Statewide Wolf Specialist - Fish & Wildlife Biologist

Title: Statewide Wolf Specialist

Classification: Fish & Wildlife Biologist 4

Job Status: Full-Time / Permanent

Program: Wildlife Program – Wolf and Grizzly Bear Division

Duty Station: Ellensburg, Washington – Kittitas County

Hybrid/Telework: Flexible hybrid schedule may be considered. Must be available to report to Ellensburg as needed.

Pay Differential: Additional 15% pay differential for flight duties or chemical immobilization as per duties.

As the agency’s statewide lead specialist for wolf conservation and management, you will design and implement science‑based monitoring programs, conduct research and population assessments, translate findings into effective management strategies and policies, support the Wolf and Grizzly Bear Policy Lead by developing and executing wolf management plans, lead conflict mitigation efforts, supervise and coordinate with wolf biologists, and provide expert guidance during high-profile wolf conflict incidents.

• Design research methodologies and monitoring data collection protocols for wolves using radio‑telemetry, trail‑camera surveys, genetic sample collection, and bioacoustics.
• Conduct statewide surveys, analyze results, write reports, perform statistical analysis, and interpret findings from wolf data.
• Follow animal welfare protocols for captures and handling, serve as mission supervisor for aerial wolf operations.
• Serve as a WDFW certified gunner and mugger for aerial capture or removal operations.
• Capture and handle wolves and other wildlife, using immobilizing drugs to sedate, and radio‑collar via ground traps and aerial methods.
• Collaborate on wolf mortality investigations and wolf‑mediated livestock depredation investigations, after action reviews, and lethal recommendation processes.
• Maintain inventory of known wolf mortalities with physical/genetic samples shared with repositories.
• Supervise other wolf biologists: conduct weekly check‑ins, assign work, coordinate priorities, inventory capture drugs and equipment, approve timesheets, leave, training, and travel.
• Mentor and oversee biologists’ professional development, training, safety, and performance.
• Develop and maintain communication strategies with internal and external partners, translate leadership and policy decisions, serve as project manager for data sharing agreements and inter‑agency contracts, compile and analyze scientific literature, and participate in periodic communications and meetings.

• Work in office and field environments; may involve inclement weather, difficult terrain, heavy gear (up to 40 lbs).
• Safe loading and transport of equipment in vehicles, ATVs, snowmobiles, and aircraft; aerial surveys in helicopters or fixed‑wing aircraft.
• Potential work near water, with tasks requiring navigation and water environments.
• Schedule:
  
  Monday‑Friday 8 a.m.‑5 p.m.; may include weekends, holidays, and travel; requires long hours and consecutive days during peak season.
• 25% statewide travel across Eastern, Northern Cascades, and Southern Cascades recovery regions, with overnight stays.

• Computer, 4x4 truck, ATV, snowmobile, firearms for removal or euthanasia.
• Wolf trapping and immobilization equipment, capture drugs, dart guns, traps.

Frequently communicate with the public by phone, email, and in‑person. Deliver presentations during public briefings and respond to media inquiries.

• Option 1:
  Bachelor’s degree in wildlife management, natural resource science, environmental science, or related field AND 5 years professional experience in wildlife management or research with large carnivores.
• Option 2: 4 years as Fish & Wildlife Biologist 3 working with large carnivores.
• Required additional experience:
  • 3 years in wolf ecology, conflict mitigation, population dynamics.
  • 3 years designing and leading large carnivore surveys or monitoring programs.
  • 3 years of hands‑on wolf capture, handling, and radio‑collaring.
  • 1 year of supervisory or leadership duties.
• Educational substitutions:
  Master’s degree may substitute 1 year of required experience;
  PhD may substitute 2 years.

Valid driver’s license; obtain and maintain…