Oak Creek Wildlife Area Assistant Manager - Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2

Title- Oak Creek Wildlife Area Assistant Manager
Classification- Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2
Job Status- Full-Time/Permanent
WDFW Program- Wildlife Program – Lands Division
Duty Station- Naches, Washington – Yakima 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 Assistant Manager,

Implements Goals and Objects of the Oak Creek Wildlife Area Management Plan

• Includes habitat enhancement, habitat maintenance, and recreation management on lands owned or managed by WDFW.
• Develop projects to meet habitat, species management and/or recreation needs.
• Implements projects utilizing tools and equipment necessary and implements projects and/or contracts work to be completed.
• Requires developing timelines, project management skills, and management of budgets.
• Engages in and ensures success of wildlife planning efforts for WA.
• Direct day-to-day work of assigned staff.

Manage Noxious Weed Control Program

• Prioritize treatment areas and implement annual weed control, with herbicide, mechanical and biological control.  
• Coordinate with Yakima County Noxious Weed Control Board.   
• Maintain inventory of herbicides.  
• Maintain weed control equipment.  
• Complete annual reporting of weed control activities.   

Manage Winter Feeding Operations

• Determine start date for feeding elk at the Cowiche feed site.  
• Complete daily feeding operations which includes operation of vehicles and tractors and handling hay.  
• Complete snow removal operations at all sites.  
• Coordinate hay storage and delivery.  Interact with volunteers and the public to answer questions.

Fleet Operations, Infrastructure and Facilities Maintenance

• Manage fleet of vehicles and equipment.  
• Keep records of maintenance.  
• Perform maintenance and repairs and/or schedule repairs with local vendors.
• Perform routine maintenance to wildlife area facilities.  
• Inspect, repair and construct elk fence, prioritize areas for replacement, construct and install gates, and one-way elk re-entry gates.   
• Construct, install and maintain kiosks and signs across the wildlife area.  
• Develop and implement plan to maintain non-forest roads on the wildlife area.  
• Make recommendations to manager for Capital Improvement projects.  

Working Conditions: 

Work Setting, including hazards: This position involves a combination of office and field hazards that require strict adherence to safety protocols. Fieldwork presents additional risks and involves travel to and from field sites, often requiring work in outdoor conditions, including inclement weather and difficult terrain. This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments. 

Field surveys are conducted using various modes of transportation, including airplanes, helicopters, vehicles, and on foot. Outdoor work often includes exposure to hazardous wildlife, handling pyrotechnics, firearms, and scheduled or classified drugs. Biological sampling requires handling potentially hazardous materials, using needles, cutting instruments, and other sharp tools, increasing the risk of exposure to pathogens or injury.

Outdoor settings may include private land, which may be in active crop production, posing additional risks such as uneven ground, exposure to agricultural equipment, or contact with hazardous substances. Position required 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 (i.e., hours and days): This position is full-time, working 40 hours per week. The standard work schedule is Mon-Thur  6:00-4:30 (March-Nov), 24/7 (Dec-March) with potential for occasional evening or weekend work as needed. Alternative schedules may be considered based on business needs.

Travel Requirements: Occasional overnight travel for meetings and training.

Tools and Equipment: Four-wheel drive trucks and ATV’s. Incumbent utilizes agency radio equipment and/or cell phone for communication in the field. Field duties require frequent use of GPS, hand tools (hammer, wire cutters, shovels, posthole digger, tamping bar, rock bars), power tools (circular saws, drills, chainsaws), welders, cutting torches, large equipment (tractors, dozer, equipment hauling trucks and trailers), weed spraying equipment.

Customer Interactions: Position requires regular contact with external customers and stakeholders including purchasers, contractors, adjacent landowners, and other government representatives. Position has occasional contact with the general public and wildlife area visitors.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications: 

Option 1: A Bachelor's degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science and one (1) year of professional experience in wildlife/habitat management or research 

Option 2: Equivalent education/experience. 

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

Licenses/Certifications: Valid driver’s license 

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment: This position has been designated as one for which a Department-issued firearm would be beneficial to the Department. With the approval of the Appointing Authority or designee, provided the incumbent is able to meet the conditions and requirements of the agency firearm policy (Policy 7011), he/she may be authorized to carry and utilize a Department-issued firearm while in this position, provided the requirements of Policy 7011 can be met.

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

• One (1) year combined experience with equipment operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
• Firefighter Type II Certification*
• Experience with land management plan development and implementation.
• Habitat enhancement and management experience particularly in the shrub steppe environment.
• Experience with wildlife and habitat survey techniques, and reporting findings including statistical affirmation of results
• First Aid/CPR*
• Washington State Pesticide Applicators License*
• ATV/UTV Certification*

*If not obtained prior to employment, training will be provided

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.