Wildlife Area Manager - Swanson Lakes - Fish & Wildlife Biologist 3

Title- Wildlife Area Manager - Swanson Lakes
Classification- Fish & Wildlife Biologist 3
Job Status- Full-Time/Permanent 
WDFW Program- Wildlife Program – Region 1
Duty Station- Swanson Lakes Wildlife Area Headquarters – Creston, WA – Lincoln County

The salary listed above does not include the 3% pay increase that goes into effect on July 1, 2025.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

What to Expect-

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

• Implements wildlife area plan activities, including habitat and recreation management projects.
• Plans, coordinates, and monitors habitats/enhancement projects on wildlife area to benefit fish and wildlife.
• Serves as interagency liaison for wildlife areas, working with other staff and agencies, non- governmental organizations, and the public.
• Provides information to public regarding wildlife areas and water access areas.
• Manages facilities and real estate properties.
• Develops wildlife area spending plans; and manages and monitors budgets.
• Develops funding and grant proposals.
• Coordinates with Headquarters staff on budget planning activities.
• Prepares project/grant reports.
• Supervises and hires staff.
• Creates, maintains, and implements wildlife area plans.

Working Conditions: 

Work setting, including hazards: This position involves a combination of office and field hazards. Fieldwork involves travel to and from field sites, often requiring work in outdoor conditions, including inclement weather and difficult terrain such as deep snow, slippery rocks, steep banks, and sticky mud. This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments. Outdoor settings may include private and public land, which may be in active crop production, active logging operations, or prescribed burning activities posing additional risks such as uneven ground, exposure to agricultural or forestry equipment, or contact with hazardous substances or prescribed fire. Work requires employee to maneuver over rough terrain while carrying light loads, and tasks may vary seasonally. Working outdoors in adverse weather conditions or rugged environments can further contribute to physical and environmental hazards. 

Schedule: Generally, 6:30 am - 5:00 pm, Monday through Thursday. 

Travel: Occasional travel requiring overnight stays < 1 week/year.

Tools and Equipment: Pickup trucks, farm tractors and implements, heavy machinery including mini-excavators, power tools, hand tools, office equipment including personal computer, smartphone, etc.

Customer Interactions: Interacts regularly with other agency personnel; other state, local, and federal agency staff, non-governmental organizations, tribal members and staff, rural neighbors, hunters, anglers, and other wildlife enthusiasts, and the general public.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications: 

Option 1: A bachelor’s degree in wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science and three (3) years of professional experience in wildlife management or wildlife research, or habitat management or habitat research

Option 2: A bachelor’s degree in wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science and two (2) years as a Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2.

Note: Closely related qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-by-year basis. A master’s degree in the applicable science will substitute one year of the required experience. A Ph.D. in the applicable science may be substituted for two years of the required experience. 

Licenses: Valid driver’s license

Special Requirements (to be obtained within one year of employment):

• First Aid/CPR/AED Training/Certificate
• Public Pesticide Applicators License
• Commercial Driver’s License

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

Experience in/with:

• Plan development and implementation
• Habitat management activities
• Personal computer software and hardware
• Safety procedures
• Wildlife and habitat survey techniques.
• Coordinating and organizing activities
• Managing projects and workloads
• Organizing and prioritizing work for self and others
• Developing effective objectives, timelines and action plans
• Communicating effectively in writing and orally
• Training staff
• Providing constructive correction, redirection and discipline
• Identifying wildlife and plant species.

Your application should include the following:

• A completed online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
• An up-to-date resume.
• 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.