Wildlife Area Technician - Natural Resource Technician 3

Title- Wildlife Area Technician
Classification- Natural Resource Technician 3
Job Status- Full-Time - Permanent
WDFW Program- Wildlife Program
Duty Station- Brewster, Washington – Okanogan County
Please Note- This position is eligible for an additional 10% pay differential when the incumbent is a licensed spray operator performing spray operator duties as noted in the duties listed below. 

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 Technician will, 

Plan, coordinate and implement projects to protect, maintain, and improve habitats, species, and recreational opportunities on the Wildlife Area:

• Implement Wildlife Area projects.
• Restore, enhance and maintain wildlife habitats including shrubsteppe, mesic and riparian habitats using beaver dam analogs, post assisted log structures, and Zeedyk structures
• Implement Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plan and apply herbicides as needed.
• Conduct agricultural activities such as mowing, disking, seeding, and trimming trees. 
• Operate a variety of small and heavy equipment to include brush cutters, chainsaws ATVs, UTVs, tractors, and excavators.
• Inspect, manage, and maintain access areas and public use resources on the wildlife area to ensure the health and safety of the public, compliance, and the aesthetics of the wildlife area.

Maintain capital facilities, wildlife area infrastructure, vehicles, and equipment:

• Maintain Wildlife Area buildings, information kiosks and signage.
• Maintain irrigation systems.
• Assist with the implementation of capital improvement projects.
• Maintain roads, culverts, gates, fences, parking lots and other capital improvements. 
• Maintain wildlife area vehicles, equipment, and maintenance records.
• Monitor, assess and ensure safety of Wildlife Area facilities and equipment.

Working Conditions: 

Work setting, including hazards:

• Work is performed primarily in the field, with some duties in an office or shop setting.
• Fieldwork includes working in inclement weather and navigating difficult terrain such as slippery rocks, steep banks, sticky mud, and water. 
• The position involves hazards associated with outdoor work, including slips, trips, falls, operating small and heavy equipment, and working from boats or around water.
• Walk, lift, bend, and stoop sometimes on uneven terrain and at times carry up to 40 pounds of tools and/or equipment.
• Operate vehicles on primitive roads in all weather conditions. Safely operate 4x4 trucks, utility and large-frame tractors, construction equipment, ATVs, and UTVs, and load and transport heavy equipment as needed.
• This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.

Schedule: This position is full-time, working 40 hours per week. The standard work schedule includes the potential for occasional evening or weekend work as needed. Schedules may vary based on business needs, time of year, and/or weather conditions.

Travel Requirements: Available for non-scheduled workweek and travel up to 15% of time.

Tools and Equipment: Standard field tools such as shovels, herbicide application equipment, chain saws, other power tools, farm machinery, backhoes, excavators, dozers, ATVs, UTVs, trucks, trailers.

Customer Interactions: Communicate with the public during field work, via email, telephone, and at public meetings.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications: 

Option 1: Two (2) years of experience in habitat management, land management, agriculture, or natural resource operations.

Option 2: An Associate’s degree (or higher) in natural resource management, forestry, wildlife management, agriculture, environmental science, or a closely related field.

Option 3: One (1) year of experience as a Natural Resource Technician 2.

In addition to the options above, the following are required: 

• At least six (6) months of experience operating equipment such as vehicles, ATV’s or trailers.
• At least six (6) months of experience with hand and power tools in outdoor, construction, or habitat work settings.

Certifications/Licenses:
Valid Driver’s License.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment: 
Hold or obtain a Pesticide Applicator's license within six (6) months of hire (agency will provide training). 

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

Bachelor’s degree with major study in fisheries, wildlife, or habitat management, agriculture, forestry, or natural resource science.

Public Pesticide Applicator License.

Two (2) years of professional experience with the following: 

• Agricultural practices and equipment
• Planning and coordinating annual agricultural crop establishment
• Identifying Eastern Washington native plant species 
• Operating heavy equipment such as excavators, graders, or large agricultural machinery
• Maintaining or managing irrigation systems
• Conducting wildlife monitoring, surveys, or data collection
• Delivering public outreach, education, or hunter access programs

Your application must 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.