Assistant Wildlife Area Manager - Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2 - Permanent - 2025-06725
Salary: $4,653.00 - $6,259.00 Monthly
Location : Stevens County - Other, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number: [click to reveal phone number]
Department: Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
Opening Date: 09/25/2025
Closing Date: 10/[click to reveal phone number]:59 PM Pacific
Description
Title- Assistant Wildlife Area Manager
Classification- Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2
Job Status- Full-Time/PermanentWDFW Program- Wildlife Program - Lands DivisionDuty Station- Kettle Falls, Washington - Stevens County
Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!
Photo Caption: Sherman Creek Wildlife Area - Photo Credit: WDFW
Join WDFW and serve as the Assistant Manager of the Sherman Creek Wildlife Area (SCWA), supporting more than 14,000 acres within Ferry, Stevens, and Pend Oreille counties.
In this position, you will help plan and implement the SCWA Management Plan, overseeing habitat, fish and wildlife, and recreational use activities including managing the agricultural lease, lowland trail system, and weed control program.
This is an opportunity to supervise seasonal staff, conduct habitat and wildlife surveys, and monitor public use of the wildlife area.
What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Assistant Wildlife Area Manager will,
Implement the written management plan for Sherman Creek, Rustler's Gulch, and LeClerc Creek Wildlife Areas:
- Perform habitat maintenance, habitat enhancement, habitat restoration, and recreational management on land owned by WDFW.
- Assist with planning and developing priorities, developing and implementing projects, developing and managing the operating budget, and updating the management plan.
- Facilitate, manage, and monitor public, employee, volunteer, and researchers' use on the wildlife areas.
- Conduct wildlife and habitat surveys.
Manage fleet operations, infrastructure, and facilities maintenance:
- Manage fleet of vehicles and equipment, ensuring safe operation and completion of maintenance and repairs.
- Ensure maintenance of roads, parking areas, signage, irrigation system, and other infrastructure needs.
Manage the noxious weed control program:
- Prioritize treatment areas and implement annual weed control.
- Maintain weed control equipment.
- Maintain required records of weed control activities.
Manage agricultural lease activities and trail system maintenance:
- Coordinate with the agricultural lessee to ensure the lease agreement is followed.
- Coordinate with the agricultural lessee to ensure the wildlife food plots are planted and maintained annually.
Supervise staff:
- Recruit and coordinate the hiring of one (1) direct report.
- Train, mentor, and direct the work of staff, and evaluate staff performance.
Working Conditions:
Work Setting, including hazards: This position involves a combination of office and fieldwork.
- When in the field, work in inclement weather over difficult terrain including slippery rocks, steep banks, and sticky mud up to 75% of the time. This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments. Frequently load and transport equipment weighing up to 45 pounds. May walk, stoop, and bend while carrying up to 45 pounds.
- The office is the Sherman Creek Wildlife Area headquarters, a small building five (5) miles from Kettle Falls, shared with the Wildlife Area Manager and a Natural Resources Technician 3.
Schedule: Typically, Monday-Thursday, 6:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. The schedule may vary to meet business needs due to seasonal demands, emergencies, and time critical assignments, such as working on a controlled burn through the evening.
Travel Requirements: Some travel is required (typically local or regional) to meet with stakeholders, conduct business, or attend/provide training. Occasional overnight travel is required for out-of-town training and agency meetings.
Tools and Equipment: Pickup trucks, trailers, mini-excavator, tractors, tillage and seeding implements, sprayers, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), utility terrain vehicles (UTVs), mowers, chainsaws, power and hand tools, fire-fighting hand tools, welders and torches, GPS devices, cell phones, and laptops.
Customer Interactions: Frequently interact with the public and other stakeholders, including hunters, hikers, neighboring farmers and ranchers, volunteer groups, and other governmental entities.
Qualifications:
Required Qualifications:
Option 1: A bachelor's degree in natural resource management, wildlife management, environmental science, or a related specialty area and one (1) year of professional-level experience in a natural resource specialty such as natural resource engineering, land management, land technician, natural resource technician, forest cruiser, or engineering aide.
Option 2: Three (3) years of professional-level experience in a natural resource specialty such as natural resource engineering, land management, land technician, natural resource technician, forest cruiser, or engineering aide.
Option 3: One (1) year of experience as a Natural Resource Specialist 1, Biologist 1, or similar position.
