Statewide Wolf Specialist - Fish & Wildlife Biologist 4 - Permanent - 2026-04631

About the Department

Title- Statewide Wolf Specialist

Classification- Fish & Wildlife Biologist 4

Job Status- Full-Time/Permanent
WDFW Program- Wildlife Program – Wolf and Grizzly Bear Division
Duty Station- Ellensburg, Washington – Kittitas County

Hybrid/Telework- A flexible hybrid schedule may be considered at the discretion of the hiring manager. However, the successful candidate must be available to report to the Ellensburg, WA duty station as needed.

Please note- This position is eligible for an additional 15% pay differential when the incumbent is performing flight duties or chemical immobilization as noted in the duties listed below.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Photo Caption: Wolf on a Rocky Hill – Photo Credit: WDFW

As our Statewide Wolf Specialist, you will perform rigorous fieldwork, data collection and analyses, clear reporting, and maintain collaborative relationships with internal staff, partner agencies, and the public to ensure informed decision-making and support the long-term sustainability and responsible management of wolf populations in Washington.

As the agency’s statewide lead specialist for wolf conservation and management, you will design and implement science-based monitoring programs, conduct research and population assessments, and translate findings into effective management strategies and policies.

With your experience, you will support the Wolf and Grizzly Bear Policy Lead by developing and executing wolf management plans, leading conflict mitigation efforts, supervising and coordinating with wolf biologists, and providing expert guidance during high-profile wolf conflict incidents.

Photo Caption: Collared Sullivan Creek Wolf – Photo Credit: WDFW

What to Expect-

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Statewide Wolf Specialist will,

Design and conduct wolf field surveys for species monitoring and wolf conflict mitigation-related management activities:

Supervise other wolf biologists to direct and monitor their schedules, activities, and overall performance:

Develop and maintain collaboration and communication strategies with internal and external partners:

Working Conditions:

Work Setting, including hazards: Work is conducted in both office and field environments. Field work may be performed in inclement weather and over difficult terrain, including slippery rocks, steep backs, and sticky mud. Walk, bend, and stoop while carrying wolf trapping and capture equipment, firearms, multiple trail cameras, and other field gear (weighing up to 40 pounds at a time).

Safely load and transport equipment and gear in vehicles, ATVs, snowmobiles, and aircraft. Perform aerial surveys in helicopters and/or fixed wing aircraft, sometimes at low elevations for wildlife darting, captures, and removals.

This position may involve working near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.

Schedule: Typically, Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Work may be off-schedule due to seasonal demands, emergencies, and other critical assignments—this may include weekends, holidays, and periods of travel. Requires long hours and/or consecutive days in concentrated times, especially during the prime monitoring season and during lethal removal operations.

Travel Requirements: 25% – Statewide travel is required between the three (3) wolf Recovery Regions- Eastern Washington, Northern Cascades, and Southern Cascades areas, with overnight stays needed at different locations of these areas.

Tools and Equipment:

Customer Interactions: Frequently communicate with the public by phone, email, and in-person. Deliver presentations during formal public briefings/other social-outreach events and respond to media inquiries.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

Closely related qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-by-year basis.

Option 1:

A Bachelor’s degree in wildlife management, natural resource science, environmental science, or a related field

  AND

Five (5) years of professional experience in wildlife management, wildlife research, habitat management, or habitat research, with an emphasis in large carnivore species.

Option 2:

Four (4) years of professional experience as a Fish & Wildlife Biologist 3 working with large carnivores or ungulates.

For the options above, the following are also required and may be gained concurrently:

Please note:

• A Master’s degree in the applicable field of study may substitute for one (1) year of the required professional experience in wildlife management, wildlife research, habitat management, or habitat research, with an emphasis in large carnivore species.
• A PhD. in the applicable field of study may substitute for two (2) years of the required professional experience in wildlife management, wildlife research, habitat management, or habitat research, with an emphasis in large carnivore species.

Certifications/Licenses:

Valid Driver’s License.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• Ability to legally possess and use an agency-issued firearm in a safe and accurate manner.
• This position has been designated as one for which possession and use of a department-issued firearm would be beneficial to the Department.
  • The incumbent may be authorized to carry and utilize a Department-issued firearm while in this position, provided the incumbent is able to meet the conditions and requirements of the agency firearm policy (Policy 7011), and maintains eligibility to possess and use agency-issued firearm(s) while in this position. 
  • This includes successful completion of a background check, drug screening, and training to receive authorization to use a firearm.
• This position may involve the safe and ethical euthanasia of animals in accordance with established protocols
• Ability to obtain and maintain the required license to handle and administer animal capture and immobilization drugs, in accordance with RCW 69.50.320, RCW 69.41.080, and Chapter 246-945 WAC.
• Obtain certification to participate in aerial flight surveys within 12 months of employment.

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.

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 #2026-04631.

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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

Required Question

Agency Information

EmployerState of WashingtonAddress View Job Posting for Agency Information

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