Natural Resource Specialist 1 – Permanent – *11614-24

Classification – Natural Resource Specialist 1

Job Status – Full-Time/Permanent

WDFW Program– Wildlife Program – Lands Division 

Duty Station– Mount Vernon, Washington – Skagit County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) serves Washington’s citizens by protecting, restoring and enhancing fish and wildlife and their habitats, while providing sustainable and wildlife-related recreational and commercial opportunities. 

This entry level position in the Natural Resource Specialist series works as a professional in skilled technical natural resource management and protection. You will work under general supervision and within structured and established guidelines throughout WDFW’s Region 4 and supports the mission by providing and maintaining high quality access locations for wildlife-related recreational and commercial activities and building and maintaining safe, sanitary and accessible water access areas for the public to enjoy.

What to Expect-

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Natural Resource Specialist 1 will,

• Inspect and maintain Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Areas and/or Water Access Areas
• Collects information; assesses recreation use, infrastructure status, and habitat conditions.
• Takes photographs and reports describing and analyzing observed conditions such as recreational use, accessibility, terrain, habitat, and site developments and user practices.
• Performs skilled work in several trades (including carpentry, plumbing, electrical, welding, mechanics, and small engine repair) for habitat and infrastructure maintenance on Water Access Areas.
• Studies and evaluates public use patterns, trail, and road use, and provides recommendations if problems are observed.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications: 

Four (4) years’ experience working with natural resources or out-door recreation.

Or

A Bachelor’s degree with 24 quarter/18 semester hours in a related natural resource specialty area such as wildlife, conservation, range, agriculture, forestry, or out-door recreation.

Plus:

• Experience operating and performing routine maintenance on chainsaws, quads, motorcycles, small excavators, and other light equipment, as well as hand and power tools common to maintenance and repairs.
• Experience using Microsoft products such as Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook, etc.

Certifications/Licenses: A Valid Driver’s License  

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment: 

• First Aid Training and CPR (Can be completed after hire)
• Must obtain a WSDA public operator pesticide license (Within 1 year)

Preferred Qualifications:

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

• Experience with heavy equipment operation and maintenance.
• WSDA public operator’s license and experience with the use of herbicides
• Experience with overseeing volunteer groups.
• Experience with fence repair and construction.

Knowledge of:

• Vegetation management techniques and strategies specific to the typical habitats encountered in local working area.
• Power and hand tools operation.
• Heavy equipment operation and maintenance
• Proficiently drive, operate, haul, and maintain 1-Ton trucks, tractors, trailers, backhoes, and mowing equipment.
• Vegetation management techniques and strategies
• Understand and perform basic math functions.
• Proficiently operate, and maintain small engines (chainsaws, blowers, weed eaters)
• Carpentry and Fence Repair and Construction
• Basic plumbing and Electrical fundamentals
• Metal prefabrication and welding techniques.
• Safety compliance

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 professional references with current contact information.

Working Conditions: 

Work Setting, including hazards: This position is primarily a field position, working approximately 85% in the field and 15% in the office. Work will occur at WDFW’s Region 4 water access area sites and wildlife areas, boat launches and river and lake fishing access sites. Individual must be able to traverse and drive in uneven rugged terrain under all weather conditions. Sustained vehicle operation for long periods of time (2-4+ hours). Sustained outdoor work (4-6+ hours) in adverse weather conditions. The position will require operating a four-wheel drive vehicle on highway and forest roads, as well as trail hiking, and riding ATV’s on trails in moderate to difficult terrain. Ability to lift more than 45 pounds while performing duties. Bending, twisting, stooping, climbing regularly. Regular contact with human waste and drug paraphernalia. Herbicide and paint application.

Schedule: 6:00 am – 4:30pm 40 hours a week Monday- Thursday. Schedule may also be 8:00 a.m. – 5:00p.m. Some variation for seasonal workloads. Nighttime or weekend work on an as need basis.

Travel Requirements: Frequent single-day trips to work sites throughout the region. Extensive driving time between Access Areas daily. Infrequent overnight travel to other areas of Washington, for up to one (1) week at a time, may occur to attend conferences, training, assist with fieldwork, etc. 

Tools and Equipment: Trucks, pickups, ATV’s/UTV’s, trailers, tractor with several implements, mowers, sprayers, power washers, various pesticide sprayers, GPS units, hand and power tools and desktop computer.   Dump trailers, equipment trailers, riding lawnmowers.

Customer Interactions: Frequent communication via telephone, within the community or during field work. Occasional communications/interactions with distraught or upset customers.    

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 spouses of active-duty military personnel 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 RecruitmentTeam@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 diana.humes@dfw.wa.gov and reference the job number in the subject line:

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