Private Lands Habitat Technician - Natural Resources Technician 3 (In-Training) - Perm - 2026-06205

About the Department

Title- Private Lands Habitat Technician

Classification- Natural Resources Technician 3 (*In-Training)

Job Status- Full-Time / Permanent
WDFW Program- Wildlife Program – Private Lands Division – Region 2
Duty Station- Ephrata, Washington – Grant County

*In-Training- We are recruiting to fill this position at the Natural Resources Technician 2 or 3 classification. Candidates hired as a Natural Resources Technician 2 will be required to complete an in-training plan in order to advance to the Natural Resources Technician 3 classification.

Salary- Depending on which level you are hired at, your salary range will be as follows:

Natural Resources Technician 2: $3,327.00 - $4,406.00 monthly

Natural Resources Technician 3: $3,738.00 - $4,980.00 monthly

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Wahkiakus Oaks Hunt by Reservation property – Photo Credit: Jennifer Sepulveda

In this role, you’ll help support WDFW’s mission to conserve and protect Washington’s fish and wildlife resources by improving wildlife habitat and expanding recreational opportunities. 

You’ll work alongside Private Lands Biologists to enhance existing habitats, develop new habitat improvement projects, and support programs that provide public access for hunting, fishing, and other outdoor recreation on private lands. 

This position provides hands-on technical support through field assessments, data collection, habitat management activities, and conservation projects on privately owned and state-managed lands.

Natural Resource Technician seeding a 70-acre Bureau of Land Management (BLM) grassland restoration project – Photo Credit: WDFW

What to Expect:

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Private Lands Technician will,

Wildlife Habitat Enhancement Project Development and Maintenance:

• Assess, design, and implement projects to improve or install wildlife habitat projects on private lands. 
• Apply Integrated Pests Management (IPM) principles to control invasive weeds at habitat restoration sites. 
• Develop and conduct Wildlife and Plant surveys. 

Assist with Hunter Access Programs for Landowners and Hunters in Region 2:

• Develop and maintain partnerships with landowners and provide Hunter Access programs. 
• Maintain Hunter Access program boundary signage. 
• Monitor public use of Private Lands access properties. 

Operate, Maintain, and Inventory Equipment and Tools:

• Operate, inspect, and maintain equipment and tools. Safely operate and perform routine and preventative maintenance on herbicide spray equipment, hand tools, power tools, and other equipment.
• Maintain equipment and supply inventories. Track and maintain inventories of tools, equipment, materials, and supplies needed to support access site maintenance and road maintenance activities and communicate purchasing needs to the supervisor to ensure adequate operational readiness.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work Setting, including hazards:

Approximately 90% of the work performed in the field, warehouse, or yard, and 10% in an office setting. Work in inclement weather over difficult terrain, including slippery rocks, steep banks, and sticky mud. Walk, bend, stoop, while at times carrying up to 50 pounds. Load and transport machinery, equipment, and gear. 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 is Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm; however, occasional evening and weekend work may be required to meet operational needs. Work schedules may vary based on business needs, seasonal demands, and weather conditions.

Travel Requirements:

Extensive daily travel to field work sites is required, along with occasional overnight travel for meetings, training, and other work-related activities. Work assignments occur throughout Region 2, with the majority of work performed in Adams County and southern Grant County.

Tools and Equipment:

Four-wheel-drive (4x4) trucks, tractors with a variety of implements, agricultural equipment, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), utility task vehicles (UTVs), hand tools, and power tools (e.g. shovels, box cutters).

Customer Interactions:

Interact with private landowners, NGOs, government agencies, and sportsmen’s groups.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Qualifications: 

This recruitment may be used to fill the position at either the Natural Resource Technician 2 or Natural Resource Technician 3 classification, based on the candidate’s qualifications. 

Candidates hired at the Natural Resource Technician 2 classification will be required to complete an in-training plan, receiving mentorship and on-the-job experience to develop the skills necessary to advance to the Natural Resource Technician 3 classification.

Required Qualifications for the Natural Resource Technician 2:

Option 1:

Two (2) years of experience as a Natural Resource Worker 2.

Option 2:

Two (2) years of related professional equivalent experience, such as: 

• Working on a farm or ranch.
• Conducting agricultural enhancement or farming activities.
• Operating heavy equipment.
• Conducting wildlife habitat enhancement activities.
• General repairer.

Option 3:

Equivalent Education/Experience.

Certifications/Licenses:

Valid driver’s license.

Required Qualifications for the Natural Resource Technician 3 (Goal Class):

Option 1: 

Two (2) years of experience as a Natural Resource Technician 2, Forest Technician, or higher class performing technical or paraprofessional duties relating to land use or development.

Option 2:

Three (3) years of experience as a general repairer or equivalent.

• Examples of a “general repairer” are working on a farm/ranch, conducting agricultural enhancement/farming activities, operating heavy equipment, or conducting wildlife habitat enhancement activities.

Option 3: 

A Bachelor’s degree with major study in natural resources, agriculture, aquatic land studies, land management, or a closely related field.

Option 4: 

An Associate degree with major study in natural resources, agriculture, aquatic land studies, land management, or a closely related field.

Certifications/Licenses:

Valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications:

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

Knowledge of:

• Wildlife population relationships and ecology.
• Wildlife habitat relationships.
• Wildlife and vegetation survey methods.
• Personal computer hardware and software applications, including Microsoft Office and ArcGIS Pro.
• Animal and plant species identification.
• Wildlife and habitat management tools and field techniques.
• Federal, state, local, and agency private lands conservation programs.
• Agricultural and silvicultural practices.
• Pesticide laws and application.
• Local and state land use laws.

Ability to:

• Operate and maintain a variety of motorized equipment (trucks, pickup vehicles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), boats, power equipment, power tools, and heavy equipment).

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.

Other Qualifications

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 [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: 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 [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 [email protected] and reference job #2026-06205.

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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

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Agency Information

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View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504 Website http://www.careers.wa.gov