Wildlife Area Assistant Manager - Fish and Wildlife Biologist 2 - Permanent - 2026-08118

Working Title- Wildlife Area Assistant Manager Classification- Fish and Wildlife Biologist 2 Job Status- Full-Time/Permanent WDFW Program- Wildlife Program – Lands Division Duty Station- *Aberdeen, Washington – Grays Harbor County *While this position may offer a telework option, the successful candidate must be available to report to the duty station as needed.

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Photo Caption – Prescribed fire – Photo Credit: WDFW

Are you passionate about contributing to goals of maintaining and providing healthy, diverse fish and wildlife populations? This is an opportunity to assess, design, and implement habitat, species, recreation, and other projects impacting native landscapes,

In this dynamic role, you will support the maintenance and enhancement of wildlife habitats on the Olympic-Willapa Hills Wildlife Area.

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

Plans, performs, or assigns management activities and studies on wildlife, plants, and habitat on wildlife areas. Determines sampling design necessary to collect accurate information and effective management; performs independent office and/or field investigations.

• Assesses populations of target wildlife and habitat conditions for Wildlife Area management activities. Surveys and monitors native and invasive plant species and habitats, research management options, and makes recommendations on best management practices.
• Assist the Wildlife Area Manager, Lands Division staff, Regional staff, and external partners to develop, coordinate and implement habitat management, restoration, agricultural, grazing, and recreation management actions consistent with the Wildlife Area Management Plan goals and objectives.
• Using predefined methodologies, facilitate the restoration and cultivation of native plant species through planting and maintenance on the Wildlife Area. Maintain and keep an updated record of restoration though updated summary reports.
• Coordinate and implement vegetation management using appropriate mechanical and chemical methods including the operation of land management equipment.
• Assist with the development, implementation and update of Wildlife Area Plans and associated habitat, restoration and recreation plans.

Conduct studies, analysis, field reviews and monitoring to evaluate management effectiveness and inform habitat, wildlife and recreation adaptive management decisions.

• Conduct background, historical and site investigations to identify knowledge gaps and inform management actions.
• Review and assess fish, wildlife, plant communities, habitats and recreational use on Wildlife Area lands.
• Work with district biologists on various wildlife surveys and management objectives.
• Survey for emerging issues (user conflicts, habitat damage, facility, and infrastructure condition, etc.).
• Assist with the development and implementation of standardized monitoring and survey protocols. Determine sampling design and methodologies; collect, analyze, and interpret data to assess management effectiveness and guide adaptive management. Record and report investigation findings.

Operate and Maintain Wildlife Area facilities, infrastructure, equipment and capital assets.

• Operate, maintain and repair a variety of vehicles, equipment, tools and machinery common to land, vegetation and facility management such as trucks, tractors, trailers, mowers, spray systems, ATVs, and chainsaws.
• Install, operate and maintain infrastructure including water control structures, tide gates, roads, trails, fences, gates, signage and parking areas.
• Assist with the management of facilities including chemical and equipment storage areas, shops, offices, and bulk fuel supplies.
• Assist with development of capital improvement projects, permits, and approvals for Wildlife Area infrastructure and restoration work.

Conduct outreach and communicate with neighbors, stakeholders, permit holders and the public regarding Wildlife Area activities.

• Communicate with the public regarding Wildlife Area management activities, recreation opportunities and regulations. Includes but is not limited to tasks such as communicating with the public, report writing, purchasing, training, grant writing, meeting and coordination with external partners.
• Coordinate with landowners, conservation districts, Tribes, agencies, NGO’s and permit holders to support habitat, grazing, restoration, and recreation objectives.
• Assist with the development, administration, and monitoring of land use permits. Maintains associated records.

Working Conditions: Work setting: Position functions both in the field and in the office. Hazards include exposure to inclement weather and difficult terrain, working with power equipment, tripping/falling, and other things consistent with working with tractors and other equipment in an outdoor setting.

Schedule: Typical work schedule is Monday – Thursday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., but occasional work outside of this schedule may be needed to accommodate business needs. Must be willing and able to occasionally work hours outside the regular 7:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday – Thursday work hours, including evenings and weekends.

Travel requirements: Regular travel to and from field sites can take up to 2 hours. While it is sometimes advised, overnight travel is rarely required and is typically related to training or meetings. This position will require occasional, infrequent consecutive overnight travel.

Customer Interactions: Periodic interaction with the public, agency staff, and non-government organizations (NGOs) in both field and office settings.

QUALIFICATIONS: Required Qualifications:

Option 1: Five (5) years of professional experience in fish/wildlife/habitat management or research.

Option 2: A Bachelor's degree in wildlife management, wildlife biology, wildlife ecology, natural resource science, or environmental science. And One (1) year of professional experience in fish/wildlife/habitat management or research.

Option 3: A Master’s or Ph.D. in wildlife management, wildlife biology, wildlife ecology, natural resource science, or environmental science.

For ALL options above: License: Valid driver’s license.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• Commercial Driver’s License (Obtained within 2 years of hire).
• First aid and Wilderness First Aid training (Obtained within 6 months of hire).
• Pesticide applicators License (Obtained within 1 year of hire).

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

• Vegetation, wildlife, and habitat survey methods and techniques.
• Wildlife habitat enhancement and management methods.
• Moist soil management principles.
• Operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of heavy equipment and small engine tools.
• Trade skills such as auto repair, carpentry, plumbing, and electrical.
• Computer software (Office).

Ability to:

• Identify wildlife and plant species.
• Manage projects and workloads.
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Follow safety procedures and identify hazards.

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 (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 [email protected].

• 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 [email protected], 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 [email protected].

Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to [email protected] and reference job #2026-08118.

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