Wildlife Area Technician - Natural Resources Technician 3 - Permanent - 2026-09232

State of Washington•Grays Harbor County – Aberdeen, WA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Wildlife Area Technician supports management and improvement of wildlife areas in Aberdeen, Washington, by carrying out habitat restoration and maintenance, managing invasive vegetation, maintaining facilities and public access areas, and supporting safe recreational opportunities. The position plans, coordinates, and implements projects that protect, maintain, and improve wildlife-area habitats, species, and recreation. Work includes applying herbicides under Integrated Pest Management plans, agricultural activities, operating equipment, and inspecting and maintaining public-use resources and infrastructure. The position maintains buildings, kiosks, signs, irrigation systems, roads, culverts, gates, fences, parking lots, vehicles, equipment, and other capital improvements. It also assists with and oversees capital improvement projects, keeps maintenance records, and monitors facilities and equipment for safety issues. The work is primarily in the field, with some office or shop work, and can involve difficult terrain, inclement weather, water environments, and operation or transport of heavy equipment. The schedule is 40 hours per week, with occasional evening or weekend work as needed and schedules that may vary with business needs, season, or weather. Travel may be up to 15% of the time. The position is full-time and permanent. A 10% pay differential is available when the incumbent is a licensed spray operator performing designated spray-operator duties.

Requirements

Meet one of the following experience or education pathways: two years of experience in habitat management, land management, agriculture, or natural resource operations; an associate’s degree or higher in natural resource management, forestry, wildlife management, agriculture, environmental science, or a closely related field; or one year of experience as a Natural Resource Technician 2.
At least six months of experience operating equipment such as vehicles, ATVs, farm tractors, or trailers.
At least six months of experience using hand and power tools in outdoor, construction, or habitat-work settings.
Valid driver’s license.
Hold or obtain a Pesticide Applicator’s license within nine months of hire; the agency will provide training.
Ability to safely drive on primitive roads in all weather conditions and load and transport heavy equipment.
Ability to perform fieldwork involving walking, lifting, bending, and stooping, sometimes over uneven terrain and while carrying up to 40 pounds of tools or equipment.

Nice To Haves

Experience using agricultural practices and equipment.
Experience planning and managing annual agricultural crop establishment.
Ability to identify native plant species in Western Washington.
Knowledge of wildlife agricultural enhancement programs and farming practices.
Knowledge of wildlife habitat enhancement and restoration.
Knowledge of basic carpentry, mechanical repairs, and facility maintenance.
Knowledge of the operation, maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting of small, large, and heavy equipment.
Knowledge of small engine-powered equipment, including pumps, chainsaws, and brush cutters.
Knowledge of Microsoft Office, GIS applications, and GPS technology.
Knowledge of safety procedures and practices.
Ability to perform habitat management activities and safely mix and apply pesticides.
Ability to repair and maintain buildings, fences, facilities, and equipment.
Ability to safely operate, troubleshoot, repair, and maintain motor vehicles, trailers, heavy equipment, small power equipment, shop equipment, ATVs, and boats while following safety guidelines and identifying potential hazards.
Ability to identify wildlife and plant species and visually distinguish their biological and physical features.
Ability to oversee volunteers and coordinate work activities with inmate work crews.
Ability to conduct field surveys and collect, record, compile, and summarize data using critical thinking.
Ability to use GPS technology, mapping software, and Microsoft Office applications for collaboration, communication, word processing, spreadsheets, web-based tools, email, and calendar functions.

Responsibilities

Plan, coordinate, and implement projects to protect, maintain, and improve wildlife-area habitats, species, and recreational opportunities.
Implement wildlife-area projects and restore, enhance, and maintain wildlife habitats.
Implement Integrated Pest Management plans and apply herbicides as needed.
Conduct agricultural activities, including mowing, disking, seeding, and tree trimming.
Operate small and heavy equipment, including brush cutters, chainsaws, ATVs, UTVs, tractors, and excavators.
Inspect, manage, and maintain access areas and public-use resources to promote public health and safety, ensure compliance, and maintain the appearance of the Wildlife Area.
Maintain wildlife-area buildings, information kiosks, signage, and irrigation systems.
Assist with and oversee capital improvement projects.
Maintain roads, culverts, gates, fences, parking lots, and other capital improvements.
Maintain wildlife-area vehicles and equipment, including associated maintenance records.
Monitor and assess facilities and equipment to identify and address safety concerns.
Communicate with the public during fieldwork, by email and telephone, and at public meetings.