Natural Resource Worker - Oak Creek Wildlife Area - Career Seasonal

Classification-Natural Resource Worker 2

Job Status-Full-Time/Career Seasonal

Season Length-9 Months– October 16 – July 15
WDFW Program- Wildlife Program – Lands Division
Duty Station- Naches, Washington – Yakima County

Photo Caption:
Tieton River on Oak Creek Wildlife Area – Photo Credit: WDFW

Are you passionate about the great outdoors? Join our team and turn your passion into a rewarding career.

In this position, you will perform maintenance and habitat management within the Oak Creek Wildlife Area in the winter, spring, and summer months.

In this dynamic role, you will assist with various activities including weed control, fence maintenance, and winter feeding duties.

Photo Caption:
Feeding Elk – Photo Credit: WDFW

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Natural Resource Worker’s duties will include,

• Use a truck, ATV, and backpack sprayers to assist in herbicide application.
• Remove weeds by hand or using hand tools as needed.
• Mix and apply herbicide following Washington State Department of Agriculture pesticide license requirements.
• Use GPS equipment to record new weed locations and navigate to past sites.

• Load feed trucks with hay using tractors.
• Drive trucks to and from feed sites.
• Feed hay using automated feeders or by hand as part of crew.
• Accurately count and record elk and big horn sheep daily.

• Assist with general maintenance of building and grounds using hand tools, power tools, and equipment.
• Install signs and kiosks using hand and power tools.

• Patch holes, replace staples, brace old posts, install new posts, and build rock jacks, primarily on elk fence.

Work Setting, including hazards: Work is primarily performed outdoors in all weather conditions. Frequently carry, lift, and move loads weighing up to 50 pounds on a backpack or when loading materials. Working throughout the wildlife area includes hiking and driving over uneven terrain and the use of herbicides. Work performed in a workshop setting may include exposure to loud noises or other mechanical hazards.

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

Schedule: Typically, Monday–Thursday, 7:00am – 3:00pm. During winter feeding, 40 hours per week over 5 workdays, to include the weekend. 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.

Tools and Equipment: Herbicide spraying equipment, vehicles, farm equipment, ATV, trailers, and hand and power tools (such as shovels, cordless screw guns, wire cutters, tamping bars, and saws).

Customer Interactions: May have some interactions with members of the public using the wildlife area.

Option 1:
High school graduation or GED and three (3) months of natural resource related labor experience.

Option 2:
One (1) year as a Natural Resource Worker 1.

Valid Driver’s License.

• Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
• Experience using farm equipment.
• Herbicide application experience.
• Noxious weed identification.
• Shrubsteppe native species identification.

• A completed online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
• An up-to-date resume.
• A cover letter detailing your interest in the position, your relevant skills and experience, and why you are the ideal candidate.
• At least three professional references with current contact information.

In…