Wildlife Area Technician - Natural Resources Technician 3 - Permanent

Washington Department of Natural Resources; Aberdeen (WA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is seeking a Wildlife Area Technician for the Aberdeen, WA area. The role focuses on habitat restoration, facility maintenance, and public-use management in wildlife areas.

It involves fieldwork, equipment operation, and coordination with teams to keep habitats healthy and accessible to wildlife and the public. The position requires a mix of habitat management experience or an associated degree and hands-on skills with tools and equipment, including

Qualifications

• Two years of habitat management, land management, agriculture, or natural resource operations.
• Associate degree (or higher) in natural resource management, forestry, wildlife management, agriculture, environmental science, or related field.
• One year of experience as Natural Resource Technician 2.
• At least six months operating equipment and six months using hand/power tools.

Responsibilities

• Implement Wildlife Area projects and habitat restoration activities.
• Maintain facilities, access areas, and public-use resources.
• Apply integrated pest management plans and herbicides as needed.
• Perform field activities: mowing, seeding, tree trimming, and equipment operation.
• Oversee irrigation, capital improvements, roads, and vehicle/equipment maintenance.

Skills

Habitat management

Equipment operation

Pesticide application

Public interaction

Education

Associate degree or higher in natural resources or related field

Tools

GIS

MS Office

GPS

Job description

Description

Title- Wildlife Area Technician

Classification- Natural Resources Technician 3

Job Status- Full-Time / Permanent

WDFW Program- Wildlife Program – Lands Division Duty Station- Aberdeen, Washington – Grays Harbor 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.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Natural Resource Technician seeding a 70-acre Bureau of Land Management (BLM) grassland restoration project – Photo Credit: WDFW

Do you enjoy working outdoors, maintaining wildlife habitat, and making a difference for Washington’s fish and wildlife?

As a Wildlife Area Technician, you’ll help manage and improve wildlife areas by supporting habitat restoration projects, maintaining facilities and public access areas, and controlling invasive vegetation. You’ll play an important role in keeping these areas healthy, safe, and accessible for wildlife and the public to enjoy.

If you like hands‑on work, variety in your day, and seeing the impact of your efforts firsthand, this could be a great fit for you!

What to Expect:

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

• Implement Wildlife Area projects.
• Restore, enhance, and maintain wildlife habitats.
• Implement Integrated Pest Management plans and apply herbicides as needed.
• Conduct agricultural activities, including mowing, disking, seeding, and tree trimming.
• Operate a variety of small and heavy equipment, including brush cutters, chainsaws all‑terrain vehicles (ATVs), utility task vehicles (UTVs), tractors, and excavators.
• Inspect, manage, and maintain access areas and public‑use resources to promote public health and safety, ensure compliance, and maintain the appearance of the Wildlife Area.

Maintain capital facilities, Wildlife Area infrastructure, vehicles, and equipment:

• Maintain Wildlife Area buildings, information kiosks, and signage.
• Maintain and oversee irrigation systems.
• Assist with and oversee the implementation of capital improvement projects.
• Maintain roads, culverts, gates, fences, parking lots, and other capital improvements.
• Maintain Wildlife Area vehicles and equipment, including associated maintenance records.
• Monitor and assess Wildlife Area facilities and equipment to identify and address safety concerns.

Working Conditions:

Work Setting, including hazards:

Primarily fieldwork, however some work is performed in an office or shop setting. Fieldwork may include exposure to inclement weather, navigating difficult terrain and operating small/large equipment and working from boats or around water. Walk, lift, bend, and stoop, sometimes on uneven terrain and while at times carrying up to 40 pounds of tools and/or equipment. Must be able to safely drive on primitive roads during all weather conditions. Use 4 x 4 trucks, utility and large frame tractors, construction equipment, all‑terrain vehicles (ATV), utility terrain vehicles (UTV), and must be able to load and transport heavy equipment. This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.

Schedule:

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:

This position may travel up to 15% of the time.

Tools and Equipment:

Standard field tools, such as shovels, spray equipment, chain saws, other power tools, farm machinery, backhoes, excavators, dozers, all‑terrain vehicles (ATVs), 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 (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, ATVs, farm tractors, or trailers.
• At least six (6) months of experience using 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 nine (9) months of hire (agency will provide training).

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience:

• Using agricultural practices and equipment.
• Planning and managing annual agricultural crop establishment.
• Identifying native plant species in Western Washington.

Knowledge of:

• Wildlife agricultural enhancement programs and farming practices.
• Wildlife habitat enhancement and restoration.
• Basic carpentry, mechanical repairs, and facility maintenance.
• The operation, maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting of small, large, and heavy equipment.
• Small engine-powered equipment, including pumps, chainsaws, and brush cutters.
• Computer software, including Microsoft Office, Geographic Information System (GIS) applications, and Global Positioning System (GPS) technology.
• Safety procedures and practices.

Ability to:

• Perform habitat management activities.
• Safely mix and apply pesticides.
• Repair and maintain buildings, fences, facilities, and equipment.
• Safely operate, troubleshoot, repair, and maintain motor vehicles, trailers, heavy equipment (including excavators, backhoes, and tractors with agricultural implements), small power equipment (including tillers, mowers, chainsaws, and grass and brush trimmers), shop equipment, all‑terrain vehicles (ATVs), and boats while following safety guidelines and identifying potential hazards.
• Identify wildlife and plant species and visually distinguish their biological and physical features.
• Oversee volunteers and coordinate work activities with inmate work crews.
• Conduct field surveys and collect data, applying critical thinking to collect, record, compile, and summarize findings.
• Use Global Positioning System (GPS) technology, mapping software, and Microsoft Office applications for collaboration, communication, word processing, spreadsheet management, web‑based tools, email, and calendar functions.

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 [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: 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 [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 2026-09232.

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