Statewide Wolf Specialist - Fish & Wildlife Biologist 4 - Permanent - 2026-04631

State of Washington • Kittitas County – Ellensburg, WA

9d • Hybrid

About The Position

As our Statewide Wolf Specialist, you will perform rigorous fieldwork, data collection and analyses, clear reporting, and maintain collaborative relationships with internal staff, partner agencies, and the public to ensure informed decision-making and support the long-term sustainability and responsible management of wolf populations in Washington. As the agency’s statewide lead specialist for wolf conservation and management, you will design and implement science-based monitoring programs, conduct research and population assessments, and translate findings into effective management strategies and policies. With your experience, you will support the Wolf and Grizzly Bear Policy Lead by developing and executing wolf management plans, leading conflict mitigation efforts, supervising and coordinating with wolf biologists, and providing expert guidance during high-profile wolf conflict incidents.

Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree in wildlife management, natural resource science, environmental science, or a related field AND Five (5) years of professional experience in wildlife management, wildlife research, habitat management, or habitat research, with an emphasis in large carnivore species.
• Four (4) years of professional experience as a Fish & Wildlife Biologist 3 working with large carnivores or ungulates.
• Three (3) years of experience with Wolf ecology, conflict mitigation, and population dynamics.
• Three (3) years of experience designing and leading large carnivore or ungulate surveys, studies, and/or monitoring programs.
• Three (3) years of hands-on wolf capture, handling, and radio-collaring.
• One (1) year of experience performing leadership/supervisory duties including performance management; conflict resolution, training and development, planning and assigning work, and evaluating performance.
• Valid Driver’s License.
• Ability to legally possess and use an agency-issued firearm in a safe and accurate manner.
• Ability to obtain and maintain the required license to handle and administer animal capture and immobilization drugs, in accordance with RCW 69.50.320, RCW 69.41.080, and Chapter 246-945 WAC.
• Obtain certification to participate in aerial flight surveys within 12 months of employment.

Nice To Haves

• A Master’s degree in the applicable field of study may substitute for one (1) year of the required professional experience in wildlife management, wildlife research, habitat management, or habitat research, with an emphasis in large carnivore species.
• A PhD. in the applicable field of study may substitute for two (2) years of the required professional experience in wildlife management, wildlife research, habitat management, or habitat research, with an emphasis in large carnivore species.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct wolf field surveys for species monitoring and wolf conflict mitigation-related management activities.
• Design research methodologies and monitoring data collection protocols for wolves using various methods (such as radio-telemetry, trail-camera based surveys, genetic sample collection, and using bioacoustics).
• Conduct surveys statewide, analyze results, and write reports on surveys as a lead in statistical analysis, interpretation, and developing findings from wolf data.
• Follow protocols for animal welfare during all captures and handling of wildlife and serve as the mission supervisor for aerial wolf operations.
• Perform as a WDFW certified gunner and mugger for aerial capture or removal operations.
• Capture and handle wolves and other wildlife, utilizing immobilizing drugs to sedate, and radio-collaring wolves via ground traps and aerial methods.
• Collaborate and participate with other staff on wolf mortality investigations.
• Collaborate and participate with other staff on wolf-mediated livestock depredation investigations, After Action Reviews (AAR), and district level lethal recommendation processes.
• Maintain inventory of known wolf mortalities with physical/genetic samples shared with appropriate repositories.
• Supervise other wolf biologists to direct and monitor their schedules, activities, and overall performance.
• Conduct weekly check-ins with direct reports and assign work: coordinate, communicate, and implement priority tasks related to wolf monitoring and conflict mitigation management.
• Inventory maintenance of capture drugs and other equipment and other supervisory administrative tasks including approval of timesheets, leave applications, training, and travel.
• Mentor and oversee the activities of the wolf biologists including planning for professional career development, ensuring staff training and safety, establishing work expectations and supporting appropriate corrective measures, and ensuring agency and program priorities are met.
• Translate and deliver leadership and policy decisions to staff and work to understand and communicate field information and context to leadership and policy decision makers.
• Serve as an agency project management lead who will ensure compliant implementation of wolf-related data sharing agreements and other inter-agency contracts or practices.
• Compile and analyze wolf scientific literature and data to develop wolf management guidelines and needs.
• Periodic communications and meeting participation with department staff and other agencies, organizations, private landowners, and external partners.

Benefits

• A flexible hybrid schedule may be considered at the discretion of the hiring manager.
• This position is eligible for an additional 15% pay differential when the incumbent is performing flight duties or chemical immobilization as noted in the duties listed below.
• The salary listed above does not include the 2% pay increase that goes into effect on July 1, 2026.
• Click the “Benefits” tab at the top of this announcement to learn more.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior