Title- L.T. Murray Wildlife Area Technician
Classification- Natural Resource Technician 3 (NRT3)
Job Status- Full-Time/Permanent
WDFW Program- Wildlife Program – Lands Division
Duty Station- Ellensburg, Washington – Kittitas County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

The Natural Resource Technician 3 plays a key role in supporting the management of Washington’s Wildlife Areas by helping to protect, maintain, and enhance habitats, species, and public recreation opportunities. Working under the guidance of the Wildlife Area Manager and Assistant Manager, this position combines hands-on fieldwork with technical expertise to ensure that fish and wildlife populations thrive and that the public can safely enjoy the state’s natural resources.

From planning and implementing habitat improvement projects to maintaining facilities, equipment, and access areas, this role is central to keeping the Wildlife Area safe, sustainable, and welcoming. The technician also manages vegetation, applies herbicides to control invasive species, and provides technical support for projects that advance the agency’s mission of conservation and stewardship. This is a dynamic position for someone who values ecological health, public service, and making a direct impact on Washington’s natural landscapes.

What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the L.T. Murray Wildlife Area Technician will,

Plan, coordinate, and implement projects to protect, maintain, and improve habitats, species, and recreational opportunities on the Wildlife Area. 

• Implement Wildlife Area projects. 
• Restore/enhance/maintain wildlife habitats. 
• Plan and implement Integrated Pest Management and apply herbicides as needed. 
• Perform agricultural activities such as mowing, disking, seeding, and trimming trees. 
• Operate a variety of small and heavy equipment to include brush cutters, chainsaws, ATVs, UTV’s, tractors, and excavators. 
• Inspects, manages, and maintains access areas and public use resources on the wildlife area to ensure the health and safety of the public, compliance, and the aesthetics of the wildlife area. 
• Provide technical support to wildlife area projects and activities. 

Maintain capital facilities, wildlife area infrastructure, vehicles, and equipment.

• Maintain Wildlife Area buildings, information kiosks, and signage. 
• Maintain and oversee irrigation systems. 
• Assist/oversee the implementation of capital improvement projects. 
• Maintain roads, culverts, gates, fences, parking lots and other capital improvements. 
• Maintain wildlife area vehicles, equipment, and maintenance records. 
• Monitor/assess/ensure safety of Wildlife Area facilities and equipment. 

Winter elk feeding program.

• Operate and maintain a 2.5-ton hay truck. 
• Operate tractor to load hay. 
• Operate a skid steer and truck with snowplow attachment. 
• Dispatch diseased or sick elk. 
• Monitor elk herd, and record and report on herd numbers and health/condition. 
• Coordinate with elk feeding volunteers and ensure volunteer safety. 
• Maintain elk fence. 

Working Conditions: 

Work setting, including hazards: Primarily field work, which includes exposure to inclement weather including extreme heat or snow, difficult terrain including slippery rocks, steep banks and sticky mud, and water. Hazards include tripping/falling and other things consistent with working with small and large equipment in an outdoor setting or while working from boats or around water. Some work is performed in an office or shop setting. Employee will be expected to walk, lift, bend, and stoop – sometimes on uneven terrain and while at times carrying up to 40 pounds of tools and/or equipment. This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments. Must be able to safely drive on primitive roads during all weather conditions. Use 4 x 4 trucks, utility and large frame tractors, construction equipment, ATVs, UTVs, and must be able to load and transport heavy equipment. Employee will be expected to use herbicides and chemicals, circumstantially interaction with wildlife species, and use state issued firearms.

Schedule: Monday – Thursday 7:00am – 5:30pm, and the willingness and ability to work long irregular hours.

Travel: Available for non-scheduled workweek and travel up to 15%

Tools and Equipment: Standard field tools such as shovels, spray equipment, chain saws, other power tools, farm machinery, backhoes, excavators, dozers, ATVs and UTVs, trucks, trailers, tracked vehicles, and boats.

Customer interaction: Communicate with the public during field work, via email, telephone, and at public meetings.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications: 

Option 1: Two years of experience as a Natural Resource Technician 2, Forest Technician, Engineering Aide 1 or higher class performing technical or paraprofessional duties relating to land management, or development or three years of experience as a general repairer or equivalent 

Option 2: A bachelor’s degree with major study in wildlife management, biological sciences, environmental sciences, natural resource sciences, agricultural sciences, or related scientific discipline. 

Option 3: An associate’s degree in natural resource sciences, biological sciences, environmental sciences, wildlife management, agricultural sciences, or related scientific discipline, and two (2) years of technical experience in land management. 

Note: A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is not currently a requirement of this position. If deemed necessary by the hiring manager, employee will be tested for use of a controlled substance and alcohol misuse as required by the 1991 Federal Omnibus Transportation Testing Act.

Certifications/Licenses: Valid Driver’s License 

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• This position has been designated as one for which possession and use of a department-issued firearm is required and essential to performing job duties. Must successfully meet all requirements of agency firearm policy (Policy 7011) and maintain eligibility to possess and use agency-issued firearm(s) at all times while in this position
• ATV, UTV certification (agency will provide training)
• Maintain First Aid / CPR / AED Training Certification (agency will provide training)
• Hold or obtain a Washington State Public Operator Pesticide license within six (6) months of hire (agency will provide training)
• WA State Firearm Use Certification (agency will provide training)

Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess one or more of the following:

Experience in:

• The use of agricultural practices and equipment. 
• Identifying Eastern Washington native plant species. 
• Identifying and controlling Eastern Washington invasive plant species. 
• Operating large vehicles and machinery. 
• Operating vehicles and machinery on primitive/unmaintained roads. 
• Experience and familiarity with firearm use and safety. 
• FFT2 Red Card Certification 

Knowledge of: 

• Wildlife agricultural enhancement programs / farming practices. 
• Wildlife habitat enhancement and restoration. 
• Basics of carpentry, mechanical and facility repair. 
• Small, large, and heavy equipment operation, maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting. 
• Small engine tools such as pumps, chainsaws, and brush cutters. 
• Computer software – Microsoft Office, Geographic Information System (GIS) and Global Positioning System (GPS). 
• Managing projects. 
• Managing workloads. 
• Safety procedures. 

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

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