Natural Resource Specialist - Wenas Wildlife Area

6 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Job Status – Full‑Time/Permanent

WDFW Program – Wildlife Program – Lands Division

Duty Station – Wenas Wildlife Area – Selah, Washington – Yakima County

Under the direction of the Wildlife Area Manager, this role supports management of wildlife‑oriented recreation and public use on more than 120,000 acres of WDFW‑managed lands. The position plays a key role in protecting and improving shrub‑steppe, forest, and riparian habitats while ensuring safe, well‑managed recreational access and high‑quality customer service.

• Implement activities to maintain/improve habitat, species, and/or recreational opportunities compatible with fish and wildlife and their habitats.
• Assist with implementation of habitat, fish, wildlife, and recreational use management activities on the Wenas Wildlife Area.
• Oversee multiple target shooting sites.
• Lead volunteer projects on trail maintenance and other recreational projects.
• Develop a strong understanding of the different forms of recreation on the Wenas Wildlife Area such as hunting, fishing, mountain biking, birdwatching, hiking, horseback riding, and more.
• Develop and implement habitat projects to benefit critical wildlife species.
• Collect and analyze data on recreational use of Wildlife Areas, including hunting, fishing, and non‑consumptive recreation.
• Map and/or analyze data to determine status of plant, animal, and habitats on the Wildlife Area.
• Assist in formulating changes in regulations.
• Monitor recreational use and its impacts or potential impacts to vegetation, wildlife and habitats.
• Maintain tools, equipment, vehicles, facilities, and infrastructure to ensure safe and effective operation and conditions for both staff and the public.
• Assist WLA Manager with planning, coordinating, implementing and monitoring habitat enhancement and maintenance projects to benefit fish, wildlife and recreation.
• Work plans, administration, and required reports.
• Develop professional level working relationships with a variety of user groups, adjacent neighbors and throughout the community.

This position works primarily in the field, with additional duties performed in shop and office environments. Hazards include exposure to inclement weather, difficult or uneven terrain, power equipment, and conditions consistent with operating tractors and other heavy equipment in outdoor settings. Duties require safely driving vehicles on primitive roads in all weather conditions using 4x4 trucks and ATVs. Physical demands include walking, lifting, bending, stooping—sometimes on uneven terrain—and carrying up to 40 pounds.

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

Full‑time, 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. Overnight travel is very seldomly required.

Use of standard field tools (shovels, fence post drivers, spray equipment); chainsaws and other power tools; ATVs; tractors; mowers; skid steers; backhoes; dozers; large trucks and attachments; agency vehicles; and standard office equipment (computer, copier, scanner). Field work also requires GPS units, ArcGIS, smartphones, and a digital camera.

• Option 1 – Five (5) years of professional experience in a related natural resource specialty area, including working on a farm/ranch, conducting agricultural enhancement/farming practices, operating heavy equipment, conducting wildlife habitat enhancement practices.
• Option 2 – Bachelor’s degree in forestry, agriculture, aquaculture, geology, recreation, or related natural science and one (1) year of professional experience in a related natural resource specialty area, including working on a farm/ranch, conducting agricultural enhancement/farming practices, operating heavy equipment, conducting wildlife habitat enhancement practices.
• Option 3 – Equivalent education/experience.
• Valid driver’s…