Habitat and Access Specialist

GENERAL description:  

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is seeking a Habitat and Access Specialist based in Pinedale, WY. This position is an integral part of a team that manages and maintains land owned and associated with the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission. This position provides habitat expertise on state, federal, and private land through coordinating with various land managers to increase the quality of aquatic and terrestrial habitat on Wildlife Habitat Management Areas (WHMA), Public Access Areas (PAA), and elk feedgrounds within the Pinedale and Jackson Regions.

The position is responsible for habitat data collection, analysis, and interpretation, as well as the development and funding for habitat enhancements. This position develops and maintains effective working relationships with local state and federal agencies, landowners, sportspersons, and various NGO’s.

Human Resource Contact: Dezzaree Schott / dezzaree.schott@wyo.gov 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:  The listed functions are illustrative only and are not intended to describe every function that may be performed in the job level.

• This position will work on projects that improve or develop aquatic and terrestrial wildlife habitats within the state.
• Position will be responsible for road maintenance, irrigation and infrastructure, weed identification and herbicide Application, wetland and water manipulation management, fence conversions, construction, and maintenance, facility maintenance and upgrades, and other land management practices.
• Position makes recommendations on the planning, design, and implementation of aquatic and terrestrial habitat enhancements.
• Plan and budget to accomplish goals as set forth in the WGFD Strategic Habitat Plan, regional habitat priorities, and Statewide Habitat Plan.
• Responsible for reviewing and monitoring various maintenance contracts for road work, comfort station cleaning, noxious weed control, and other construction activities.
• Solicits bids, submits purchase requisitions and makes purchases, and submits invoicing for vendor payments.  Follows all fiscal procedures and accurately completes all necessary forms.
• Responsible for the care, safety, maintenance, and repairs of 4×4 pickups, commercial trucks, a variety of trailers, heavy equipment, farm equipment and implements, ATVs, and other position-related equipment.
• Attend training to further education on current techniques and issues of importance in the Wildlife management field.
• Represent WGFD through interaction with the public and landowners to promote WGFD and other partnering programs.

Qualifications

PREFERENCES/**AGENCY REQUIREMENTS: 

Preference will be given to those with a farm or ranch background or experience related to range management, fish and wildlife resource management, habitat development, or to those with a baccalaureate degree in wildlife management, range management, ecology, biology, zoology, or a closely related field.

*Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to obtain a CDL with a current medical certificate within one year.

KNOWLEDGE: 

• Knowledge of principles, theories, and practices of wildlife sciences.
• Knowledge of how to identify various wildlife, domestic animals, and/or plant species.
• Knowledge of applicable laws, rules, regulations, and/or policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of habitat and range management, ecosystem function, ecology of vegetation succession, grazing management, and wildlife ecology.
• Knowledge of natural resource management, range management, wetland management,
• and habitat management.
• Knowledge of engineering, construction, heavy equipment, farm equipment, operation, and construction procedures for working on projects.
• Knowledge of vegetation responses to various manipulation techniques, including mechanical, prescribed fire, and herbicide applications.
• Knowledge of noxious and invasive plants.
• Knowledge of safe work practices.
• Skill in organizing, planning, prioritizing, and time management for self and crew.
• Skill to evaluate and problem solve.
• Skills in following and coordinating work plans, equipment schedules, instructions, project plans, and organizing personnel to complete projects and tasks, as well as the ability to work alone and exercise independent judgment.
• Strong written and oral communication skills and ability to foster interpersonal relations with employees, landowners, and the general public.
• Must be able to effectively and safely operate commercial trucks, heavy equipment, farm machinery, power, and hand tools.
• Maintains facilities and equipment as directed.
• Skill in basic carpentry, welding, HVAC, and plumbing.
• Skills in the use of GPS and reading maps.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision, to be self-directed, and to exercise independent judgment.
• Ability to utilize a computer to prepare plans, reports, budgets, and maps. Use and knowledge of ArcGIS, Microsoft Excel and Word.
• Ability to analyze and interpret data collected in the field.
• Knowledge of aquatic & terrestrial wildlife management and habitat requirements.

PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Ability to operate Class 8 heavy trucks, heavy construction equipment, farm machinery, power tools, hand tools, and other equipment to complete projects and tasks in adverse conditions.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs.
• Ability to work outside and perform under adverse weather conditions and difficult terrain, often during long periods.
• Ability to walk in rough, uneven terrain with unstable footing.
• CDL – Commercial Driver’s License with a valid medical certificate must be obtained after being hired.  WGFD will pay for licensure.
• Frequent overnight and week-long travel required

NOTES: 

• FLSA: Non-exempt
• Position will be located in Pinedale, WY.
• Tentative start May 1, 2026
• This is a 12-month At-Will Employee Contract Position (AWEC)
• Uniform, rain gear, and other necessary gear will be provided when in the field.
• In addition to submitting the state application, please submit a cover letter to Miles Anderson, Habitat and Access Supervisor, 432 Mill St., Pinedale, WY 82941, or email: miles.anderson@wyo.gov. The cover letter should include career plans and suitability for the job.
• CONTACT: For more information regarding this position, contact Miles Anderson, Pinedale/Jackson Regional Habitat and Access Supervisor at (307)367-5610.

Supplemental Information

040-Wyoming Game and Fish-Services Division

Click here to view the State of Wyoming Classification and Pay Structure.

Click here to view the State of Wyoming Total Compensation Calculator.

URL: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/wyoming/default.cfm

The State of Wyoming is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively supports the ADA and reasonably accommodates qualified applicants with disabilities.

Class Specifications are subject to change, please refer to the A & I HRD Website to ensure that you have the most recent version.