Please note: A Master's degree or PhD. may substitute for one (1) year of the required experience.
Certifications/Licenses:
Valid Driver's License.
Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:
The following certifications are required-WDFW will provide training if not possessed prior to employment.
- Firefighter Type II Certification.
- Chainsaw Certification.
- First Aid/CPR/AED Certification.
- Washington State Pesticide Applicator, Public Operator License.
- ATV/UTV Certification.
Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:
Experience:
- Habitat enhancement and management, particularly in forest environments.
- Operating farm equipment.
- Operating mini excavator.
- Towing and backing a trailer while driving a pickup truck.
- Using Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.).
Certifications/Licenses:
- ATV/UTV Certification.
- Chainsaw Certification.
- Firefighter Type II Certification.
- First Aid/CPR/AED Certification.
- Washington State Pesticide Applicator, Public Operator License.
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 and other , there are other 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:
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 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 [click to reveal email address]
- 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: [click to reveal phone number] - 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 [click to reveal phone number] or email [click to reveal email address], or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at [click to reveal phone number].
Technical Difficulties: If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at [click to reveal phone number] or
Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to and reference job #[click to reveal phone number].
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More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC [click to reveal phone number].
Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 07-21-2025
01
Are you currently an employee of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife? This includes permanent, non-permanent, intern, project, and career seasonal.
- Yes
- No
02
Do you have a valid driver's license?
- Yes, I have a current valid driver's license.
- No, I do not have a current valid driver's license.
03
Please select the option below that best describes the highest level of education you have completed.
- High School Diploma/GED.
- Some College.
- Vocational Degree or Certificate.
- Associate's Degree.
- Bachelor's Degree.
- Master's Degree.
- Ph.D.
- None of the above.
04
What is your major area of study? If you possess multiple degrees, please list each degree and major. (If this does not apply to you, please put N/A.) This includes both vocational and college education.
05
Select the option below that best describes your professional-level experience in a natural resource specialty, such as natural resource engineering, land management, land technician, natural resource technician, forest cruiser, or engineering aide.
- I do not have this experience.
- I have less than 1 year of this experience.
- I have between 1 and 2 years of this experience.
- I have between 2 and 3 years of this experience.
- I have 3 or more years of this experience.
06
Select the option below that best describes your experience in Washington State government service as a Natural Resource Specialist 1, Fish & Wildlife Biologist 1, or similar position. (Note: This refers to positions officially classified under the Washington State Human Resources job classification system).
- I do not have this experience.
- I have less than 1 year of this experience.
- I have 1 year or more of this experience.
07
Please briefly describe your professional-level experience in a natural resource specialty, such as natural resource engineering, land management, land technician, natural resource technician, forest cruiser, or engineering aide. ("See Resume" is not a valid response. If you do not have this experience, put N/A).
08
Select the options(s) below you have experience in. (Select all that apply).
- Forestry habitat enhancement and management.
- Operating farm equipment.
- Operating mini excavator.
- Towing and backing a trailer while driving a pickup truck.
- Using Microsoft Office Suite.
- None of the above.
09
Please briefly describe your experience with habitat enhancement and management in forest environments. ("See Resume" is not a valid response, if you do not have this experience, put N/A).
10
Select the certification(s) below you currently possess. (Select all that apply).
- ATV/UTV Certification.
- Chainsaw Certification.
- Firefighter Type II Certification.
- First Aid/CPR/AED Certification.
- Washington State Pesticide Applicator, Public Operator License.
- None of the above.
11
How did you hear about this job posting? (Select all that apply).
- American Fisheries Society (AFS)
- Careers.wa.gov
- Community Based Organization
- Community/Technical College
- Conservation Job Board
- El Informador
- Four W's Fishing Team, LLC - Willard Franklin III, LinkedIn
- Handshake
- Hiring Event/Workshop
- Indeed.com
- Job Board
- Job Fair
- MHCC - Mount Hood Community College
- Newspaper
- Other
- Other State Agency
- Other Website
- Professional Association
- Society of American Foresters (SAF)
- Texas A&M
- University Job Board
- UW College of the Environment
- WDFW Employee
- WDFW Recruiter
- WDFW Website
- Word of Mouth
- WorkSource
12
Tell us more - kindly share which website, organization, person, or other source led you to this job posting.
Required Question