Private Lands Technician - Natural Resource Tech 3 (in-training) - Permanent - *00036-25
Title- Private Lands Technician
Classification- Natural Resource Technician 3 (In-training)
Job Status- Full-Time/Permanent
WDFW Program- Wildlife Program – Private Lands Division
Duty Station- St. John, Washington – Whitman County
Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!
Collaborate with the Private Lands Biologist to enhance public access programs on private lands, focusing on public hunting opportunities and habitat improvements.
Responsibilities include weed suppression, habitat planting, and supporting the Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) pre-detection surveillance program by sampling deer populations in high-risk areas.
We are recruiting to hire at the Natural Resource Technician 2 or 3 level. We will train a new hire at level 2 up to the Natural Resource Technician 3 level.
Depending on which level you are hired at, your salary will be as follows:
Natural Resource Technician 2 - $3,028.00 - $3,999.00 Monthly
Natural Resource Technician 3 - $3,393.00 - $4,517.00 Monthly
What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Private Lands Technician will,
Assist with maintaining hunter access on private lands:
- Maintain positive communications with private land cooperators.
- Post hunting access signs throughout District Two (2) using pickup trucks, all-terrain vehicles (ATV), t-posts, drill motors, and post pounders to clearly mark private lands enrolled in WDFW access programs.
- Assist with entering and maintaining reservations for the Hunt by Reservation Only program in District Two (2).
- Distribute and collect Register to Hunt and Hunting Only by written permission slips.
Collect, organize, manage, and ship biological samples:
- Work collaboratively with WDFW staff to collect chronic wasting disease (CWD) samples at hunter check-stations, from taxidermists, meat processors, at drop-off locations with sample collection receptacles, and opportunistically from road-killed deer.
- Collect medial retropharyngeal lymph nodes and obex using knives, scalpels, forceps, and other appropriate biological sampling tools.
- Organize and enter data in a timely manner using ArcGIS Survey123 and associated web-based platforms (ArcGIS WebMaps).
Assist the District Two (2) Private Lands Biologist with the implementation or maintenance of habitat improvement projects:
- Under the direction of the Private Lands Biologist, apply appropriate weed suppression efforts using a tractor, all-terrain vehicles (ATV), and mower to control spread of noxious weeds within habitat plots on private lands.
- Assist with seeding grass/forbs on private lands using a tractor, no-till drill, ATV, and/or broadcast seeder.
- Assist and lead volunteers with the planting of trees and shrubs for habitat enhancements.
Working Conditions:
Work Setting, including hazards: This is primarily a field position with up to 90% of the workweek spent outdoors. The other 10% of the work week is spent in the office entering data. Work in inclement weather conditions along busy state highways, and/or walk streams through thick vegetation, climb over and around log jams and wood debris, and walk on uneven terrain/slippery surfaces while carrying up to 50 pounds of field gear. Some of the more remote areas are also known rattlesnake habitats. Carry a heavy pack (less than 40 pounds) and haul rebar. May also be required to use backpack sprayers or ATV sprayers to apply herbicides under direct supervision and implicit instructions. Occasional work will occur in a laboratory or office setting to organize and ship chromic wasting disease (CWD) samples and manage data. Must be able to negotiate water in emergency situations.
Schedule: Typically, Monday – Friday, 8:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. Will include evenings and weekends and occasionally more than eight (8) hours per day but maintaining 40 hours per week during the three (3) months of chronic wasting disease (CWD) surveillance work.
Travel Requirements: Vehicle travel up to 250 miles per day to post private properties with WDFW signs. Some travel to Western Washington is required for trainings and other duties.
Tools and Equipment: Tractor, all-terrain vehicle (ATV), no-till drills, broadcast seeders, mowers, trailers, chainsaw, sprayer, GPS, smartphone, laptop computer, hand tools, sampling tools. Safely handle contaminated sharps (knives, scalpel blades, needles) and other medical waste.
Customer Interactions: Frequent interactions with the public and hunters. Regular communication with landowners, the public, Agency personnel and project partners, local government officials, and Master Hunters.
Qualifications:
Required Qualifications:
This In-Training series provides mentoring and career development opportunities for candidates with limited experience.
Candidates will be hired as a Natural Resource Technician 2 or Natural Resource Technician 3, depending on skills and experience.
Required Qualifications for the Natural Resource Technician 2:
Option 1: High School Graduation or GED and two (2) years of experience as a Natural Resource Worker 2.
Option 2: Three (3) years of related professional equivalent experience, including:
- Working on a farm/ranch.
