Invasive Species Specialist – Natural Resource Specialist 1 – Permanent – *00312-25

Working Title– Invasive Species Specialist 
Classification– Natural Resource Specialist 1 
Job Status– Full-Time/Permanent 
WDFW Program– Wildlife Program – Lands Division 
Duty Station– *Mount Vernon, Washington – Skagit County 
* Although this is a hybrid opportunity, the successful incumbent must reside within the State of Washington and must be available to report to the duty station located in Mount Vernon, Washington as needed.  The selected candidate may be able to telework/work remotely up to 1 day per week at the discretion of the supervisor.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Are you passionate about the prevention and management of invasive species?

Be a central figure in the sustained management of landscapes by performing professional and skilled technical duties to manage vegetation and noxious weed in wetlands, riparian areas, and other wildlands to improve habitat for fish and wildlife in perpetuity.

You thrive on building collaboration and teamwork, coordinating activities with outside agencies and groups to plan cooperative projects.

You are excited to support other federal, state and local governments by working cooperatively to achieve goals that further the mission of WDFW.

WHAT TO EXPECT 
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, this position will:

Survey, control and eradication of noxious weeds and management of other vegetation using integrated pest management (IPM).

• Prioritizes, plans, schedules, and leads a crew in the eradication of Spartina (RCW 17.26) and invasive cattail control in safe, efficient and legal manner using chemical and mechanical methods using IPM.
• Operates specialized equipment such as boats, airboats, tractors, ATVs, drones, and amphibious tractors.
• Trains employees on the use of pesticides, operation of spray equipment, machinery, small boats, and airboat operation and plant identification.
• Conducts other weed control and vegetations management using IPM.

Maintains and repairs equipment.

• Performs preventative maintenance (e.g. oil changes, filter replacement, pitching props) and conducts major repairs to airboats such as replacing motors, alternators, props, drives and the plastic bottoms.
• Performs preventative maintenance (e.g. oil changes, filter replacement, adjusting track tension) and conducts major repairs to Marshmaster (amphibious tractor) such as replacing drive motors and sprockets, changing bogey wheels, bogey tubes and tracks.
• Performs preventative maintenance (e.g. checking oil, changing filters, batteries, tire pressure) and conducts minor repairs to program-owned trucks.
• Performs preventative and major maintenance (e.g. surge & electric brakes, signals, bearings, tires) for equipment trailers.

Manages weed and spray data, maps treatment areas and writes weed reports.

• Supports other Programs missions by operating special equipment and providing local expertise in the field to guide work (e.g. swan & waterfowl capture & tagging, oil spill support, European green crab support).
• Supports other federal, state and local governments by working cooperatively to achieve goals that further the mission of WDFW.
• Participates in research projects with the universities (e.g. herbicide field trials).

Working Conditions:

Work setting:  Field work is approximately 60% of the work. Spartina work will be performed in the intertidal regions of Puget Sound in all weather conditions in boats and around the water.  Walk over difficult terrain, including slippery rocks, steep banks, and mud.  Bend, walk, and stoop while at times carrying up to 40 pounds, and load and transport gear which may exceed 40 pounds.  Work alone in remote locations.  Visually identify and distinguish biological and physical features between invasive and native plant species. Follow department biosecurity and personal safety standards, as well as department policies designed to limit the spread of invasive species.  Must be able to negotiate water in emergency situations.

Schedule: Monday – Friday, 40 hours/week.  Start times are set by the best available tides and may require early morning starts for weed work. The incumbent is expected to adjust his/her work schedule to meet project needs, including evening, weekend, and overtime work as required.

Travel requirements: Some projects in other areas of the state require occasional weekend travel and stay for up to a week at a time.

Customer Interactions: Interaction with other agencies and the public will occur; regularly explain weed control work to the public.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Qualifications:

A Bachelor’s degree involving major study in a biological science or closely allied field.

And

Two (2) years of experience in detection, survey, control, or eradication of pest or invasive species.

Please note:  Closely related qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-by-year basis.  Graduate level education may be substituted for experience on a year-for-year basis.

Licenses/Certifications:

• Valid Driver’s License.
• Washington State pesticide applicator license or obtain within 3 months of hire.
• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) drone license if required.

Experience in/with:

• Leading and managing field crews to complete field projects.
• Operating boats and/or airboats in marine environments and ability to obtain the motorboat operator training course (MOTC).
• Herbicide application and ability to obtain public applicator pesticide applicator’s license with an aquatic endorsement.
• Trailering equipment.
• Collecting data using GPS devices and using programs to map data.
• Using collected data and other information to write reports.

Preferred Qualifications: 
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:

• Experience with wildlife research studies and applying scientific principles.
• Familiarity navigating to the assigned work site to the established work sites in the Region and throughout Washington.
• Relationship-Building Skills/Abilities: Ability to develop positive, productive, respectful working relationships with coworkers and collaborators.
• Ability to identify and resolve complex or sensitive issues personnel issues with crewmembers and supervisors.
• Ability to closely follow standard protocols and perform work under moderate to low supervision.
• Understanding of basic mechanical/small engine repair.
• Excellent fieldwork skills including safety, punctuality, ability to accept supervision.
• Basic understanding of the marine environment and biology/botany.
• Operating amphibious tractors, mowers, and other machinery.
• Operating drones.
• Maintaining and repairing equipment.

Your application should include the following:

• A completed online application.
• An up-to-date resume (chronological preferred) showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
• A cover letter detailing your interest in the position, your relevant skills and experience, and why you are the ideal candidate.
• At least three (3) professional references with current contact information.

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 Cheri.Potter@dfw.wa.gov.
• 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 360-902-2278 or email Jayme.Chase@dfw.wa.gov, 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 (855) 524-5627 or support@neogov.com. 

Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to Cheri.Potter@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2025-00312.

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