Statewide Wolf Specialist - Fish & Wildlife Biologist

Statewide Wolf Specialist

As our Statewide Wolf Specialist, you will perform rigorous fieldwork, data collection and analyses, clear reporting, and maintain collaborative relationships with internal staff, partner agencies, and the public to ensure informed decision-making and support the long-term sustainability and responsible management of wolf populations in Washington.

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, and translate findings into effective management strategies and policies.

With your experience, you will support the Wolf and Grizzly Bear Policy Lead by developing and executing wolf management plans, leading conflict mitigation efforts, supervising and coordinating with wolf biologists, and providing expert guidance during high-profile wolf conflict incidents.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Statewide Wolf Specialist will:

• Design and conduct wolf field surveys for species monitoring and wolf conflict mitigation-related management activities:
• Design research methodologies and monitoring data collection protocols for wolves using various methods (such as radio-telemetry, trail-camera based surveys, genetic sample collection, and using bioacoustics).
• Conduct surveys statewide, analyze results, and write reports on surveys as a lead in statistical analysis, interpretation, and developing findings from wolf data.
• Follow protocols for animal welfare during all captures and handling of wildlife and serve as the mission supervisor for aerial wolf operations.
• Perform as a WDFW certified gunner and mugger for aerial capture or removal operations.
• Capture and handle wolves and other wildlife, utilizing immobilizing drugs to sedate, and radio-collaring wolves via ground traps and aerial methods.
• Collaborate and participate with other staff on wolf mortality investigations.
• Collaborate and participate with other staff on wolf-mediated livestock depredation investigations, After Action Reviews (AAR), and district level lethal recommendation processes.
• Maintain inventory of known wolf mortalities with physical/genetic samples shared with appropriate repositories.
• Supervise other wolf biologists to direct and monitor their schedules, activities, and overall performance:
• Conduct weekly check-ins with direct reports and assign work: coordinate, communicate, and implement priority tasks related to wolf monitoring and conflict mitigation management.
• Inventory maintenance of capture drugs and other equipment and other supervisory administrative tasks including approval of timesheets, leave applications, training, and travel.
• Mentor and oversee the activities of the wolf biologists including planning for professional career development, ensuring staff training and safety, establishing work expectations and supporting appropriate corrective measures, and ensuring agency and program priorities are met.
• Develop and maintain collaboration and communication strategies with internal and external partners:
• Translate and deliver leadership and policy decisions to staff and work to understand and communicate field information and context to leadership and policy decision makers.
• Serve as an agency project management lead who will ensure compliant implementation of wolf-related data sharing agreements and other inter-agency contracts or practices.
• Compile and analyze wolf scientific literature and data to develop wolf management guidelines and needs.
• Periodic communications and meeting participation with department staff and other agencies, organizations, private landowners, and external partners.

Working Conditions:

Work Setting, including hazards:
Work is conducted in both office and field environments. Field work may be performed in inclement weather and over difficult terrain, including slippery rocks, steep backs, and sticky mud. Walk, bend, and stoop while carrying wolf trapping and capture equipment, firearms, multiple trail cameras, and other field gear (weighing up to 40 pounds at a time).

Safely load and transport equipment and gear in…