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Natural Resource Technician 2 - Scotch Creek Wildlife Area - Career Seasonal - * 05573 - 23 Natural Resource Technician 2 - Scotch Creek Wildlife Area - Career Seasonal - * 05573 - 23

Washington State

Description

FULL-TIME/CAREER-SEASONAL

NATURAL RESOURCE TECHNICIAN 2 (NRT2)

Scotch Creek Wildlife Area

Okanogan, Washington – Okanogan County 

Season Length: Nine (9) months

March 1 – November 30

Provide field support on the Scotch Creek Wildlife Area by maintaining the facility and structures, using and maintaining equipment, recommending (to supervisor) and implementing projects that will maintain or improve habitats, species, or recreation on the wildlife area. 

Mule deer at sunset – Photo credit: Susan Jensen

Duties

Our Natural Resource Technician will,

Establish and maintain fish and wildlife habitat restoration projects:

  • Apply herbicides on State listed noxious weeds and undesirable weeds to improve habitat conditions and comply with State Law.
  • Plant, fertilize, mow, and prune herbaceous cover and riparian to improve habitat conditions.
  • Assess field and vegetation conditions to determine the timing of herbicide applications, mowing, seeding, and pruning to achieve desired habitat improvements in an efficient and cost-effective manner.

Operate a variety of equipment and vehicles to accomplish work activities:

  • Utilize trailers for hauling equipment and materials including safely loading, securing, and transporting.
  • Safely use hand-held power tools (e.g., chain saws, hedge trimmer, brush cutters, etc.) and other gas-powered equipment (e.g., generator, pump) to accomplish work activities.
  • Utilize ATV and UTV vehicles in a safe manner to accomplish work activities.
  • Drive 50hp-400hp tractors with attached implements to mow, disc, cultivate, harrow, or spray fields to establish or maintain restored habitats.

Conduct maintenance and repairs: 

  • Maintain and make repairs to buildings to increase useful life and provide safe working conditions.
  • Replace or repair worn or damaged parts on tractor implements, tractors, vehicles, and other essential equipment as needed to extend the life of the item and for safe operation.
  • Change motor oil, spark plugs, and air filers on small gas power tools to extend the life of the item and for safe operation.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

  • Work Setting, including hazards:
  • Position functions both in the field, shop and office.
  • Hazards include: exposure to inclement weather; including extreme heat or snow, rough terrain and surfaces, hiking while carrying up to 50-pounds, exposure to various chemicals and chemical solvents, tripping/falling, high noise level, operating various vehicles, machines, equipment, and power tools. 
  • This position will occasionally perform duties in and around water. This position will be operating a boat to access work site. Must be able to negotiate water in emergency situations.
  • May lead Washington Conservation Corps (WCC) crews or Volunteers.
  • Schedule:
  • Monday-Thursday, 6:00 am – 4:30 pm, 10 hours/day. 
  • During peak workloads hours may be long and irregular.
  • Travel Requirements:
  • Wildlife area units are in various areas of Okanogan County. Travel may include daily round trips of up to 100 miles.
  • Tools and Equipment:
  • Mini excavators, dozers, backhoes, trucks of various sizes (e.g., 1/2 to 1-ton pickup trucks), trailers, tractors, farm implements, ATV’s, disk, harrow, cultivator, chisel plow, mower, seed drill, and irrigation pumps and lines, fire suppression pumps and tools, chain saw, welder, drill, various hand tools, etc. 
  • Customer Interactions:
  • Occasional interactions may occur while on the work site with the public in both field and office settings.

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Three years of experience in fish and wildlife habitat management, habitat development and protection, irrigation systems, facilities and grounds maintenance, tractor and other equipment operation and maintenance, pesticide applications, and general farming

OR 

  • College level work in agriculture, life science, or a closely related natural resource field.

Competencies: 

  • Knowledge and experience with farming practices
  • Knowledge of fire management practices
  • Proficient at using GPS equipment to determine project area
  • Ability to work independently or as part of a team on assigned tasks
  • Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office software programs including Word and Excel
  • Knowledge of wildlife habitat relationships. 
  • Knowledge and experience in weed control.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

  • Valid driver’s license
  • Washington State Pesticide Applicators License (to be obtained within 6 months of hire)
  • First Aid (training will be provided – to be obtained within 6 months of hire)
  • ATV certification (training will be provided – to be obtained within 6 months of hire)
  • Successful completion of agency training and/or certification for assigned watercraft dependent on supervisory direction, position need and training availability

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Working knowledge of weed management techniques.
  • Working knowledge of heavy equipment and farm implements.
  • Experience working with volunteers and elementary school science classes.
  • Working knowledge of welding and metal work.
  • Experience conducting prescribed burning operations.
  • Knowledge of vehicle maintenance and repairs.
  • Wildland Firefighter Red Card
  • Commercial Driver’s License (Class A)

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT:

WDFW requires all employees to be fully vaccinated with the COVID-19 vaccine as a condition of employment. You will be required to provide proof of vaccination as part of the hiring process. Please do not upload your vaccination documentation with your application materials - your vaccination status will be verified by your supervisor before you will be allowed to work. Exemptions may be granted for religious or medical purposes.

Supplemental Information

Please note: Failure to follow the instructions below may lead to disqualification.

In order to successfully apply for this position, you MUST complete your profile at www.careers.wa.gov and attach the following to your profile before completing the online application:

  • A cover letter describing how you meet the qualifications of this position (Generic cover letter will not be accepted).
  • A current resume. 
  • Three professional references. 

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

JOIN THE WDFW TEAM:

Learn about our agency and the perks of working for WDFW!

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has some of the most talented people in the natural resource field. We celebrate and value diversity, appreciating that a workforce composed of those from different backgrounds and experiences creates an inclusive environment, strengthens positive relationships with the local community, and brings new perspectives and approaches to fulfilling the agency’s mission. We value demonstrated skill in living WDFW values of Accountability, Service, Professionalism, Integrity, Respect, and Empathy (ASPIRE).

WDFW employees may be eligible for the following:

Medical/Dental/Vision for employee & dependent(s), Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), Vacation, Sick, and other Leave*, 11 Paid Holidays per year*, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Tuition Waiver, Long Term Disability & Life Insurance, Deferred Compensation Programs, Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP), Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA), Employee Assistance Program, Commute Trip Reduction Incentives (Download PDF reader), Combined Fund Drive, SmartHealth.

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.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer

VETERAN PREFERENCE NOTICE:

To take advantage of veteran preference, please do the following:

  • Email a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22 or USDVA signed verification of service letter to RecruitmentTeam@dfw.wa.gov.
  • Subject line should include recruitment number, position, and Vet (for example: #10155 Biologist 1 – Veteran)
  • Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.

MILITARY SPOUSE PREFERENCE NOTICE: 

To take advantage of military spouse preference, please do the following:

  • Notify us of your military spouse status by email at RecruitmentTeam@dfw.wa.gov. 
  • Subject line should include recruitment number, position, and MS (for example: #10155 Biologist 1 – MS)
  • Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.

Note: Please blackout any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers. For further information, please contact us at RecruitmentTeam@dfw.wa.gov.

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. 

Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 902-2276 or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at (800) 833-6388.

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.

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More than Just a Paycheck!

Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:

The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits

Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation

State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security

All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays

Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave

Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)

Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165. 

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave

Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave

Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave

Leave Sharing

Parental Leave

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 12-31-2022

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Confirmed 16 hours ago. Posted 30+ days ago.

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