Classification- Natural Resource Worker 2
Job Status- Full-Time/Career Seasonal
Season Length- 9 Months – October 16 – July 15
WDFW Program- Wildlife Program – Lands Division
Duty Station- Naches, Washington – Yakima County
Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!
Photo Caption: Tieton River on Oak Creek Wildlife Area – Photo Credit: WDFW
Are you passionate about the great outdoors? Join our team and turn your passion into a rewarding career.
In this position, you will perform maintenance and habitat management within the Oak Creek Wildlife Area in the winter, spring, and summer months.
In this dynamic role, you will assist with various activities including weed control, fence maintenance, and winter feeding duties.
Photo Caption: Feeding Elk – Photo Credit: WDFW
What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Natural Resource Worker’s duties will include,
Noxious Weed Control:
- Use a truck, ATV, and backpack sprayers to assist in herbicide application.
- Remove weeds by hand or using hand tools as needed.
- Mix and apply herbicide following Washington State Department of Agriculture pesticide license requirements.
- Use GPS equipment to record new weed locations and navigate to past sites.
Winter Feeding of Wildlife:
- Load feed trucks with hay using tractors.
- Drive trucks to and from feed sites.
- Feed hay using automated feeders or by hand as part of crew.
- Accurately count and record elk and big horn sheep daily.
Wildlife Area Facilities and Grounds Maintenance:
- Assist with general maintenance of building and grounds using hand tools, power tools, and equipment.
- Install signs and kiosks using hand and power tools.
Fence Repair and Maintenance:
- Patch holes, replace staples, brace old posts, install new posts, and build rock jacks, primarily on elk fence.
Working Conditions:
Work Setting, including hazards: Work is primarily performed outdoors in all weather conditions. Frequently carry, lift, and move loads weighing up to 50 pounds on a backpack or when loading materials. Working throughout the wildlife area includes hiking and driving over uneven terrain and the use of herbicides. Work performed in a workshop setting may include exposure to loud noises or other mechanical hazards. This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.
Schedule: Typically, Monday–Thursday, 7:00am – 3:00pm. During winter feeding, 40 hours per week over 5 workdays, to include the weekend. 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.
Tools and Equipment: Herbicide spraying equipment, vehicles, farm equipment, ATV, trailers, and hand and power tools (such as shovels, cordless screw guns, wire cutters, tamping bars, and saws).
Customer Interactions: May have some interactions with members of the public using the wildlife area.
Qualifications:
Required Qualifications:
Option 1: High school graduation or GED and three (3) months of natural resource related labor experience.
Option 2: One (1) year as a Natural Resource Worker 1.
Certifications/Licenses:
Valid Driver’s License.
Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:
- Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
- Experience using farm equipment.
- Herbicide application experience.
- Noxious weed identification.
- Shrubsteppe native species identification.
Your application must 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 professional references with current contact 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 danielle.gustafson@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 danielle.gustafson@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2026-07643.
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Listed under Wildlife & Fisheries Biology jobs.