Salish Prairie Oak Biologist - Fish & Wildlife Biologist 1 - Permanent - 2026-05259

State of Washington•Thurston County – Other, WA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

This position will perform a variety of vegetation management activities including applying herbicide or mechanical treatments to control invasive or unwanted species, planting or sowing native plant material, and utilizing prescribed fire. The Salish Prairie Oak Biologist will coordinate and implement habitat management actions, assist the Wildlife Area Manager in developing habitat management work plans, identify and prepare resource needs for implementing habitat management work plans (including equipment, materials, supplies, and personnel), proficiently and safely use brush cutters, chainsaws, tractors, and tractor-mounted implements to mechanically treat vegetation, use various methods such as backpack, UTV, and tractor sprayers to apply herbicides in the treatment of vegetation, use various seeding equipment to sow native plant material and hand-held augers to plant native plugs, prepare units for and participate in controlled burn operations and post-burn patrol activities, and ignite and manage burning of slash piles as needed. The role also involves collecting, summarizing, and interpreting habitat management & monitoring data, including collecting and maintaining geospatial data tracking habitat management activities, following written scientific protocols to collect, manage, and maintain habitat monitoring and field trial data, and assisting in the development of data collection methods and protocols. Additionally, the position requires maintaining equipment and facilities, including assisting in conducting scheduled equipment maintenance, diagnosing and implementing light equipment repairs, and assisting with facility maintenance, repair, and construction as needed (including fencing, signage, wildfire mow breaks, and road maintenance).

Requirements

A Bachelor's degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, environmental science, or a related field.
Experience using agricultural practices and equipment in habitat management including mechanical or chemical treatments.
Knowledge of scientific principles, procedures, and standard field methods of biological survey methods.
Ability to identify wildlife and plant species and visually distinguish biological and physical features.
Ability to interpret data to help guide habitat management actions.
Valid Driver’s License.

Nice To Haves

Experience implementing work plans and coordinating resources.
Experience collecting and interpreting data to assess the efficacy of habitat management actions.
Experience identifying plant and wildlife species of the South Salish prairie and oak systems.
Experience working with threatened and/or endangered species and their habitats.
Experience implementing and participating in prescribed fire operations.
Knowledge of wildlife habitat enhancement and restoration practices.
Knowledge of computer software – Microsoft Office, Geographic Information System (GIS), and Global Positioning System (GPS).
Knowledge of small, large, and heavy equipment operation, maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting.
Knowledge of small engine tools such as pumps, chainsaws, and brush cutters.
Knowledge of basics of carpentry, mechanical, and facility repair.
Knowledge of basic statistical procedures and concepts of study design.