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: A flexible hybrid schedule may be considered. However, the successful candidate must be available to report to the Ellensburg, WA duty station as needed.

Pay Differential:
Eligible for an additional 15% pay differential when performing flight duties or chemical immobilization.

As our Statewide Wolf Specialist, you will conduct rigorous fieldwork, data collection and analysis, report results, and maintain collaborative relationships with internal staff, partner agencies, and the public to support the 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 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 wolf biologists, and providing expert guidance during high‑profile incident responses.

Responsibilities include:

• Design research methodologies and monitoring data collection protocols for wolves using radio‑telemetry, trail‑camera surveys, genetic sampling, and bioacoustics.
• Conduct statewide surveys, analyze results, and lead the writing of reports, statistical analyses, and interpretation of wolf data.
• Follow animal welfare protocols during captures and handling; serve as mission supervisor for aerial wolf operations.
• Operate as a certified gunner and mugger for aerial capture or removal operations.
• Capture, handle, and immobilize wolves and other wildlife, including radio‑collaring via ground traps and aerial methods.
• Coordinate wolf mortality investigations and collaborate on livestock depredation investigations, AARs, and lethal recommendation processes.
• Maintain inventory of wolf mortalities with physical/genetic samples for repositories.

• Conduct weekly check‑ins, assign work, coordinate tasks related to monitoring and mitigation.
• Manage capture drug inventory, approve timesheets, leave applications, training, and travel.
• Mentor staff for career development, ensure training and safety, set expectations, and support corrective measures.

• Translate and deliver leadership and policy decisions to staff; communicate field information to decision makers.
• Serve as a project manager ensuring compliant implementation of data‑sharing agreements and inter‑agency contracts.
• Compile and analyze wolf literature and data to develop management guidelines.
• Participate in periodic communications and meetings with agencies, organizations, landowners, and partners.

Work is conducted in office and field environments. Field work may be in inclement weather and over difficult terrain such as slippery rocks, steep slopes, and sticky mud. Work involves carrying up to forty pounds of equipment, including firearms and trail cameras.

Load and transport equipment in vehicles, ATVs, snowmobiles, and aircraft; perform aerial surveys in helicopters or fixed‑wing aircraft, often at low elevations.

May involve working near water requiring navigation and related duties.

Typical Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Requirements may include weekends, holidays, and periods of travel; long hours and consecutive days during prime monitoring and lethal removal operations.

Approximately 25% statewide travel across three wolf recovery regions (Eastern, Northern Cascades, Southern Cascades). Overnight stays may be required.

• Computer, 4‑wheel‑drive truck, four‑wheel‑drive vehicle, ATV, and snowmobile.
• Firearm use may be required for removal operations.
• Wolf trapping and immobilization equipment: capture drugs, dart guns, traps.

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