Regional Wildlife Program Manager – Region - WMS Band 2

Title – Regional Wildlife Program Manager – Region 6

Classification – WMS Band 2

Job Status – Full-Time/Permanent

WDFW Program – Wildlife Program

Duty Station – Montesano, Washington – Grays Harbor County

Coastal Region 6 Counties Served – Clallam, Grays Harbor, Jefferson, Kitsap, Mason, Pacific, Pierce, and Thurston.

Remote Employment – This position may include telework options up to 1-2 days per week, at the discretion of the supervisor.

Posting Timeframe – This recruitment is scheduled to be posted until February 22, 2026. First review of applications will take place January 22, 2026. Application review is ongoing, submit your application materials as soon as possible, this recruitment may be closed at any time.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Photo Caption:
Taylor's Checkerspot Butterfly – Photo Credit: WDFW

As the Regional Wildlife Program Manager for Region 6, you will provide strategic direction and executive oversight to advance WDFW priorities and deliver effective wildlife conservation and recreation outcomes.

Serving as the critical link between agency administration and field operations, you will oversee four divisions (Game, Wildlife Diversity, Landowner Services, and Lands) and provide leadership for wildlife and lands management across three Wildlife Area Complexes encompassing more than 20 units and over 26,000 acres, including water and public access sites.

With your leadership experience, you will play a key role in policy development, program planning, and the advancement of new initiatives, while navigating complex and politically sensitive issues related to wildlife conflict, lands management, and threatened and endangered species.

In this role, the Regional Wildlife Program Manager provides strategic leadership for managing and sustaining Washington’s wildlife populations in Region 6, some of the key responsibilities include:

• Supervising regional Wildlife Program staff to accomplish tasks that address Agency Strategic Goals, Program directives, and Division objectives.
• Managing the Region 6 Wildlife Program budget.
• Participating as a member in regular meetings for Agency Senior Management Team, Wildlife Program Leadership Team, and Regional Senior Staff.
• Developing policies included in species plans and recreational hunting programs having regional and statewide significance.
• Negotiating with the public, Indian Tribes, organized constituents’ groups, other state, county, city and federal agencies regarding wildlife management policies, recreation access, hunting recreation and wildlife protection.
• Managing the Department-owned land base in the region.
• Directing biological survey efforts to protect threatened and endangered species and to assess game species status.
• Acting as the Wildlife Program contact for Tribes, legislators and other elected officials in Region 6.
• Developing hunting season recommendations for the region for statewide participation.

Work Setting, including hazards: Primarily office-based work with some fieldwork. Fieldwork may include exposure to variable weather conditions, rough or uneven terrain, and interactions with wildlife or livestock.

Schedule: Full-time, overtime exempt - expected to schedule time within a typical 40-hour work week, Monday – Friday, however, may need to adjust schedule and work additional hours/days as needed to meet business demands and deadlines. Alternative work schedules may be considered based on operational requirements and supervisory approval.

Travel Requirements: Requires frequent travel throughout Region 6 and occasional travel to other regions for meetings, field visits, and coordination with agency staff and partners. Vehicle is provided for travel.

Closest Relevant

Education:

Bachelor's degree in Wildlife Management, Natural Resource Science, or a related field.

Required Experience: Five (5) years of professional experience:

• Applying advanced principles and techniques of wildlife management, including the biology and ecology of regional wildlife species such as mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates.
• Implementing recognized methods and standards for habitat and…