Title- Water Access Maintenance Specialist

Classification- Natural Resource Specialist 1

Job Status- Full-Time / Permanent

WDFW Program- Wildlife Program – Lands Division – Region 6
Duty Station- Lacey, Washington – Thurston County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

WDFW employee carrying a weed whacker in the field – Photo Credit: WDFW

Do you enjoy working outdoors, operating equipment, and taking on projects that improve recreational access to Washington's natural resources?

As a Water Access Maintenance Specialist, you'll help maintain and enhance wildlife and water access areas across WDFW's Region 6, ensuring they remain safe, accessible, and enjoyable for the public.

Working alongside a dedicated team, you'll perform a variety of technical and skilled maintenance tasks that support fish and wildlife conservation while providing high-quality opportunities for recreation and public access.

WDFW Chehalis Wildlife Area - Satsop Unit North Property - Double Bridges – Photo Credit: WDFW

What to Expect:

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Water Access Maintenance Specialist will,

• Inspect and maintain WDFW Wildlife Areas and Water Access Areas while collecting information.
• Assess recreational use, infrastructure status, and habitat conditions.
• Document site conditions by taking photographs and preparing reports that evaluate recreational use, accessibility, terrain, habitat conditions, infrastructure, and user practices.
• Perform skilled maintenance and repair work across multiple trades to support habitat improvements and infrastructure on Wildlife and Water Access Areas.
• Evaluate public use patterns, including trails, boat launches, and road use, identify issues, and recommend appropriate solutions.
• Contribute to planning efforts for recreation infrastructure, habitat enhancement, and long-term management of Wildlife and Water Access Areas.
• Assist with preparing grant applications for recreational access improvements, habitat conservation, and land acquisition, while supporting ongoing site operations and maintenance.
• Oversee, train, and evaluate the work of assigned employees and volunteer crews within the area of responsibility.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work Setting, including hazards:

This position is primarily field based, with approximately 85% of the work performed in the field and 15% in an office setting. Work is conducted at Region 6 Water access areas, primarily lake, river, and marine access site and WDFW Wildlife areas. Traverse rugged, uneven terrain and operate four-wheel drive vehicles and ATVs on highways, forest roads, and trails in all weather conditions. Perform sustained outdoor work and vehicle operation for extended periods, often 4-6+ hours in the field and 2-4+ hours driving. Frequently hike, bend, twist, stoop, climb, and lift or carry more than 45 pounds while performing assigned duties. May be exposed to human waste, drug paraphernalia, herbicides, paint, and other 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 through Friday, 8:00 am and 5:00 pm. Work outside of these hours may be assigned as needed to complete work tasks and may include night and weekend hours.

Travel Requirements:

Frequent day travel throughout Region 6 to Wildlife and Water Access Areas, with extensive daily driving between sites. Occasional overnight travel, typically up to one week, may be required to attend training, conferences, or assist with field projects in other areas of Washington.

Tools and Equipment:

Trucks, pickups, ATV’s/UTV’s, trailers, tractor with various implements, mowers, sprayers, power washers, pesticide sprayers, GPS units, hand and power tools, and desktop computer.

Customer Interactions:

Regular interaction with the public, coworkers, and volunteers by phone and in the field. Occasionally interact with distraught customers.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Qualifications:

Option 1:

• Four (4) years of experience working in natural resources or outdoor recreation.
  • Examples include Natural Resource Worker, Natural Resource Technician, Scientific Technician, Fish and Wildlife Biologist, or a closely related position.

Option 2:

• A bachelor’s degree or higher with at least 24 quarter or 18 semester hours in a natural resource-related field.
  • Examples include wildlife, conservation, range management, agriculture, forestry, outdoor recreation, or a closely related field.

In addition to meeting one of the options above, the successful candidate must possess the following (experience may be gained concurrently):

• Experience operating and performing routine maintenance on chainsaws, quads, motorcycles, small tractors, and other light equipment.
• Experience using hand and power tools commonly used for maintenance and repair work.
• Experience using Microsoft Office products, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

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:

Experience:

• Operating and maintaining heavy equipment.
• Operating and maintaining gas- and battery-powered tools.
• Applying herbicides.
• Leading or overseeing volunteer groups.
• Constructing, repairing, and maintaining fences.

Working Knowledge of:

• Vegetation management techniques and strategies specific to the typical habitats encountered in local working area.

Licenses/Certifications:

• Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
• Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) Public Operator License.

Your application should include the following:

• A completed online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
• An up-to-date resume.
• At least three (3) 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 Ashley.Lee@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 Ashley.Lee@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2026-06278.

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