Wildlife Area Assistant Manager - Fish and Wildlife Biologist 2 - Permanent - 2026-08118

Salary: $4,746.00 - $6,384.00 Monthly
Location : Grays Harbor County - Aberdeen, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2026-08118
Department: Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
Opening Date: 09/29/2026
Closing Date: 10/10/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Description
Working Title- Wildlife Area Assistant Manager

Classification- Fish and Wildlife Biologist 2

Job Status- Full-Time/Permanent

WDFW Program- Wildlife Program - Lands Division

Duty Station- *Aberdeen, Washington - Grays Harbor County

*While this position may offer a telework option, the successful candidate must be available to report to the duty station as needed.
Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW !
Photo Caption - Prescribed fire - Photo Credit: WDFW

Are you passionate about contributing to goals of maintaining and providing healthy, diverse fish and wildlife populations?

This is an opportunity to assess, design, and implement habitat, species, recreation, and other projects impacting native landscapes,

In this dynamic role, you will support the maintenance and enhancement of wildlife habitats on the Olympic-Willapa Hills Wildlife Area.
WHAT TO EXPECT:

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, this position:
Plans, performs, or assigns management activities and studies on wildlife, plants, and habitat on wildlife areas. Determines sampling design necessary to collect accurate information and effective management; performs independent office and/or field investigations.

• Assesses populations of target wildlife and habitat conditions for Wildlife Area management activities. Surveys and monitors native and invasive plant species and habitats, research management options, and makes recommendations on best management practices.
• Assist the Wildlife Area Manager, Lands Division staff, Regional staff, and external partners to develop, coordinate and implement habitat management, restoration, agricultural, grazing, and recreation management actions consistent with the Wildlife Area Management Plan goals and objectives.
• Using predefined methodologies, facilitate the restoration and cultivation of native plant species through planting and maintenance on the Wildlife Area. Maintain and keep an updated record of restoration though updated summary reports.
• Coordinate and implement vegetation management using appropriate mechanical and chemical methods including the operation of land management equipment.
• Assist with the development, implementation and update of Wildlife Area Plans and associated habitat, restoration and recreation plans.

Conduct studies, analysis, field reviews and monitoring to evaluate management effectiveness and inform habitat, wildlife and recreation adaptive management decisions.

• Conduct background, historical and site investigations to identify knowledge gaps and inform management actions.
• Review and assess fish, wildlife, plant communities, habitats and recreational use on Wildlife Area lands.
• Work with district biologists on various wildlife surveys and management objectives.
• Survey for emerging issues (user conflicts, habitat damage, facility, and infrastructure condition, etc.).
• Assist with the development and implementation of standardized monitoring and survey protocols. Determine sampling design and methodologies; collect, analyze, and interpret data to assess management effectiveness and guide adaptive management. Record and report investigation findings.

Operate and Maintain Wildlife Area facilities, infrastructure, equipment and capital assets.

• Operate, maintain and repair a variety of vehicles, equipment, tools and machinery common to land, vegetation and facility management such as trucks, tractors, trailers, mowers, spray systems, ATVs, and chainsaws.
• Install, operate and maintain infrastructure including water control structures, tide gates, roads, trails, fences, gates, signage and parking areas.
• Assist with the management of facilities including chemical and equipment storage areas, shops, offices, and bulk fuel supplies.
• Assist with development of capital improvement projects, permits, and approvals for Wildlife Area infrastructure and restoration work.

Conduct outreach and communicate with neighbors, stakeholders, permit holders and the public regarding Wildlife Area activities.

• Communicate with the public regarding Wildlife Area management activities, recreation opportunities and regulations. Includes but is not limited to tasks such as communicating with the public, report writing, purchasing, training, grant writing, meeting and coordination with external partners.
• Coordinate with landowners, conservation districts, Tribes, agencies, NGO's and permit holders to support habitat, grazing, restoration, and recreation objectives.
• Assist with the development, administration, and monitoring of land use permits. Maintains associated records.

Working Conditions:

Work setting: Position functions both in the field and in the office. Hazards include exposure to inclement weather and difficult terrain, working with power equipment,

tripping/falling, and other things consistent with working with tractors and other

equipment in an outdoor setting.
Schedule: Typical work schedule is Monday - Thursday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., but occasional work outside of this schedule may be needed to accommodate business needs. Must be willing and able to occasionally work hours outside the regular 7:00 am - 5:00 pm, Monday - Thursday work hours, including evenings and weekends.
Travel requirements: Regular travel to and from field sites can take up to 2 hours. While it is sometimes advised, overnight travel is rarely required and is typically related to training or meetings. This position will require occasional, infrequent consecutive overnight travel.
Customer Interactions: Periodic interaction with the public, agency staff, and non-government organizations (NGOs) in both field and office settings.
QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Qualifications:
Option 1:

Five (5) years of professional experience in fish/wildlife/habitat management or research.
Option 2:

A Bachelor's degree in wildlife management, wildlife biology, wildlife ecology, natural resource science, or environmental science.

