Title- Private Lands Habitat Technician
Classification- Natural Resources Technician 3 (*In-Training)
Job Status- Full-Time / Permanent
WDFW Program- Wildlife Program – Private Lands Division – Region 2
Duty Station- Ephrata, Washington – Grant County

*In-Training- We are recruiting to fill this position at the Natural Resources Technician 2 or 3 classification. Candidates hired as a Natural Resources Technician 2 will be required to complete an in-training plan in order to advance to the Natural Resources Technician 3 classification.
Salary- Depending on which level you are hired at, your salary range will be as follows:
     Natural Resources Technician 2: $3,327.00 - $4,406.00 monthly
     Natural Resources Technician 3: $3,738.00 - $4,980.00 monthly

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

In this role, you’ll help support WDFW’s mission to conserve and protect Washington’s fish and wildlife resources by improving wildlife habitat and expanding recreational opportunities. 

You’ll work alongside Private Lands Biologists to enhance existing habitats, develop new habitat improvement projects, and support programs that provide public access for hunting, fishing, and other outdoor recreation on private lands. 

This position provides hands-on technical support through field assessments, data collection, habitat management activities, and conservation projects on privately owned and state-managed lands.

Natural Resource Technician seeding a 70-acre Bureau of Land Management (BLM) grassland restoration project – Photo Credit: WDFW

What to Expect:
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Private Lands Technician will,

Wildlife Habitat Enhancement Project Development and Maintenance:

• Assess, design, and implement projects to improve or install wildlife habitat projects on private lands. 
• Apply Integrated Pests Management (IPM) principles to control invasive weeds at habitat restoration sites. 
• Develop and conduct Wildlife and Plant surveys. 

Assist with Hunter Access Programs for Landowners and Hunters in Region 2:

• Develop and maintain partnerships with landowners and provide Hunter Access programs. 
• Maintain Hunter Access program boundary signage. 
• Monitor public use of Private Lands access properties. 

Operate, Maintain, and Inventory Equipment and Tools:

• Operate, inspect, and maintain equipment and tools. Safely operate and perform routine and preventative maintenance on herbicide spray equipment, hand tools, power tools, and other equipment.
• Maintain equipment and supply inventories. Track and maintain inventories of tools, equipment, materials, and supplies needed to support access site maintenance and road maintenance activities and communicate purchasing needs to the supervisor to ensure adequate operational readiness.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work Setting, including hazards: Approximately 90% of the work performed in the field, warehouse, or yard, and 10% in an office setting. Work in inclement weather over difficult terrain, including slippery rocks, steep banks, and sticky mud. Walk, bend, stoop, while at times carrying up to 50 pounds. Load and transport machinery, equipment, and gear. This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.

Schedule: The standard work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm; however, occasional evening and weekend work may be required to meet operational needs. Work schedules may vary based on business needs, seasonal demands, and weather conditions.

Travel Requirements: Extensive daily travel to field work sites is required, along with occasional overnight travel for meetings, training, and other work-related activities. Work assignments occur throughout Region 2, with the majority of work performed in Adams County and southern Grant County.

Tools and Equipment: Four-wheel-drive (4x4) trucks, tractors with a variety of implements, agricultural equipment, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), utility task vehicles (UTVs), hand tools, and power tools (e.g. shovels, box cutters).

Customer Interactions: Interact with private landowners, NGOs, government agencies, and sportsmen’s groups.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Qualifications: 

This recruitment may be used to fill the position at either the Natural Resource Technician 2 or Natural Resource Technician 3 classification, based on the candidate’s qualifications. 

Candidates hired at the Natural Resource Technician 2 classification will be required to complete an in-training plan, receiving mentorship and on-the-job experience to develop the skills necessary to advance to the Natural Resource Technician 3 classification.

Required Qualifications for the Natural Resource Technician 2:

Option 1: Two (2) years of experience as a Natural Resource Worker 2.

Option 2: Two (2) years of related professional equivalent experience, such as: 

• Working on a farm or ranch.
• Conducting agricultural enhancement or farming activities.
• Operating heavy equipment.
• Conducting wildlife habitat enhancement activities.
• General repairer.

Option 3: Equivalent Education/Experience.

Certifications/Licenses: Valid driver’s license.

Required Qualifications for the Natural Resource Technician 3 (Goal Class):

Option 1:  Two (2) years of experience as a Natural Resource Technician 2, Forest Technician, or higher 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 working on a farm/ranch, conducting agricultural enhancement/farming activities, operating heavy equipment, or conducting wildlife habitat enhancement activities.

Option 3: A Bachelor’s degree with major study in natural resources, agriculture, aquatic land studies, land management, or a closely related field.

Option 4: An Associate degree with major study in natural resources, agriculture, aquatic land studies, land management, or a closely related field.

Certifications/Licenses: Valid driver’s license.

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

Knowledge of:

• Wildlife population relationships and ecology.
• Wildlife habitat relationships.
• Wildlife and vegetation survey methods.
• Personal computer hardware and software applications, including Microsoft Office and ArcGIS Pro.
• Animal and plant species identification.
• Wildlife and habitat management tools and field techniques.
• Federal, state, local, and agency private lands conservation programs.
• Agricultural and silvicultural practices.
• Pesticide laws and application.
• Local and state land use laws.

Ability to:

• Operate and maintain a variety of motorized equipment (trucks, pickup vehicles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), boats, power equipment, power tools, and heavy equipment).

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 (3) 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 Ashley.Lee@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: 2026-1234 – 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 Ashley.Lee@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2026-06205.

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