Shillapoo Wildlife Area Technician - Natural Resource Tech

Position: Shillapoo Wildlife Area Technician - Natural Resource Tech 3 - Permanent - 2025-09258

Title

Shillapoo Wildlife Area Technician

Classification

Natural Resource Technician 3

Job Status

Full-Time/Permanent

WDFW Program

Wildlife Program – Lands Division

Duty Station

Ridgefield, Washington – Clark County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Under the general direction of the Wildlife Area Manager, the Natural Resource Technician 3 provides technical support and carries out assigned activities to support the management of the Shillapoo Wildlife Area in alignment with the agency’s goals of sustaining healthy and diverse fish and wildlife populations, habitats, and recreational opportunities for Washington residents.

This position implements habitat, species, and recreation projects; performs technical work to maintain facilities, equipment, and infrastructure; inspects and maintains access sites and public use areas to ensure public safety and site aesthetics; conducts integrated vegetation management, including herbicide application to control invasive or unwanted species; and supports the development and implementation of Wildlife Area projects and activities.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Wildlife Area Technician will,

Implement projects to protect, maintain, and improve habitats, species, and recreational opportunities on the Wildlife Area

• Implement Wildlife Area projects
• Restore/enhance/maintain wildlife habitats
• Create/manage/maintain moist soil management projects.
• Implement Integrated Vegetation Management activities and apply herbicides as needed.
• Assist/ manage land-use lease agreements.
• Conduct agricultural activities such as mowing, disking, seeding, and trimming trees.
• Operate a variety of small and heavy equipment to include brush cutters, chainsaws, ATVs, tractors, farm implements, skid steers, and excavators.
• Inspects, manage, and maintain access areas and public use resources on the wildlife area to ensure the health and safety of the public, compliance, and the aesthetics of the wildlife area.

Maintain capital facilities, wildlife area infrastructure, vehicles, and equipment

• Assist/manage the implementation of capital improvement projects.
• Maintain roads, culverts, gates, fences, parking lots and other capital improvements.
• Maintain wildlife area vehicles, equipment, and maintenance records.
• Monitor I assess/ensure safety of Wildlife Area facilities and equipment.

Coordinate and communicate within WDFW, with other agencies, and with the public

• Attend agency meetings, meetings with external groups and constituents.
• Provide relevant information to the public through office and field contacts.
• Assist / manage activities with cooperative partners and adjacent landowners.
• Report violations to the manager and/or enforcement.
• Assist in public educational activities (i.e. hunter education classes, outreach programs, etc.)

Working Conditions

Work is primarily performed in the field and involves regular exposure to inclement weather. Duties take place on difficult terrain, including slippery rocks, steep banks, uneven ground, sticky mud, and in and around water. Hazards include tripping and falling, working around small and large equipment, and performing tasks from boats or near water. Some work is completed in an office or shop environment.

The position requires frequent walking, lifting, bending, and stooping, often on uneven terrain and sometimes while carrying up to 50 pounds of tools or equipment. Must safely drive on primitive roads in all weather conditions, operate 4x4 trucks and UTVs, and load, secure, and transport heavy equipment. Safe operation of boats and the ability to perform tasks around water are essential.

This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.

Schedule

This position is full-time, working 40 hours per week. The standard work schedule includes the potential for occasional evening or weekend work as needed. Schedules may vary based on business needs, time of year, and/or weather conditions.

Travel

This position will travel up to 10% of the time to accomplish agency goals.

Tools and Equipment

Uses standard field…