- Conducting agricultural enhancement / farming activities.
- Operating heavy equipment
- Conducting wildlife habitat enhancement activities.
- General repairer
Option 3: Equivalent Education/Experience.
Please Note: College level course work in one (1) or more of the following fields may substitute year-for-year for experience: Fish, wildlife, habitat, agriculture, forestry, aquatic land studies, natural resource science.
Certifications/Licenses:
- Valid Driver’s License.
Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:
- The ability to obtain the following within one (1) year or hire: Public Operator Pesticide Applicators License, ATV Safety Certification and First Aid/CPR Certification, Chainsaw training.
Advancement from Natural Resource Technician 2 to Natural Resource Technician 3 requires successful completion of the In-Training Plan, which will be provided upon hiring.
Required Qualifications for the Natural Resource Technician 3 (Goal Class):
Option 1: High School Graduation or GED and two (2) years of experience as a Natural Resource Technician 2, Forest Technician, Engineering Aide 1, or higher job class performing technical or paraprofessional duties relating to land use, or development.
Option 2: Three (3) years of experience as a general repairer or equivalent.
- Examples of a “general repairer” are conducting agricultural enhancement/farming activities, operating heavy equipment or conducting wildlife habitat enhancement activities.
Option 3: Equivalent Education/Experience.
Please Note: College level course work in one (1) or more of the following fields may substitute year-for-year for experience: Fish, wildlife, habitat, agriculture, forestry, aquatic land studies, natural resource science.
Certifications/Licenses: Valid driver’s license
Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment: Obtain the following within one (1) year or hire: Public Operator Pesticide Applicators License, ATV Safety Certification and First Aid/CPR Certification, chainsaw training.
Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess one or more of the following:
- Completion of college level coursework in the field of fish, wildlife, habitat management, agriculture, forestry, or a natural resource science leading to a Bachelor of Science Degree.
- Currently possesses a Pesticide License within Washington State.
- Successfully passed a Hunter’s Safety Course.
Working knowledge:
- Various Private Lands Access Programs (Feel Free to Hunt, Hunt by Reservation, etc.)
- Weed management techniques.
- Heavy equipment and farm implements.
- Vehicle maintenance and repairs.
Experience with:
- Working with volunteers and elementary school science classes.
- Biological data collection and knowledge of chronic wasting disease (CWD) epidemiology, ecology, and management.
- Collecting, processing, storing, and shipping diagnostic specimens.
- Recording data accurately and legibly
- Visually differentiating when identifying and distinguishing biological and physical features
- Effectively and safely operating standard highway vehicles, all-terrain vehicles (ATV) and trailers.
- Safely using hand and power tools, including chainsaws.
- Using GPS, computer with Microsoft software for word processing, spreadsheet applications, web-based tools, email, and calendar clients.
Your application should include the following:
- 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.
Supplemental information:
In addition to pay and other special employee programs, there are other benefits that WDFW employees may be eligible for. Click the “Benefits” tab at the top of this announcement to learn more.
Important Note:
All new employees must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9 Form) on their first day of work. If hired for this or any position at WDFW, you will be required to provide documentation proving you are eligible to work in the United States. For a list of acceptable documents, please use the following link: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents
Union - WAFWP:
This position is in the bargaining unit represented by the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Professionals and is subject to the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the State of Washington, Department of Fish & Wildlife, and the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Professionals.
Veteran and Military Spouse Preference Notice:
Per RCW 73.16.010 Veterans and qualifying spouses who meet the minimum qualifications of a position are eligible for preference during the initial application review stage. To receive this benefit, please do the following:
- Notify us of your veteran or military spouse status by email at RecruitmentTeam@dfw.wa.gov.
-
Veterans only – Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22 or USDVA signed verification of service letter.
- Please redact any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers.
- Subject line must include recruitment number, position, and spouse/veteran (example: 2024-1234 – Biologist 1 – Veteran)
- Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer
As part of WDFW’s efforts to advance respectful and inclusive work environments, the Agency expects inclusivity as part of our professional interactions and communications. Therefore, we want to ensure that all individuals feel welcome, are treated fairly and respectfully. All staff are empowered to fully contribute to serving their work unit, Agency, and the citizens of Washington.
The Department of Fish and Wildlife is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.
Request an accommodation: Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format please contact Jayme Chase by phone 360-902-2278 or email Jayme.Chase@dfw.wa.gov, or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 800-833-6388.
Technical Difficulties: If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or support@neogov.com.
Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to diana.humes@dfw.wa.gov