Working Title- Ungulate Research Technician
Classification- Scientific Technician 2
Job Status- Full-Time/Non-Permanent/Project
Appointment Length- Two (2) Years
Anticipated Started Date:  March 1, 2026
WDFW Program- Wildlife Program – Science Division
Duty Station- Pomeroy, Washington – Columbia County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Are you interested in working in the field in the Blue Mountains region of WA collecting vegetation data and conducting mortality investigations?

This is an opportunity to assist on a research project examining elk population dynamics and the nutritional landscape.

WHAT TO EXPECT -
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, this position will:

Collect Field Data.

• Collects biological and vegetation data in the Blue Mountains study area in southeast Washington.
• Performs vegetation surveys and collects samples in randomly selected sites in remote areas following set protocols.
• Stores, dries, and measures biomass of vegetation samples.
• Investigates mortalities of collared elk and performs necropsies to determine cause of death.
• May assist with the deployment of collars on elk and related tasks.
• May assist with chronic wasting disease surveillance.

Record Data.

• Performs QA/QC on data collected daily and/or weekly.
• Transcribes written field data into electronic databases.
• Organizes and uploads field photos.

Working Conditions:

Work setting: Fieldwork involves hiking over uneven terrain, often for long distances (up to 10 miles), while carrying heavy equipment (up to 50 lbs.). May encounter variable weather conditions, including heavy rain, snow, fog, and extreme heat. Travel to field sites may require driving on partially flooded or snow-covered roads. Most time is spent navigating to survey locations and collecting data at individual sites for several hours. Mortality investigations may involve hazards such as encounters with predators, exposure to disease, and adverse weather conditions. Periodic office work on a computer is also required. This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.

Schedule: This position is full-time, working 40 hours per week. The standard work schedule requires flexibility; may be assigned work hours at any time within a 24-hour period. Work shifts are not fixed and may vary based on operational needs.

Travel requirements: Frequent travel from the assigned duty station to survey sites.   This position will cover large spatial areas daily to complete surveys.

Customer Interactions: Communicating with the public, private landowners, and co-managers regarding elk population management and the current research project.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Qualifications:

Option 1: Graduation from high school or GED, including one year of high school science and two years of experience as a Scientific Technician 1.

Option 2: Graduation from high school or GED including one year of high school science and two years of laboratory or field experience as an assistant to a biologist, chemist, or zoologist.

Please note:  College course work involving major study in biology, zoology, fisheries, chemistry, natural sciences, or closely allied field will substitute, year for year, for experience, provided the course work includes at least six semester or nine quarter hours of natural science classes.

License:  Valid driver’s license.

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

One (1) year or more of professional experience in/with:

• Identifying common plant species in eastern Washington.
• Nutritional ecology of ungulates.
• Performing mortality investigations and necropsies on wildlife.
• Experience using ATVs, snowmobiles, and hauling trailers.

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 Cheri.Potter@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 Cheri.Potter@dfw.wa.gov and reference job number/title from the top of this posting.

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