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

State of Washington
State of Washington

Thurston County, WA, USA

Posted on Jun 16, 2026

Description

Title- Wildlife Area Forestry Technician

Classification- Natural Resource Technician 3 (NRT3)

Job Status- Full-Time / Project / Internal Only

Anticipated Project Length- One (1) year – July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027

The anticipated project period is July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. Employment is contingent upon funding and may be extended or terminated based on funding availability.

WDFW Program- Wildlife Program – Lands Division
Duty Station- Scatter Creek Wildlife Area – Rochester, Washington – Thurston County

Internal Only- This recruitment is open to current WDFW employees only.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!


West Rocky Prairie Wildlife Area – Region 6 – Photo Credit: WDFW

Do you enjoy working outdoors and making a direct impact on wildlife habitat conservation?

As a Natural Resource Technician 3, you'll play a key role in enhancing and maintaining forested landscapes and oak woodlands that support Washington's diverse wildlife.

Working alongside the Wildlife Area Manager and Forest Health and Diversity Division Biologists, you'll help implement habitat improvement projects that contribute to healthy fish and wildlife populations while preserving outdoor recreation opportunities for future generations.


Scatter Creek Prescribed Burn – Photo Credit: WDFW

What to Expect:

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Wildlife Area Forestry Technician will,

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, Utility Terrain Vehicle (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.

Maintain capital facilities, wildlife area infrastructure, vehicles, and equipment:

  • 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.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work Setting, including hazards:

  • Primarily field work, which includes exposure to inclement weather, difficult terrain including slippery rocks, steep banks and sticky mud, and water. Some work is performed in an office or shop setting.
  • Walk, lift, bend, and stoop – sometimes on uneven terrain and at times carrying up to 40 pounds of tools and/or equipment. Fieldwork hazards may include tripping/falling, working with small and large equipment in an outdoor setting or while working from boats or around water. Safely drive on primitive roads during all weather conditions. Operate 4 x 4 trucks, utility and large frame tractors, construction equipment, ATVs, UTVs, and load and transport heavy equipment. Prescribed fire activities will occur near burning vegetation and involve smoke exposure.
  • This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.

Schedule:

The standard work schedule includes the potential for occasional evening or weekend work as needed. Schedules may vary based on business needs, time of year, and/or weather conditions.

Travel Requirements:

Daily local travel to work sites. Occasional regional travel up to 200 miles.

Tools and Equipment:

Power tools (e.g., brush cutters, augers, chain saws), tractor with front end (e.g., grapple, bucket) and rear (e.g., brush mower, box scrapper) attachments, trailers, backpack and UTV/ATV/tractor-mounted sprayers, Type VI and Type VII wildland firefighting units, pumps, hoses, drip torches, bladder bags, and firefighting hand tools (flapper, council rake).

Customer Interactions:

Communicate with the public during field work, via email, telephone, and at public meetings.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Qualifications:

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

In addition to meeting one (1) of the qualification options above, the following experience, which may be gained concurrently, is required to qualify for this position:

Six (6) months of experience:

  • Operating and trailering equipment, such as tractors and utility terrain vehicles (UTVs).
  • Using hand and power tools in outdoor or habitat work settings, including chainsaws and brush cutters.

Certifications/Licenses:

Valid driver’s license.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

  • 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess one or more of the following:

Experience:

  • Agricultural practices and equipment operation.
  • Prescribed fire implementation.
  • 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.
  • Wildlife habitat enhancement and restoration techniques.
  • Basic carpentry, mechanical repair, and facility maintenance.
  • Operation, maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting of small, large, and heavy equipment.
  • Small-engine equipment such as pumps, chainsaws, and brush cutters.
  • Microsoft Office Suite, Geographic Information System (GIS), and Global Positioning Systems (GPS).

Ability to:

  • Perform habitat management activities.
  • Safely mix and apply pesticides.
  • Repair and maintain buildings, fences, facilities, and equipment.
  • 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.
  • Perform basic troubleshooting, maintenance, and repairs on vehicles, trailers, heavy equipment, agricultural implements, small power equipment, shop equipment, ATVs, and boats.
  • Identify wildlife and plant species and distinguish key biological and physical features.
  • Conduct field surveys to collect data.

Your application should include the following:

  • A completed online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
  • An up-to-date resume.
  • A cover letter detailing your interest in the position, your relevant skills and experience, and why you are the ideal candidate.
  • At least three (3) professional references with current contact information.

Supplemental Information

In addition to pay and other special employee programs, there are other benefits that WDFW employees may be eligible for. Click the “Benefits” tab at the top of this announcement to learn more.

Important Note:

All new employees must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9 Form) on their first day of work. If hired for this or any position at WDFW, you will be required to provide documentation proving you are eligible to work in the United States. For a list of acceptable documents, please use the following link: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents

Union- WAFWP:

This position is in the bargaining unit represented by the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Professionals and is subject to the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the State of Washington, Department of Fish & Wildlife, and the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Professionals.

Veteran and Military Spouse Preference Notice:

Per RCW 73.16.010 Veterans and qualifying spouses who meet the minimum qualifications of a position are eligible for preference during the initial application review stage. To receive this benefit, please do the following:

  • Notify us of your veteran or military spouse status by email at Ashley.Lee@dfw.wa.gov.
  • Veterans only – Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22 or USDVA signed verification of service letter.
    • Please redact any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers.
  • Subject line must include recruitment number, position, and spouse/veteran (example: 2026-1234 – Biologist 1 – Veteran)
  • Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer

As part of WDFW’s efforts to advance respectful and inclusive work environments, the Agency expects inclusivity as part of our professional interactions and communications. Therefore, we want to ensure that all individuals feel welcome, are treated fairly and respectfully. All staff are empowered to fully contribute to serving their work unit, Agency, and the citizens of Washington.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.

Request an accommodation: Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format please contact Jayme Chase by phone 360-902-2278 or email Jayme.Chase@dfw.wa.gov, or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 800-833-6388.

Technical Difficulties: If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or support@neogov.com.

Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to Ashley.Lee@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2026-04975.


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