate a variety of small and heavy equipment including brush cutters, chainsaws, ATVs, UTVs, tractors, and excavators.
• Inspect, manage and maintain access areas and public use resources on the wildlife area.

Skills

Habitat management

Equipment operation

Hand tools

Education

Associate degree in natural resource management or related field

Bachelor's degree in fisheries/wildlife/habitat management or related field

Tools

Heavy equipment operation

ATV/UTV operation

Irrigation systems maintenance

Job description

Description

Title- Wildlife Area Technician

Classification- Natural Resource Technician 3

Job Status- Full-Time - Permanent
WDFW Program- Wildlife Program
Duty Station- Brewster, Washington – Okanogan County

Please Note- This position is eligible for an additional 10% pay differential when the incumbent is a licensed spray operator performing spray operator duties as noted in the duties listed below.

Big Bend Wildlife Area – Photo Credit: WDFW

This is an opportunity to contribute to the conservation of the Douglas County Wildlife Area Complex by implementing projects that protect, enhance and restore habitats, support wildlife species, and maintain recreational opportunities.

Envision yourself in the field, carrying out vegetation management activities, applying herbicides to control invasive species.

With your hand and power tool experience you will also perform technical tasks to maintain wildlife area facilities, equipment, and infrastructure.

What to Expect-

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Wildlife Area Technician will,

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 including shrubsteppe, mesic and riparian habitats using beaver dam analogs, post assisted log structures, and Zeedyk structures
• Implement Integrated Pest Management (IPM) 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 to include brush cutters, chainsaws ATVs, UTVs, 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.

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

• Maintain Wildlife Area buildings, information kiosks and signage.
• Maintain irrigation systems.
• Assist with 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.

Working Conditions:

Work setting, including hazards:

• Work is performed primarily in the field, with some duties in an office or shop setting.
• Fieldwork includes working in inclement weather and navigating difficult terrain such as slippery rocks, steep banks, sticky mud, and water.

• The position involves hazards associated with outdoor work, including slips, trips, falls, operating small and heavy equipment, and working from boats or around water.
• Walk, lift, bend, and stoop sometimes on uneven terrain and at times carry up to 40 pounds of tools and/or equipment.
• Operate vehicles on primitive roads in all weather conditions. Safely operate 4x4 trucks, utility and large-frame tractors, construction equipment, ATVs, and UTVs, and load and transport heavy equipment as needed.
• This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.

Schedule: This position is 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/or weather conditions.

Travel Requirements: Available for non-scheduled workweek and travel up to 15% of time.

Tools and Equipment: Standard field tools such as shovels, herbicide application equipment, chain saws, other power tools, farm machinery, backhoes, excavators, dozers, ATVs, UTVs, trucks, trailers.

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 (or higher) 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 the options above, the following are required:

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

Certifications/Licenses: Valid Driver’s License.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

Hold or obtain a Pesticide Applicator's license within six (6) months of hire (agency will provide training).

Preferred Qualifications:

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

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

Public Pesticide Applicator License

Two (2) years of 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

Supplemental Information

In addition to pay and other special employee programs, there are other benefits that WDFW employees may be eligible for.

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 - WAFW P:

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 [e-mail].
• 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: 2024-1234 – 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 [phone] or email [e-mail], 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 [phone] or [e-mail].

Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to [e-mail] and reference job #2026-06796.