Wildlife Technician V (Habitat Crew Leader)

Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation•Toppenish, WA

About The Position

Incumbent will lead the Wildlife Habitat Crew to manage wildlife habitat within the valley portion of the Yakama Reservation, primarily on Wildlife properties acquired using BPA funding. Tasks involve operation and maintenance of agricultural equipment (tractors, mowers, seeders) and various hand tools including tampers and pumps. This position is expected to coordinate regularly with the Wetlands Project Lead and Habitat Field Operations Specialist to keep the habitat properties in good condition, which will require managing water levels using control structures, mowing vegetation, maintaining and building fencing, and controlling invasive species using herbicides. This position will also work with the Wetlands and Riparian Restoration Biologist and other staff to implement small-scale restoration projects that benefit wildlife habitat and public use. Incumbent participates in activities that require coordination with other Yakama Nation Programs, governmental agencies, private contractors, and the general public (both enrolled Yakama members and non-Yakama hunters). Incumbent is expected to work with (and assign crew members to work with) other Wildlife staff (particularly the bison program) as needed on particular projects, and may occasionally be required to work on weekends and evenings.

Requirements

High school diploma required.
Three years' experience operating farm equipment and/or maintaining native habitat.
Must possess a valid Washington State herbicide applicator's license or attain one within the first 6 months of employment AND maintain it for the length of their employment in this position.
Incumbent must maintain physical fitness as appropriate to perform assigned duties.
Incumbent must maintain effective audio and visual discrimination and perception to the degree necessary for successful performance of assigned duties.
Incumbent may sometimes be required to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
Must possess a valid Washington State Driver's License with the ability to obtain a Yakama Nation Driving permit.
Required to pass a pre-employment drug test.

Nice To Haves

Five years experience operating farm equipment and/or maintaining native habitat AND at least one years experience supervising staff.
Ability to obtain a wildland firefighter 'red card' is preferred.

Responsibilities

Works closely with the Wetlands Project Lead, Habitat Field Operations Specialist, and other Wildlife staff to plan and implement invasive species control measures (herbicide application, mowing, etc.), wetland restoration projects (willow plantings, etc.), and other related habitat enhancement and maintenance activities.
Schedules, coordinates, and oversees the Habitat Crew in conducting general wetlands area management activities and specific restoration projects.
Supervises Habitat Crew technicians, including keeping time and completing annual reviews, and exercises field supervision of WCC crews, contractors, and other workers as needed.
Leads installation and repair of barbed wire, wildlife-friendly, and buck-and-pole fences.
Oversees operation and maintenance of a wide variety of farming and ranching equipment including tractors and farm machinery (seed drills, discs, plows, sprayers, mowers, etc.).
Readies hunting properties for fall waterfowl season according to guidance from Program Manager, Wetlands Project Lead, Game Bird Biologist, and Special Projects Coordinator.
Makes purchases of materials, equipment, and repairs necessary for daily work and keeps logs of all purchases made; works with Wetlands Project Lead to obtain approval for larger capital purchases such as new equipment.
Leads mixing and application of herbicides by Habitat Crew members, including supervising staff members without an Applicator's license and assisting those staff in obtaining their license.
Reports herbicide use in written form and using maps and/or digital recording tools; ensures herbicide use and other applicable logs and records for all crew members are accurate & current.
Is responsible for personal and crew compliance with safe work practices and procedures associated with the operation of equipment used in daily performance of duties.
Coordinates with Range Biologist and Wetlands Project Lead to remove trespass livestock and facilitate permitted grazing of certain wildlife properties.
Works to prevent poaching on wildlife areas and the reservation broadly, including securing access to properties and working with Tribal game wardens and other law enforcement.
May be asked to assist with trapping and removing problem wildlife.
Ensures Wildlife properties are secure by posting signage, replacing locks, fixing gates and fences, etc. as needed.
Assists the bison program in haying, winter feeding, butchering, and other tasks as needed.
Assists and directs Habitat Crew members to assist the Game Bird Biologist and other Wildlife staff in conducting hunter-success surveys and other wildlife surveys or monitoring tasks.
Other duties as assigned.