Range Ecologist - Fish and Wildlife Biologist 4 - Permanent - 2026-08558

State of Washington•Multiple Locations - Eastern Washington, WA

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

WDFW manages more than 1.2 million acres of public lands statewide, including rangelands and other non-forested habitats. In this role, you’ll help steward these lands through habitat monitoring, vegetation management, technical assistance on rangeland management, and the coordination of grazing permits and agricultural leases. You’ll work independently, taking the initiative to addressing rangeland management challenges and collaborate with Wildlife Area managers, regional staff, and external partners to advance sustainable land management practices that enhance wildlife habitat and support conservation goals across diverse landscapes.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, natural resource or environmental sciences.
Five (5) years of experience in the following areas, which may be gained concurrently or in combination: Wildlife, habitat or ecological research, Natural areas or rangeland management, Designing and implementing monitoring programs for ecological integrity.
Valid Driver’s License.

Nice To Haves

One (1) year of experience supervising field crews and collecting field data.
Two (2) years of experience in data management, statistical analysis, and reporting of natural resources monitoring data.
Excellent communication skills and the ability to build strong collaborative partnerships with a variety of audiences.
Knowledge of soils, plant taxonomy, range conservation best practices, and restoration techniques in semi-arid ecosystems.
Knowledge of invasive weed control methods and techniques for establishing native vegetation.
Familiarity with geographic information systems (GIS), Field Maps, Avenza or equivalent mapping software, as well as rangeland decision-support tools and data products, such as the Rangeland Analysis Platform.
Ability to operate field monitoring equipment including ATVs/UTVs.

Responsibilities

Design and implement ecological monitoring, resource assessments, vegetation and habitat surveys, and research investigations in support of rangeland management.
Design and implement modeling and monitoring efforts for rangelands and apply statistical analyses to interpret data.
Investigate research to guide stewardship of WDFW-managed lands.
Interpret and apply research and scientific literature to on-the-ground rangeland management.
Develop or refine and implement ecological integrity monitoring on rangelands.
Complete resource assessments, vegetation and habitat surveys.
Assist wildlife area managers to complete grazing permit plans and summaries, agricultural lease plans and summaries, and grazing evaluation framework documents.
Complete grazing evaluation framework to recommend potential implementation and limits of permitted grazing on WDFW-managed lands.
Evaluate grazing efficacy to meet ecological needs of the wildlife area.
Provide guidance on development of grazing permits, agricultural leases, and associated documents including management plans and checklists that support habitat protection of rangelands through best management practices.
Support wildlife area managers and district teams on review and approval of agricultural leases and grazing permits and provide instruction on assessing and reporting grazing utilization.
Provide technical assistance to internal and external partners on rangeland management, incorporating inclusive strategies into wildlife area plans, supporting species of greatest conservation need, implementing rangeland restoration strategies, evaluating grazing and agricultural opportunities and impacts, and conducting habitat monitoring.
Actively participate in planning and project team meetings, which may be multi-disciplinary and/or multi-agency.
Research science and best practices for planning for and managing rangelands for wildlife (including the State Wildlife Action Plan, Species of Greatest Conservation Need) and ecological integrity.
Represent WDFW on rangeland management at public meetings and with other agencies, organizations, coordinated resource management groups, and public stakeholders.
Provide regular grazing updates to the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission.
Communicate range management considerations to other managers and decision-makers.
Delegate and assign tasks in support of the Range Ecology program in the Lands Stewardship Section.
Manage the Range Ecology budget.
Ensure compliance with safety and training requirements.