Wildlife Area Forestry Technician - Natural Resource Tech 3 - Project - Internal Only - 2026-04975

State of Washington • Thurston County – Other, WA

8h • Onsite

About The Position

This is a full-time project position for a Wildlife Area Forestry Technician, classified as a Natural Resource Technician 3. The project is anticipated to last one year, from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and is contingent upon funding. The role is open only to current WDFW employees. The technician will play a key role in enhancing and maintaining forested landscapes and oak woodlands that support Washington's diverse wildlife, working with the Wildlife Area Manager and Forest Health and Diversity Division Biologists to implement habitat improvement projects. These projects aim to contribute to healthy fish and wildlife populations while preserving outdoor recreation opportunities.

Requirements

• Option 1: Two (2) years of experience in habitat management, land management, agriculture, environmental science, natural resource management, or a closely related field.
• Option 2: An Associate’s degree or higher in habitat management, land management, agriculture, environmental science, natural resource management, or a closely related field.
• Option 3: One (1) year experience as a Natural Resource Technician 2
• Six (6) months of experience operating and trailering equipment, such as tractors and utility terrain vehicles (UTVs).
• Six (6) months of experience using hand and power tools in outdoor or habitat work settings, including chainsaws and brush cutters.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Obtain and maintain all-terrain vehicle (ATV) and utility terrain vehicle (UTV) certification (agency will provide training).
• Obtain and maintain First Aid, CPR, and AED Training Certification (agency will provide training).
• Obtain and maintain a Washington State Public Operator Pesticide license within six (6) months of hire.
• Possess and maintain current wildland firefighter qualifications (Fire Fighter Type II minimum) from a valid certifying agency.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with agricultural practices and equipment operation.
• Experience with prescribed fire implementation.
• Experience identifying plant and wildlife species of south Salish prairie-oak ecosystems and western Washington forest systems.
• Knowledge of wildlife agricultural enhancement programs and farming practices.
• Knowledge of wildlife habitat enhancement and restoration techniques.
• Knowledge of basic carpentry, mechanical repair, and facility maintenance.
• Knowledge of operation, maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting of small, large, and heavy equipment.
• Knowledge of small-engine equipment such as pumps, chainsaws, and brush cutters.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, Geographic Information System (GIS), and Global Positioning Systems (GPS).
• Ability to perform habitat management activities.
• Ability to safely mix and apply pesticides.
• Ability to repair and maintain buildings, fences, facilities, and equipment.
• Ability to safely operate motor vehicles, trailers, heavy equipment (including excavators, backhoes, and tractors with agricultural implements), small power equipment (such as tillers, mowers, chainsaws, and brush cutters), shop equipment, ATVs, and boats while following established safety procedures and identifying potential hazards.
• Ability to perform basic troubleshooting, maintenance, and repairs on vehicles, trailers, heavy equipment, agricultural implements, small power equipment, shop equipment, ATVs, and boats.
• Ability to identify wildlife and plant species and distinguish key biological and physical features.
• Ability to conduct field surveys to collect data.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and implement projects to protect, maintain, and enhance habitats, species, and recreational opportunities on the Wildlife Area, with an emphasis on forested landscapes and oak woodlands that support sensitive wildlife species.
• Implement vegetation management techniques using mechanical methods (tractor mowing, brush cutting, walk-behind mowers, chainsaw, and hand tools), chemical treatments (backpack sprayer, UTV- and/or tractor-mounted boom sprayers, and cut-stump applications), and prescribed fire.
• Facilitate the propagation of native plant species through seeding using hand sowing and tractor-, UTV-, or All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV)-mounted seed spreaders, and by planting plugs with gasoline-powered augers.
• Manage woody debris by constructing and burning piles and/or using chippers.
• Identify native and non-native prairie and oak woodland plant species using field guides and taxonomic keys.
• Provide field supervision and direction to work crews, including volunteers and Washington Conservation Corps (WCC) members.
• Independently and safely operate equipment and devices necessary to complete habitat enhancement projects.
• Identify habitat management challenges and develop recommendations for implementing enhancement activities.
• Perform routine maintenance on equipment, including greasing, cleaning, organizing, oiling, and servicing brush cutters, augers, chainsaws, and tractors with attachments.
• Use fence-post pounders, winches, hand and power tools, and tractor-mounted auger to perform fence repairs and installation.
• Collect trash and other debris from public parking areas and throughout the wildlife area to help maintain a clean, safe, and organized environment.
• Monitor, assess, and ensure the safety of Wildlife Area facilities and equipment.

Benefits

• The job announcement mentions "other benefits that WDFW employees may be eligible for" and directs users to the "Benefits" tab for more information, but specific benefits are not detailed in the provided text.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree