GENERAL DESCRIPTION:  

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is seeking one (1) Habitat and Access Statewide Specialist based out of Lander, WY. This position is an integral part of a team that helps develop, manage, and maintain land owned and associated with the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission. This position provides habitat expertise on state, federal, and private land to increase the quantity and quality of habitat for aquatic and terrestrial species. This is accomplished on Wildlife Habitat Management Areas (WHMA), Public Access Areas (PAA), elk feedgrounds, and large-scale habitat enhancement projects across Wyoming. 

This position is responsible for habitat data collection, analysis and interpretation.   This position develops and maintains effective working relationships with state and federal agencies, landowners, sportspersons, and various NGO’s.  Weekly travel away from the duty station is required from spring through late fall.   Housing during travel is provided and typically consists of WGFD cabins or campers. 

Human Resource Contact: Dezzaree Schott / dezzaree.schott@wyo.gov 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:  The listed functions are illustrative only and are not intended to describe every function that may be performed in the job level.

• Position is an integral part of the Habitat & Access Statewide team that is responsible for the management, development, and maintenance of land owned and associated with the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission. This includes WHMAs, PAAs, elk feedgrounds, and large-scale habitat enhancement projects within the state.
• WHMAs have wildlife habitat improvements, recreation improvements, irrigation systems, wetland complexes, fences, department buildings and numerous other improvements.
• PAAs have parking areas with recreational improvements such as roads, comfort stations, car barriers, boat docks, and signs.
• Elk feedgrounds have stackyards, hay sheds, corrals, and other facilities.
• Weekly travel (lodging accommodations provided) from early spring to late fall is required.
• This position works on projects that improve or develop aquatic and terrestrial wildlife habitats across Wyoming.
• Position is responsible for road maintenance, irrigation, and infrastructure improvement, weed identification, wetland and water infrastructure management, fence conversions, construction and maintenance, facility maintenance and upgrades, and other land management practices.
• Position makes recommendations on the planning, design, and implementation of aquatic and terrestrial habitat enhancements.  
• Plans and budgets to accomplish goals as set forth in the WGFD Statewide Habitat Plan.
• Solicits bids, submits purchase requisitions and makes purchases, and submits invoicing for vendor payments.  Follows all fiscal procedures and accurately completes all necessary forms.
• Responsible for the care, safety, maintenance, and repairs of 4x4 pickups, commercial trucks, a variety of trailers, heavy equipment, farm equipment and implements, ATVs, and other position-related equipment.
• Attends training to further education on current techniques and issues of importance in the Wildlife management field. 
• Represent WGFD through interaction with the public and landowners to promote WGFD and other partnering programs.

Qualifications

PREFERENCES/**AGENCY REQUIREMENTS: 

Preference may be given to those with a bachelor's degree in wildlife management, range management, ecology, biology, zoology, agriculture or equivalent experience.

**Must have a valid driver's license and be able to obtain a Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with a current medical certificate within six (6) months of hire. WGFD will pay for the acquisition of a CDL.

KNOWLEDGE: 

• Knowledge of principles, theories, and practices of wildlife sciences.
• Knowledge of how to identify various wildlife, domestic animals, and/or plant species.
• Knowledge of habitat and range management, ecosystem function, vegetative succession, grazing management, and wildlife ecology.
• Knowledge of applicable laws, rules, regulations and/or policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of natural resource management, range management, wetland management, and habitat management.
• Knowledge of engineering, construction, heavy equipment, farm equipment, operation and construction management.
• Knowledge of vegetative responses to various manipulation techniques, including mechanical, prescribed fire, and herbicide applications.
• Knowledge of noxious and invasive plants.
• Knowledge of safe work practices.
• Skill in organizing, planning, prioritizing and time management for self and crew.
• Skill to evaluate and problem solve.
• Skills in following and coordinating work plans, equipment schedules, instructions, project plans and organizing personnel to complete projects and tasks as well as the ability to work alone and exercise independent judgment.
• Strong written and oral communication skills and ability to foster interpersonal relations with employees, landowners, and the general public.  
• Must be able to effectively and safely operate commercial trucks, heavy equipment, farm machinery, power and hand tools.
• Maintains facilities and equipment as directed.
• Skill in basic carpentry, welding, HVAC, and plumbing.
• Skills in the use of GPS and reading maps.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision, to be self-directed, and exercise independent judgment, as well as work on a team.
• Ability to utilize a computer to prepare plans, reports, budgets, and maps. Use and knowledge of ArcGIS, Microsoft Excel, and Word.
• Ability to analyze and interpret data collected in the field. 
• Knowledge of aquatic & terrestrial wildlife management and habitat requirements.

PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Ability to operate Class 8 heavy trucks, heavy construction equipment, farm machinery, power tools, hand tools, and other equipment to complete projects and tasks in adverse conditions.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs.
• Ability to work outside and perform under adverse weather conditions and difficult terrain, often during long periods.
• Ability to walk in rough, uneven terrain with unstable footing.
• CDL – Class A Commercial Driver's License with a valid medical certificate (must obtain within six (6) months after being hired)

NOTES:

• FLSA: Non-exempt
• Successful applicants for employment must pass a background check prior to appointment.
• Housing is not provided.
• Pets are not permitted during weekly travel.
• Please email a cover letter to Todd Grosskopf, Habitat and Access Statewide Supervisor at todd.grosskopf@wyo.gov. The cover letter should include career plans and suitability for the job.
• CONTACT: For more information regarding this position, contact Todd Grosskopf, Habitat and Access Statewide Supervisor, at 307-777-4537
• This is a 12-month At-Will Employee Contract Position (AWEC).

Supplemental Information

040-Wyoming Game and Fish-Services Division

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URL: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/wyoming/default.cfm

The State of Wyoming is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively supports the ADA and reasonably accommodates qualified applicants with disabilities.