Washington State

Description

FULL-TIME/PERMANENT

KLICKITAT WILDLIFE AREA MANAGER

FISH AND WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST 3

Wildlife Program

Goldendale, Washington - Klickitat County

Please Note: Depending on the successful candidate, moving expenses may be negotiated if needed.

Manage the Klickitat Wildlife Area by implementing projects that support the enrichment of habitats, wildlife, and recreational opportunities.

Envision yourself overseeing wildlife and habitat restoration, managing facilities, and supporting program staff. 

Klickitat Wildlife Area – Credit: WDFW 

Picture yourself, 

In a leadership role planning, implementing, and monitoring projects on over 27,000 acres enhancing Oregon white oak, eastside forest habitats, and managing multiple wildlife and plant species, while providing recreation for a diverse set of user groups. 

The optimal applicant, 

Is results oriented and will have a strong initiative to ensure the success of the Wildlife Area planning efforts.

You are excited to, 

Develop, restore, enhance, and maintain wildlife habitats.

We are seeking a candidate, 

Who models WDFW values: Accountability, Service, Professionalism, Integrity, Respect, and Empathy (ASPIRE).

Duties

Wildflowers on Klickitat Wildlife Area – Credit: WDFW

As our Klickitat Wildlife Area Manager you will, 

Develop and implement Wildlife Area activities to maintain and improve habitats, species, and recreational opportunities:

• Assess, design, and implement habitat, wildlife species, and recreation projects on the Klickitat Wildlife Area.
• Develop, restore, enhance, and or maintain wildlife habitats, including Oregon white oaks and ponderosa pine forest, open grasslands, and native wildflowers.
• Manage crucial winter range habitat for mule deer.
• Manage habitat for wild turkeys, upland gamebirds, and provide hunting opportunities.
• Negotiate, write, implement, and monitor agricultural and grazing leases and contracts for wildlife enhancement or habitat restoration projects.
• Create, manage, and monitor public recreational use and opportunities.

Engage in and ensure success of wildlife area planning efforts:

• Ensure broad-based input for Wildlife Area plan development and annual updates through participation with District Team, Wildlife Area Advisory Committee (WAAC), and others.
• Maintain and coordinate an active Wildlife Area Advisory Committee (WAAC) that represents a balanced set of resource and recreational interests.

Serve as a liaison for the Wildlife Area and communicate program objectives: 

• Have a clear understanding of all projects and activities that are occurring on the Klickitat Wildlife Area and coordinate with and provide information to other staff, agencies, neighbors, and the public. 
• Ensure projects and activities are consistent with the Wildlife Area plan and in compliance with all applicable rules and regulations.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work Setting, including hazards:
• Field work will vary by the season and will require working in inclement weather and various settings including airplane, helicopter, vehicle, and on foot. 
• Will walk over rough terrain including slippery rocks, steep banks, and sticky mud up to 25% of the time. May require carrying or transporting a light load of equipment and gear (up to 50 pounds). 
• Office work includes work with personal computers.
• Schedule:
• Typically, 8:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. Monday – Friday. Frequent irregular hours and weekend work may occur. Available for non-scheduled workweek. 
• Travel Requirements:
• Frequent travel to and from field sites and meetings. Available for non-scheduled travel. Will travel up to 10% of the time.
• Tools and Equipment:
• Small tools, motor vehicles, trailers, farm machinery, shop equipment, heavy equipment, small boats, and all-terrain vehicles (ATV).
• Customer Interactions:
• Numerous interactions (written and verbal) with the public, elected officials, and other government and non-government employees.

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• A Bachelor’s degree in wildlife management, wildlife biology, wildlife ecology, natural resource science, environmental science, soil science, range ecology, or closely allied field. 

AND 

• Three (3) years of professional experience in wildlife management or habitat management.

OR 

• Two (2) years as a Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2.

Please Note: 

• Closely related qualifying professional experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-by-year basis.
• A Master’s degree in wildlife management, wildlife biology, wildlife ecology, natural resource science, environmental science, soil science, range ecology, or closely allied field will substitute for one (1) year of the required experience.
• A Ph.D. in wildlife management, wildlife biology, wildlife ecology, natural resource science, environmental science, soil science, range ecology, or closely allied field will substitute for two (2) years of the required experience.

Certifications/Licenses: 

• Valid Driver’s License.

Job Knowledge: 

• Plan development and implementation.
• Fish and wildlife habitat management requirements.
• Habitat management practices.
• Wildlife and habitat survey methods and techniques.
• Wildlife habitat relationships.
• Wildlife population relationships and ecology.
• Principles of wildlife harvest management.
• Identification of wildlife and plant species
• Weed/noxious plant identification and management using pesticides and integrated pest management.
• Personal computer software and hardware (Microsoft Office).
• Safety procedures.
• Equipment operation and maintenance

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• Washington pesticide applicators license – may be obtained within first six (6) months of employment.
• First Aid Training – may be obtained within first six (6) months of employment. 
• May require a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) - may be obtained after hire. 
• Completion of “basic flight” trainings before working aboard small aircraft.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

In addition to those required qualifications, our ideal applicant will also have some or all of the following:

• Experience in rangeland and forest management and prescribed burning or wildfire suppression. 
• Knowledge of the biology and habitat requirements of Western Gray Squirrel, mule deer, and Northwestern Pond Turtle.

Ability to: 

• Train staff. 
• Conduct field surveys to collect data.

Supplemental Information

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

Experience and education selected, listed, and detailed in the Supplemental Questions must be verifiable in the application.

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 Elizabeth.Bullard@dfw.wa.gov.
• Subject line must 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 Elizabeth.Bullard@dfw.wa.gov. 
• Subject line must 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 Elizabeth.Bullard@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 please contact Jayme Chase by phone at 360-902-2278 or email Jayme.Chase@dfw.wa.gov 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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