Biologist; Wetlands Project Lead

Biologist (Wetlands Project Lead) – Wildlife

Department of Natural Resources

Hourly Wage: $41.81–$47.05 / Regular / Full-Time / Supervisory

Announcement #:

Issue Date: 12-02-25

Closing Date: open until filled

Incumbent will be responsible for managing Yakama Nation's wetland refuges, acquiring, managing, restoring, and monitoring all properties. The role includes supervising biologists and field staff to meet the goals of the Lower Yakima Valley Riparian Wetlands Restoration Project, preparing land management plans, directing field staff, assisting with equipment purchases and repairs, determining enhancement and monitoring priorities, and compiling annual and quarterly status reports.

The incumbent will coordinate with the Wildlife Realty Specialist, Program Manager, and other Tribal staff to ensure agreements are current and comply with applicable resolutions, identify and acquire high‑value habitat parcels, and serve as the primary Wildlife Program contact for BPA and other Tribal and non‑Tribal organizations. This position is mostly office‑based but requires substantial field time for surveying refuge properties and determining management priorities.

The incumbent will also assist supervised staff with monitoring, grant‑writing/management, and project implementation duties as required.

• Oversee the management of Wildlife wetland properties according to Yakama Tribal priorities.
• Work with Habitat biologists and habitat technician positions to coordinate field crew activities, including fence repair, water delivery, mowing, herbicide application, surveys, and trash collection.
• Ensure Wildlife properties are properly maintained.
• Produce and manage annual reports and budgets for funding agencies.
• Collaborate with the realty specialist to ensure expenditures fall within budget or are supported by appropriate modification paperwork.
• Prioritize restoration and management activities with the Program Manager and others.
• Prepare and update management plans and produce new plans for newly acquired properties.
• Negotiate agreements for grazing, cropping, or other uses of Wildlife properties when applicable.
• Promote the Wildlife Program through educational tours, journalist visits, and other outreach, particularly related to the public hunting program.
• Collaborate with the Game Bird Biologist to manage the public hunting component of managed lands.
• Restore and manage native plants (tule reed, Wapato, chokecherry, etc.) to support traditional gathering practices by Tribal members.
• Monitor wildlife use of properties, working closely with the Game Bird Biologist and Wetland and Riparian Restoration Biologist to develop monitoring priorities and plans, coordinate data collection and entry, and manage monitoring databases.
• Perform basic statistical and geospatial analyses of collected monitoring data to inform Program priorities and support funding applications or reporting requirements.
• Acquire all required permits and secure compliance (intra‑Tribal, BPA, Tribal Water Code, Cultural Resources Program) for general O&M.
• Produce committee actions, grant and contract forms to support wetland and riparian conservation efforts on the Yakama Reservation.
• Contact vendors for quotes and work with bookkeeping staff to order materials for operations and maintenance, including facilities repairs/upgrades and purchase of vehicles, supplies, and equipment.
• Assist in the upkeep of the Program's website.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Experience managing wetland or riparian properties for wildlife habitat, including use of water control structures.
• Knowledge of waterfowl habitat requirements and management techniques to improve waterfowl quantity and quality.
• Experience compiling status and annual reports for funding and permitting agencies.
• Working knowledge of basic hydrologic principles.
• Knowledge of scientific research design and statistical analysis; experience with R or similar software is a plus.
• Knowledge of wildlife biology and ecology principles (niches, energy/nutrient flows, population pressures).
• Working knowledge of life histories and habitat requirements of East…