Lands and Habitat Specialist - Fish & Wildlife Biologist

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Title-Lands and Habitat Specialist
Classification- Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2
Job Status-Full-Time / Permanent
WDFW Program- Wildlife Program
Duty Station- Selah, Washington – Yakima County

The salary listed above does not include the 3% pay increase that goes into effect on July 1, 2025.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW !

The Lands and Habitat Specialist plays a vital role in managing over 110,000 acres of WDFW-owned and managed lands across Yakima and Kittitas counties.

In this role, you’ll support the Wildlife Area (WLA) Manager with the administration, planning, and implementation of habitat and recreation projects on the Wenas WLA.

With your experience, you’ll independently conduct studies on habitats, wildlife, and recreational use while also maintaining facilities and equipment.

Your key responsibilities include protecting and enhancing shrub-steppe, forest, and riparian habitats, and managing public recreation.

What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Lands and Habitat Specialist will,

Implement activities to maintain/improve habitat, species, and/or recreational opportunities compatible with fish and wildlife and their habitats:

• Develop and implement habitat projects to benefit critical wildlife species.
• Operate heavy and light equipment such as tractors, skid steers, mowers, disks, seeders, herbicide sprayers, pumps, hand tools, and power tools (e.g., brush cutters and chainsaws).

Collect and analyze data on habitat improvement projects and recreational use of Wildlife Areas:

• Lead the effort in a shrub steppe habitat survey to determine if current habitat management practices are successful.
• Conduct field reviews of restored sites and recommend future management activities.

Maintain tools, equipment, vehicles, facilities, and infrastructure:

• Maintain and utilize a variety of tools and machinery including drills, grinders, welders, All-Terrain Vehicles(ATVs), trucks, tractors, trailers, spray systems, backhoes and dozers.

Planning, administration, and reporting:

• Develop grant proposals for habitat restoration and enhancement projects; and prepare reports for successful grants.

Engage with the public and partners
:

• Develop professional level working relationships with a variety of user groups, adjacent neighbors and throughout the community.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work Setting, including hazards:

• Approximately 65% fieldwork and 35% office.
• Fieldwork often involves travel to field sites in varying inclement weather conditions.
• Navigate challenging terrain, including deep snow, slippery rocks, steep banks, and sticky mud.
• Operate power equipment and machinery (e.g., tractors, ATVs), with risks of tripping, falling, and equipment-related hazards.
• Drive 4-wheel drive vehicles and ATVs on primitive roads.
• Perform physical tasks such as walking, frequent lifting (up to 40 pounds), bending, and stooping, often on uneven terrain, and tasks may vary seasonally.
• May work on private lands in active crop production with risks from agricultural equipment, uneven ground, and possible exposure to hazardous substances.
• Working outdoors in adverse weather conditions or rugged environments can further contribute to physical and environmental hazards.
• Proper training, use of personal protective equipment, and adherence to established safety guidelines are essential to mitigate these risks.
• This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.

Schedule: Typically, work a 4-day, 10-hour schedule. At times, work may be off-schedule due to seasonal demands, emergencies, and time critical assignments.

Travel Requirements: Overnight travel may be required.

Tools and Equipment: Shovels, fence post drivers, spray equipment, chain saws, other power tools, ATVs, tractors, mowers, skid steers, backhoes, dozer, large trucks, attachments, agency vehicle, GPS, ArcGIS, smartphones, digital camera, and standard office…