Aquatic Invasive Species Management Coordinator-WMS3- Permanent -2026-06446
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Apply to Aquatic Invasive Species Management Coordinator-WMS3- Permanent -2026-06446 at State of Washington, WAJob details
- Location
- Olympia, Washington
- Work type
- Hybrid
- Compensation
- $102,616 - $124,178/yr
- Posted
- yesterday
- Apply on
- governmentjobs.com
About this role
About the Department
Title - Aquatic Invasive Species Management Coordinator
Classification - WMS-3
Job Status - Full-Time- Permanent
WDFW Program - Fish
Duty Station - Olympia, Washington, Thurston County
Hybrid-Telework - This position may include telework options up to 2 days per week, at the discretion of the supervisor.
This recruitment is scheduled to be posted until August 16, 2026. The first review of applications will begin on August 17th, 2026. Recruitment may be extended as needed.
Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!
Photo Caption – European green crab grid trapping effort-Drayton Harbor, Blaine-Credit-WDFW
Lead Washington's strategy to protect thousands of lakes, rivers, streams, and marine shorelines from the growing threat of aquatic invasive species. Guide a dedicated team while shaping statewide policies, partnerships, and long-term strategies that protect fish and wildlife, strengthen resilient aquatic ecosystems, and preserve Washington's natural resources for future generations.
Make decisions that shape the future of Washington's aquatic resources and help safeguard critical environmental, economic, and cultural values. Your leadership will support salmon recovery, protect recreational, tribal, and commercial fisheries, and help prevent invasive species from causing irreversible impacts to fish, wildlife, infrastructure, and the communities that depend on healthy waters.
Build and maintain lasting partnerships across tribal, local, state, federal, industry, and academic organizations to address aquatic invasive species that cross political and jurisdictional boundaries. Represent the Department in statewide, regional, and national forums while advancing collaborative, science-based strategies that strengthen Washington's ability to prevent, detect, and respond to emerging threats.
Serve as the Department's trusted advisor on aquatic invasive species management, providing strategic leadership that influences statewide policy, operational decisions, and long-term conservation outcomes. Oversee a high-performing team while partnering across agency programs to ensure coordinated, science-based management that protects Washington's fish, wildlife, and aquatic resources.
Photo Caption- Lake Roosevelt Northern Pike Suppression Effort Credit-WDFW
What to Expect
- Manages and creates Department AIS management advisory groups, or incident command multi-agency coordination groups and Department internal policy groups as needed to address AIS management at levels commensurate with management complexity and jurisdictions involved.
- Leads AIS management incident command systems through delegated authority by the Department Director to function as incident commander or deputy incident commander during AIS incidents.
- Coordination and consultation on Department AIS management issues with other states and countries, state and federal agencies, tribes, non-governmental organizations, affected industries and businesses, public, and others.
- Develop workplans and applications for Department rapid response funding agreements. Manages agreements as the Department’s project manager, including timeline, deliverables, and expenses with support from other Department staff.
- Leads and manages Department processes to develop AIS response plans, long-term management plans, and statewide strategies for the management of AIS, including containment, eradication, control, and mitigation under direction from the AIS Division, Program, and Department leadership.
- Leads and manages Department processes to enhance and revise existing AIS response plans, long-term management plans, and statewide strategies with contractors, Department leadership, subject matter experts, and external stakeholders.
- Advises the Department, cooperating state and local agencies, tribal nations and federal agencies on AIS management actions including eradication, control, containment, infested site-management, and long-term management, as the Department subject matter expert on AIS management.
- Develops and leads Department rapid response and infested site management actions, following the detection of a prohibited level 1 or level 2 AIS or on a water body or property.
- Develops and leads Department notification, application, and issuance of warrants to enter properties or water bodies to implement rapid response management actions or infested site management actions, and containing, controlling, or eradicating invasive species.
- Develops and administers mutual aid or cooperative agreements with national, regional, state, and local partners to manage AIS, including establishing incident command system structures, unified command or multi-agency coordination groups, or other structures for effective cooperative management.
- Develops, secures, and manages environmental permits for AIS management action, such as but not limited to National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits.
- Develops procedures and decision-making resources to protect the environmental, economic, or human health interests of the state from the threat of a prohibited level 1 or level 2 species, through management actions such as a department-declared quarantine. .
Working Conditions:
Work Setting, including hazards: Work environment is a busy office setting.
Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. May be required to work more than 40 hours per week or on weekends to meet deadlines during peak periods to meet business needs. A flexible work schedule may be considered at the incumbent’s request, subject to supervisory approval.
