Wildlife Area Technician - Natural Resource Technician 3 - Career Seasonal - 2 Positions- 2026-03283

Number of Vacancies- Two (2) Positions

Working Title- Wildlife Area Technician

Classification- Natural Resource Technician 3

Job Status- Full-Time/Career Seasonal

Appointment Length- 6 Months – May 1, 2026 – October 31, 2026

WDFW Program- Wildlife Program – Lands Division

Duty Station- Mount Vernon, Washington – Skagit County

Spray Operator: This position is eligible for an additional 10% pay differential when the incumbent is a licensed spray operator performing spray operator duties as noted in the duties listed below.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Photo Caption – Skagit Bay Estuary – Photo Credit: Alan Bauer

Are you passionate about improving habitats and sustaining fish and wildlife-related opportunities?

Embrace this role to implement projects to protect, maintain, and improve habitats, species, and recreational opportunities on the Wildlife Area.

In this dynamic role, you will provide technical support and assist in Spartina eradication, invasive cattail control, and other land management projects across multiple watersheds.

WHAT TO EXPECT -

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, this position will:

• Assist in implementing Wildlife Area projects.
• Restore/enhance/maintain wildlife habitats.
• Implement Integrated Pest Management plan and apply herbicides as needed.
• Operate a variety of small and heavy equipment to include brush cutters, chainsaws ATVs, UTV’s, tractors, boats, and Marsh Masters.
• Gathers pre- and post-treatment data on vegetation, weeds and treatment methods using phone apps, forms, cameras, and notebooks for later analysis.

• Maintain Wildlife Area infrastructure for equipment and supply storage.
• Inspect and maintain crew vehicles, equipment, spray equipment, and maintenance records.
• Inspect, monitor, assess, and ensure safety of Wildlife Area facilities and equipment.

• Attend agency meetings, meetings with external groups and constituents.
• Provide relevant information to the public through office and field contacts.
• Assist/manage activities with cooperative partners and adjacent landowners.
• Report violations to the manager and/or enforcement.
• Assist in public educational activities (i.e. hunter education classes, outreach programs, school groups, etc.)
• Assist/support enforcement when requested on activities occurring on and off Wildlife Area lands.

Working Conditions:

Work setting: Primarily field work, which includes exposure to inclement weather, 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.  Must be able to walk, lift, bend, and stoop – sometimes on uneven terrain and while at times carrying up to 40 pounds of tools and/or equipment.   Must be able to safely drive on primitive roads during all weather conditions. Use 4 x 4 trucks, utility and large frame tractors, ATVs, UTVs, and must be able to 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.  This position involves the handling and application of pesticides in accordance with state and federal regulations and agency safety policies.

Schedule: Full-time, working 40 hours per week. The standard work schedule includes the potential for occasional evening or weekend work as needed. Schedules may vary based on business needs, time of year, and/or weather conditions. Work beyond 40 hours in a week may occur to complete a project.

Travel requirements: Available for non-scheduled workweek and travel up to 15% of time. Occasional weekend and overnight travel.

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

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Qualifications:

Option 1:

Two (2) years of experience as a Natural Resource Technician 2, Forest Technician, or higher class performing technical duties relating to land use or development.

And

Valid driver’s license.

Option 2:

Three (3) years of experience as a general repairer or equivalent (this is defined as experience in landscaping, mechanic experience, construction, shop tech, maintenance tech).

And

Valid driver’s license.

Option 3:

A Bachelor’s degree with major study in agriculture or a natural resource studies.

And

Valid driver’s license.

Option 4:

An Associate degree in a natural resource field.

And

Two (2) years of technical experience in land management.

And

Valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications:

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

A valid Washington State Pesticide Applicator License.

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

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 (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 #2026-03283.

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Salary : $3,665 - $4,882