Job Description

Salary: $4,410.00 - $5,929.00 Monthly
Location : Yakima County - Selah, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number: [click to reveal phone number]2025-04299
Department: Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
Opening Date: 06/18/2025
Closing Date: 6/29/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

Description
Title- Lands and Habitat Specialist

Classification- Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2

Job Status- Full-Time / Permanent

WDFW Program- Wildlife Program Duty Station- Selah, Washington - Yakima County
The salary listed above does not include the 3% pay increase that goes into effect on July 1, 2025.
Learn more about being a member of !
Yakima River in the Wenas Wildlife Area - Photo Credit: WDFW
The Lands and Habitat Specialist plays a vital role in managing over 110,000 acres of WDFW-owned and managed lands across Yakima and Kittitas counties.
In this role, you'll support the Wildlife Area (WLA) Manager with the administration, planning, and implementation of habitat and recreation projects on the Wenas WLA.
With your experience, you'll independently conduct studies on habitats, wildlife, and recreational use while also maintaining facilities and equipment.
Your key responsibilities include protecting and enhancing shrub-steppe, forest, and riparian habitats, and managing public recreation.
What to Expect-

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Lands and Habitat Specialist will,
Implement activities to maintain/improve habitat, species, and/or recreational opportunities compatible with fish and wildlife and their habitats:

• Develop and implement habitat projects to benefit critical wildlife species.
• Operate heavy and light equipment such as tractors, skid steers, mowers, disks, seeders, herbicide sprayers, pumps, hand tools, and power tools (e.g., brush cutters and chainsaws).

Collect and analyze data on habitat improvement projects and recreational use of Wildlife Areas:

• Lead the effort in a shrub steppe habitat survey to determine if current habitat management practices are successful.
• Conduct field reviews of restored sites and recommend future management activities.

Maintain tools, equipment, vehicles, facilities, and infrastructure:

• Maintain and utilize a variety of tools and machinery including drills, grinders, welders, All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), trucks, tractors, trailers, spray systems, backhoes and dozers.

Planning, administration, and reporting:

• Develop grant proposals for habitat restoration and enhancement projects; and prepare reports for successful grants.

Engage with the public and partners :

• Develop professional level working relationships with a variety of user groups, adjacent neighbors and throughout the community.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
Work Setting, including hazards:

• Approximately 65% fieldwork and 35% office.
• Fieldwork often involves travel to field sites in varying inclement weather conditions.
• Navigate challenging terrain, including deep snow, slippery rocks, steep banks, and sticky mud.
• Operate power equipment and machinery (e.g., tractors, ATVs), with risks of tripping, falling, and equipment-related hazards.
• Drive 4-wheel drive vehicles and ATVs on primitive roads.
• Perform physical tasks such as walking, frequent lifting (up to 40 pounds), bending, and stooping, often on uneven terrain, and tasks may vary seasonally.
• May work on private lands in active crop production with risks from agricultural equipment, uneven ground, and possible exposure to hazardous substances.
• Working outdoors in adverse weather conditions or rugged environments can further contribute to physical and environmental hazards.
• Proper training, use of personal protective equipment, and adherence to established safety guidelines are essential to mitigate these risks.
• This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.

Schedule:

Typically, work a 4-day, 10-hour schedule. At times, work may be off-schedule due to seasonal demands, emergencies, and time critical assignments.
Travel Requirements:

Overnight travel may be required.
Tools and Equipment:

Shovels, fence post drivers, spray equipment, chain saws, other power tools, ATVs, tractors, mowers, skid steers, backhoes, dozer, large trucks, attachments, agency vehicle, GPS, ArcGIS, smartphones, digital camera, and standard office equipment (computer, copier, scanner).
Customer Interactions:

Engage with the public during field work and at public meetings. Regularly interact with upset customers.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree involving major study in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science.
AND
One (1) year of professional experience in fish/ wildlife/ habitat management or research.
Please Note: Closely related qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-by-year basis - examples of related natural resource experience include working on a farm/ranch, conducting agricultural enhancement/farming practices, operating heavy equipment, conducting wildlife habitat enhancement practices.
Certifications/Licenses:

Valid driver's license.
Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• First Aid and CPR Trainings. Should be completed within six (6) months of hire. Training is provided by WDFW.
• All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV) & Utility Task Vehicles (UTV) certification. Should be completed within one (1) year of hire. Training is provided by WDFW.
• Hold or obtain Washington State Public Operators State pesticide license within six (6) months of hire.
• Obtain Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) Pesticide Handlers License within six (6) months of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:

• Commercial Driver's License (CDL).
• Firefighter Type 2 Certification (training provided).