Travel Requirements: Travel may be required throughout the State to attend training, meetings, and conferences.
Qualifications:
Closely related qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-by-year basis.
Required Education, Experience, and Competencies:
A bachelor's degree involving major study in any of the following:
- Fisheries science,
- Wildlife biology,
- Aquatic biology,
- Ecology,
- Environmental science,
- Natural resource management,
- Conservation biology
- Marine biology,
- Environmental policy
- Biological sciences,
- Or a closely related natural resource field.
AND
Three (3) years of full-time professional experience in one or more of the following:
- Aquatic invasive species management
- Invasive species management
- Integrated pest management
- Noxious weed management
- Wildlife management
- Natural resource management
- or a closely related field.
AND
One (1) year or more of leadership/supervisory duties including conflict resolution, training and development, planning and assigning work, evaluating performance.
May be gained concurrently with the required 3 years of experience above.
In addition, the incumbent must have experience in the following:
- Applying established policy and statute using best science and professional opinion, informed by situational characteristics such as property ownership, extent and level of established populations, available resources and feasibility of management actions, and property owner support.
- Developing response, management, or strategic plans in collaboration with governmental agencies, Tribes, industry partners, and other stakeholders
- Leading or coordinating implementation of complex resource management projects involving multiple organizations, partners, or jurisdictions.
- Developing and implementing invasive species management strategies, including prevention, early detection, rapid response, containment, control, and long-term management.
- Interpreting and applying regulatory requirements related to natural resource management, including quarantines, access restrictions, or other regulatory controls.
- Negotiating and administering cooperative agreements, memoranda of understanding, or other collaborative agreements with federal, state, Tribal, or local governments.
- Preparing, obtaining, or managing environmental permits or regulatory authorizations (such as National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits or Special Use Permits).
Certifications/Licenses:
Valid driver’s license for statewide independent travel.
Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess one or more of the following:
Experience in the following:
- Project and portfolio management, including managing multiple complex initiatives, priorities, and resources.
- Risk management and structured decision-making frameworks.
- Incident Command System (ICS), including Unified Command, multi-agency coordination, and/or policy groups.
- Facilitation, collaboration, negotiation, and conflict resolution among diverse stakeholders with competing interests.
Your application packet requires 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.
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
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 [email protected].
- 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 360-902-2278 or email [email protected], 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 [email protected].
Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to
valerie.rogers@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2026-06446.
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Benefits
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 WAC 357-31-165(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 WAC 357-31-165(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 WAC 357-58-175, 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
Parental Leave
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
Supplemental Questions
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- No
- Yes, I have a current valid driver's license.
- No, I do not have a current valid driver's license.
- 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.
- Less than 1 year
- 1 or more years
- I do not have this experience
- Aquatic invasive species management
- Invasive species management
- Integrated pest management
- Noxious weed management
- Wildlife management
- Applying established policy and statute using best science and professional opinion, informed by situational characteristics such as property ownership, extent and level of established populations, available resources and feasibility of management actions, and property owner support.
- Developing response, management, or strategic plans in collaboration with governmental agencies, Tribes, industry partners, and other stakeholders
- Leading or coordinating implementation of complex resource management projects involving multiple organizations, partners, or jurisdictions.
- Developing and implementing invasive species management strategies, including prevention, early detection, rapid response, containment, control, and long-term management.
- Interpreting and applying regulatory requirements related to natural resource management, including quarantines, access restrictions, or other regulatory controls.
- Project and portfolio management, including managing multiple complex initiatives, priorities, and resources.
- Risk management and structured decision-making frameworks.
- Incident Command System (ICS), including Unified Command, multi-agency coordination, and/or policy groups.
- Facilitation, collaboration, negotiation, and conflict resolution among diverse stakeholders with competing interests.
- Negotiating and administering cooperative agreements, memoranda of understanding, or other collaborative agreements with federal, state, Tribal, or local governments.
- Preparing, obtaining, or managing environmental permits or regulatory authorizations (such as National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits or Special Use Permits).
- American Fisheries Society (AFS)
- Careers.wa.gov
- Community Based Organization
- Community/Technical College
- Conservation Job Board
- El Informador
- Four W's Fishing Team, LLC – Willard Franklin III, LinkedIn
- Handshake
- Hiring Event/Workshop
- Hydraulic Institute (HI)
- Indeed.com
- Job Board
- Job Fair
- 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)
Required Question
Agency Information
EmployerState of WashingtonAddress View Job Posting for Agency InformationView Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504 Website http://www.careers.wa.gov