And

One (1) year of professional experience in fish/wildlife/habitat management or research.
Option 3:

A Master's or Ph.D. in wildlife management, wildlife biology, wildlife ecology, natural resource science, or environmental science.
For ALL options above:

License: Valid driver's license.
Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• Commercial Driver's License (Obtained within 2 years of hire).
• First aid and Wilderness First Aid training (Obtained within 6 months of hire).
• Pesticide applicators License (Obtained within 1 year of hire).

Preferred Qualifications:

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

Knowledge and Experience:

• Vegetation, wildlife, and habitat survey methods and techniques.
• Wildlife habitat enhancement and management methods.
• Moist soil management principles.
• Operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of heavy equipment and small engine tools.
• Trade skills such as auto repair, carpentry, plumbing, and electrical.
• Computer software (Office).

Ability to:

• Identify wildlife and plant species.
• Manage projects and workloads.
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Follow safety procedures and identify hazards.

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 (3) professional references with current contact information.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:

In addition to and other , there are other 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:
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 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
• 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: 2024-1234 - 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 [click to reveal phone number]View phone number on us.fitly.work or email , or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at View phone number on us.fitly.work.
Technical Difficulties: If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at [click to reveal phone number]View phone number on us.fitly.work or
Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to and reference job #2026-08118 .
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More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026
01

Are you currently an employee of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife? This includes permanent, non-permanent, intern, project, and career seasonal.

• Yes
• No

02

Do you have a valid driver's license?

• Yes, I have a current valid driver's license.
• No, I do not have a current valid driver's license.

03

Please select the option below that best describes the highest level of education you have completed.

• High School Diploma/GED.
• Some College.
• Vocational Degree or Certificate.
• Associate's Degree.
• Bachelor's Degree.
• Master's Degree.
• Ph.D.
• None of the above.

04

What is your major area of study? If you possess multiple degrees, please list each degree and major. (If this does not apply to you, please put N/A.) This includes both vocational and college education.
05

Which option best describes your professional experience in fish/wildlife/habitat management or research?

• I do not have this experience.
• I have less than 1 year of this experience.
• I have between 1 year and 2 years of this experience.
• I have between 2 years and 3 years of this experience.
• I have between 3 years and 4 years of this experience.
• I have between 4 years and 5 years of this experience.
• I have 5 years or more of this experience.

06

Please briefly describe your professional experience in fish/wildlife/habitat management or research. If you do not have this experience, enter "N/A" in the box below. Do not write "See application/resume/cover letter" as those are not valid responses.
07

Please briefly describe your experience developing and managing natural resource-related projects, including phases and activities such as planning and development, grant writing, implementation, evaluation, reporting, etc.. If you do not have this experience, enter "N/A" in the box below. Do not write "See application/resume/cover letter" as those are not valid responses.
08

Select the trade skills you possess. Select all that apply.

• Auto repair.
• Carpentry.
• Plumbing.
• Electrical.
• None of the above.

09

Please describe your experience operating, maintaining, and repairing vehicles, heavy equipment, and small engine tools including trucks, tractors, pumps, chainsaws, etc.. If you do not have this experience, enter "N/A" in the box below. Do not write "See application/resume/cover letter" as those are not valid responses.
10

How did you hear about this job posting? (Select all that apply).

• American Fisheries Society (AFS)
• Careers.wa.gov
• Community Based Organization
• Community/Technical College
• Conservation Job Board
• El Informador
• Facebook
• Four W's Fishing Team, LLC - Willard Franklin III, LinkedIn
• Handshake
• Hiring Event/Workshop
• Hydraulic Institute (HI)
• Indeed.com
• Job Board
• Job Fair
• LinkedIn
• Mount Hood Community College (MHCC)
• Newspaper
• Other
• Other State Agency
• Other Website
• Professional Association
• Society of American Foresters (SAF)
• Texas A&M
• University Job Board
• UW College of the Environment
• WDFW Employee
• WDFW Recruiter
• WDFW Website
• Word of Mouth
• WorkSource
• X (formerly Twitter)

11

Tell us more - kindly share which website, organization, person, or other source led you to this job posting.
Required Question