Experience in/with :

• Forest management, shrub steppe habitat enhancement and restoration for big game species.
• Wildlife agricultural enhancement programs/farming practices.
• Wildlife habitat enhancement and restoration.
• Integrated pest management practices while managing habitat.
• Different forms of recreational users such as hunting, fishing, mountain biking, birdwatching, hiking, horseback riding, and more.
• Heavy equipment operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
• Small engine tools such as pumps, chainsaws, brush cutters.
• Operating small hand and power tools (e.g., drills, hammer, etc.).
• Basics of carpentry, mechanical, electrical, plumbing and facility repair.
• Small and large equipment troubleshooting, repair and maintenance.
• Welding and fabrication.
• Using GPS, GIS, computer with Microsoft software for word processing, spreadsheet applications, web-based tools, email, and calendar clients.
• Biological data collection.
• Identifying Eastern Washington native plant species.
• Applying pesticides.
• Driving, operating, and hauling All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV), manual truck, tractor, trailer, backhoe, and farm equipment.
• Operating and performing basic maintenance on ATVs, 4-wheel drive vehicles, manual transmission vehicles and standard highway vehicles.
• Repairing and maintaining buildings, fences, facilities and equipment.
• Performing habitat management activities.
• Identifying wildlife and plant species.
• Overseeing volunteers.
• Conducting field surveys to collect data.

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 and other , there are other 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:

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 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
• 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: [click to reveal phone number]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 [click to reveal phone number]360-902-2278 or email [click to reveal email address] Jayme.Chase@dfw.wa.gov , or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at [click to reveal phone number]800-833-6388 .
Technical Difficulties: If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at [click to reveal phone number](855) 524-5627 or
Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to and reference job #[click to reveal phone number]2025-04299 .
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AL
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC [click to reveal phone number]357-31-165 .

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 12-31-2022
01

Do you have a valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No

02

Please select the option below that best describes the highest level of education you have completed.

• High School Diploma/GED.
• Some College.
• Vocational Degree or Certificate.
• Associate's Degree.
• Bachelor's Degree.
• Master's Degree.
• Ph.D.
• None of the above.

03

What is your major area of study? If you possess multiple degrees, please list each degree and major. (If this does not apply to you, please put N/A.) This includes both vocational and college education.
04

Select the option below that best describes your professional experience in fish/ wildlife/ habitat management or research, or closely related natural resource experience.

• No experience.
• Less than 1 year of experience.
• 1 - 5 years of experience.
• 5 or more years of experience.

05

Please briefly describe your professional experience in fish/ wildlife/ habitat management or research, or closely related natural resource experience. Include the type of work performed, your role, and approximate dates of employment. ("See Resume" is not a valid response, if you do not have this experience, put N/A).
06

Please select the option(s) below if you have the following license/certification. (Select ALL that apply.)

• Commercial Driver's License (CDL).
• Firefighter Type 2 Certification.
• None of the above.

07

Please indicate which of the following areas you have experience in. (Select ALL that apply).

• Forest management for big game species.
• Shrub steppe habitat enhancement and restoration for big game species.
• Wildlife agricultural enhancement programs/farming practices.
• Wildlife habitat enhancement and restoration.
• Integrated pest management (IPM) practices while managing habitat.
• None of the above.

08

Please select the following equipment you have experience operating. (Select ALL that apply.)

• All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs).
• 4-wheel drive vehicles.
• Tractors.
• Towing trailers.
• Backhoes.
• Farm equipment.
• Pumps.
• Chainsaws.
• Brush cutters.
• None of the above.

09

Please describe your experience operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting heavy equipment, such as ATV's, trucks, tractors, and backhoes. Include the types of equipment you have used, specific tasks performed, and the duration of your experience. ("See Resume" is not a valid response, if you do not have this experience, put N/A).
10

Do you have experience building or maintaining fence lines in wildlife or agricultural settings?

• Yes, I have this experience.
• No, I do not have this experience.

11

How did you hear about this job posting? (Select all that apply).

• American Fisheries Society (AFS)
• Careers.wa.gov
• Community Based Organization
• Community/Technical College
• Conservation Job Board
• El Informador
• Facebook
• Four W's Fishing Team, LLC - Willard Franklin III, LinkedIn
• Handshake
• Hiring Event/Workshop
• Indeed.com
• Job Board
• Job Fair
• LinkedIn
• MHCC - Mount Hood Community College
• Newspaper
• Other
• Other State Agency
• Other Website
• Professional Association
• Society of American Foresters (SAF)
• Texas A&M
• Twitter
• University Job Board
• UW College of the Environment
• WDFW Employee
• WDFW Recruiter
• WDFW Website
• Word of Mouth
• WorkSource

12

Tell us more - kindly share which website, organization, person, or other source led you to this job posting.
13

Are you currently an employee of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife? This includes permanent, non-permanent, intern, project, and career seasonal.

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Job Tags

Holiday work, Permanent employment, Full time, Part time, Internship, Seasonal work, Outdoor, Flexible hours, Shift work, Night shift,

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