Title- Water Access Area Technician
Classification- Natural Resource Technician 3
Job Status- Full-Time - Permanent
WDFW Program- Wildlife Program
Duty Station- *Mill Creek, Washington – Snohomish County
*Please Note- The current duty station is Mill Creek Washington. Alternative duty stations within Region 4 (Snohomish, Skagit, Whatcom, and King Counties) may be considered. This position is eligible for a 5% pay differential if the assigned duty station is located in King County.

This position is part of a team with one additional opening. If you’re interested in being considered for the other position, please submit a separate application for that position. Applicants must meet the qualifications listed for each role to be considered.
Natural Resource Specialist 1 - Job #2025-07758.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

This is an opportunity to support the conservation of Water Access Areas by completing essential maintenance that protects, enhances and sustains recreational opportunities for all visitors. 

Envision yourself in the field, carrying out vegetation management activities including applying herbicides to control invasive species.

You will also apply your skills with hand and power tools to perform technical tasks that maintain facilities and equipment.

What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Water Access Area Technician, 

Independently provide maintenance on Water Access Wildlife Areas and WDFW owned and operated lands and facilities:

• Remove garbage and debris from restroom facility.
• Clean and sanitize toilets, urinals, handrails, walls, floors, and lights.
• Wash off moss or mildew from restroom facility.
• Clean and inspect door locks, door handles and windows. 
• Wash off moss or mildew from restroom facility.
• Remove or cover graffiti inside and/or outside of structures.
• Restock restroom with toilet paper and sweep out any standing water.
• Report to supervisor if parts broken, missing, or not working properly.
• Document and report property damage from storms, vandalism, and misuse.
• Walk access areas to pick up litter, trash debris and illegally dumped materials.

Independently perform vegetation management on WDFW owned and operated lands:

• Brush, weed eat, and trim overgrowth and vegetation.
• Rake, blow needles and leaves, hand pull or spraying weeds.
• Remove fallen trees and debris from roads, boat ramps and parking areas.
• Identify and report danger trees, hazards, public safety concerns or liabilities.
• Maintain access area signage and install, wash, paint, repair kiosks, sign boards, and posts.
• Herbicide application, keep records of chemical use, inventory, and storage.
• Operate and maintain trucks, ATV’s, leaf blowers, weed eaters, hydraulic dump trailers, tractors, chippers, chain saws, pumps, brush cutters, rotary mowers, pressure washers, power tools and other specialized equipment used in construction and maintenance.

Conduct safety and maintenance activities:

• Report potential hazardous debris or spills to supervisor.
• Clean, repair or establish walkways, paths, and trails for pedestrian accessibility.
• Repair docks, railings, and facilities.
• Repair potholes and conduct grading activities in parking lots and roadways.
• Inspect and repair fences and gates.
• Placement of boulders, barrier rock, or ecology blocks.
• Paint and conduct other exterior maintenance of buildings.
• Clean and maintain campgrounds.
• Perform basic maintenance and routine repairs to motor vehicles and equipment.
• Mark property boundaries with signs or flagging.

Working Conditions: 

Work setting, including hazards: 

• Primarily field work (90%) at water access and wildlife areas, boat launches, river and lake fishing access sites. Some work (10%) will occur at an office or fabrication shop setting. 
• Work may involve hazards such as tripping or falling as well as other risks associated with operating small and large equipment in outdoor environments, on boats, or around water.
• Stand in waist deep water to repair ramps and docks.
• Walk, lift, bend, and stoop sometimes on uneven terrain and while at times carrying up to 40 pounds of tools and/or equipment.
• Drive on primitive roads during all weather conditions and sustained vehicle operation for long periods of time (2-4+hours). Use 4 x 4 trucks, utility and large frame tractors, construction equipment, ATVs, UTVs, and load and transport heavy equipment. 
• This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.

Schedule: Typically, Monday – Thursday, 7:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. 40 hours per week with availability for non-scheduled workweek. May work long or irregular hours, with some variation for seasonal workloads, environmental conditions or public health and safety needs. Night and weekend work on an as needed basis. 

Travel Requirements: Travel up to 15% of time. Frequent single-day trips to work sites throughout the region and extensive driving time between access areas daily. Infrequent overnight travel to other areas of Washington, for up to one (1) week at a time may occur to attend conferences, training, and to assist with fieldwork.        

Tools and Equipment: Trucks, all-terrain vehicle (ATV), leaf blowers, weed eaters, hydraulic dump trailers, tractors, chippers, chain saws, pumps, brush cutters, rotary mowers, pressure washers, common gas and electric power and hand tools, and other specialized equipment and power tools, and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Customer Interactions: Daily interaction with the recreating public and agency staff at wildlife and access areas. May include occasional interactions with individuals experiencing anger, distress, or frustration.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications: 

Three (3) years of experience as a general repairer or equivalent. 

• Examples of a “general repairer” may include working on a farm/ranch, conducting agricultural enhancement/farming activities, operating heavy equipment or conducting wildlife habitat enhancement activities.

Or 

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.

Or 

Associates degree in natural resources
   And 
Two (2) years of technical experience in land management. 

Or

A bachelor’s degree with major study in agriculture, aquatic land studies, or natural resource studies

Certifications/Licenses:
Valid Driver’s License.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:
Trainings/Certifications will be provided and/or facilitated by WDFW: 

• Forklift Operation Certification
• Chainsaw Operation training
• Obtain and maintain First Aid/CPR/AED training/certification
• Hold or obtain a Washington State Public Operator Pesticide license within six (6) months of hire.

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

Experience with/in: 

• Agricultural practices and equipment.
• Identifying Western Washington native plant species.

Knowledge of:

• Wildlife agricultural enhancement programs and 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 such as Microsoft Office, Geographic Information System (GIS) and Global Positioning System (GPS). 
• Managing projects and workloads. 
• Safety procedures.

Ability to:

• Perform habitat management activities.
• Safely mix and apply pesticides.
• Repair and maintain buildings, fences, facilities, and equipment.
• Follow all safety guidelines, troubleshoot, repair, maintain and identify hazards while proficiently operating motor vehicles, trailers, heavy equipment (excavators, backhoes, tractors with agricultural implements), small power equipment (tillers, mowers, chainsaws and grass/brush trimmers), shop equipment, ATVs, and boats. 
• Identify wildlife and plant species and ability to visually distinguish biological and physical features.
• Oversee volunteers to include working with inmate work crews.
• Conduct field surveys to collect data. 
• Use GPS, mapping software, computer with Microsoft Office software for collaborating, communications, word processing, spreadsheet applications, web-based tools, email, and calendar events.
• Effectively communicate both verbally and orally with agency staff, other agencies, stakeholders, and the public.

Your application must 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 Elizabeth.Bullard@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 Elizabeth.Bullard@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2025-07799.

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