Invasive Species Specialist - Natural Resource Specialist 1 - Permanent - *06155-23

• Writes reports describing weed management activities.
• Performs preventative maintenance (e.g. oil changes, filter replacement, pitching props) and conducts major repairs to airboats such as replacing motors, alternators, props, drives and the plastic bottoms.
• Performs preventative maintenance (e.g. oil changes, filter replacement, adjusting track tension) and conducts major repairs to Marshmaster (amphibious tractor) such as replacing drive motors and sprockets, changing bogey wheels, bogey tubes and tracks.
• Collects data using iForm, FieldMaps, GPS and the weed app.
• Collects and downloads treatment location files and sampling files to ArcGIS.
• Prioritizes, plans, schedules, and leads a crew in the eradication of Spartina (RCW 17.26) and invasive cattail control in safe, efficient, and legal manner using chemical and mechanical methods using IPM.
• Supports other Programs missions by operating special equipment and providing local expertise in the field to guide work (e.g. swan & waterfowl capture & tagging, oil spill support, European green crab support).
• Operates specialized equipment such as boats, airboats, tractors, ATVs, drones, and amphibious tractors.
• Uses ArcGIS to map project areas and weed locations.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Customer Interactions:
  • Interaction with other agencies and the public will occur.
  • Regularly explain weed control work to the public.
• Travel Requirements:
  • Some projects in other areas of the state require occasional weekend travel and stay for up to a week at a time.
• Willingness and ability to perform in a punctual and dependable manner. Ability to use critical thinking in collecting, recording, compiling, and summarizing data. Ability to visually identify and distinguish biological and physical features. Creative thinking while in field to fix equipment until it can be properly fixed. Willingness and ability to perform routine and repetitive work. Willingness to perform in a safe and efficient manner. Ability to complete required administrative paperwork in an accurate and timely manner. Ability to conform to department biosecurity and personal safety standards. Ability to conform to department policies designed to limit the spread of invasive species.
• Incumbent is expected to adjust work schedule to meet project needs to include overtime, evening, and weekend work.
• Start times are set by the best available tides and may require early morning starts for weed work.
• Willingness to perform in a safe and efficient manner. Willingness to accept supervision. Ability to work independently and as a team member.
• Spartina work will be performed in the intertidal regions of Puget Sound in all weather conditions in boats and around the water.
• Must be able to negotiate water in emergency situations.
• Tools and Equipment:
  • This position operates small mechanical equipment such as brush cutters; operates chemical application equipment; supervises use and maintenance of equipment; removes seedlings and small clones by hand; operates specialized equipment such as a 4-wheel drive trucks, amphibious tractors, airboats, motorboats, and all-terrain vehicles.
• Regularly explain weed control work to the public.
• Schedule:
  • Monday – Friday, 40 hours/week.
  • Start times are set by the best available tides and may require early morning starts for weed work.
  • Incumbent is expected to adjust work schedule to meet project needs to include overtime, evening, and weekend work.
• Work Setting, including hazards:
  • Spartina work will be performed in the intertidal regions of Puget Sound in all weather conditions in boats and around the water.
  • This position works in the field approximately 60% of the time. Must be willing and able to walk over difficult terrain, including slippery rocks, steep banks, and mud. Must be able to bend and stoop while at times carrying up to 40 pounds, and load and transport gear which may exceed 40 pounds. Ability to work alone in remote locations. Ability to follow oral and written directions.
  • Willingness to perform in a safe and efficient manner. Willingness to accept supervision. Ability to work independently and as a team member.
  • Willingness and ability to perform in a punctual and dependable manner. Ability to use critical thinking in collecting, recording, compiling, and summarizing data. Ability to visually identify and distinguish biological and physical features. Creative thinking while in field to fix equipment until it can be properly fixed. Willingness and ability to perform routine and repetitive work. Willingness to perform in a safe and efficient manner. Ability to complete required administrative paperwork in an accurate and timely manner. Ability to conform to department biosecurity and personal safety standards. Ability to conform to department policies designed to limit the spread of invasive species.
  • Must be able to negotiate water in emergency situations.
• Interaction with other agencies and the public will occur.
• This position operates small mechanical equipment such as brush cutters; operates chemical application equipment; supervises use and maintenance of equipment; removes seedlings and small clones by hand; operates specialized equipment such as a 4-wheel drive trucks, amphibious tractors, airboats, motorboats, and all-terrain vehicles.
• This position works in the field approximately 60% of the time. Must be willing and able to walk over difficult terrain, including slippery rocks, steep banks, and mud. Must be able to bend and stoop while at times carrying up to 40 pounds, and load and transport gear which may exceed 40 pounds. Ability to work alone in remote locations. Ability to follow oral and written directions.
• Some projects in other areas of the state require occasional weekend travel and stay for up to a week at a time.
• Monday – Friday, 40 hours/week.

• Washington pesticide public applicators license with aquatic, rights-of-way, ornamental endorsements (to be obtained within 3 months of hire).
• Valid driver’s license.

• Herbicide application.
• Operating boats and airboats in marine and riverine environments and ability to obtain the motorboat operator training course (MOTC).
• Operating amphibious tractors, mowers, and other machinery.
• Operating drones.
• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) drone license.
• Leading and managing field crews to complete field projects.
• Maintaining and repairing equipment.
• Trailering equipment.
• Collecting data using GPS devices and using programs to map data.
• Using collected data and other information to write reports.

• Understanding of basic mechanical/small engine repair.
• Relationship-Building Skills/Abilities: Ability to develop positive, productive, respectful working relationships with coworkers and collaborators.
• Familiarity navigating to the assigned work site to the established work sites in the Region and throughout Washington.
• Ability to closely follow standard protocols and perform work under moderate to low supervision.
• Excellent fieldwork skills including safety, punctuality, ability to accept supervision.
• Basic understanding of the marine environment and biology/botany.
• Experience with wildlife research studies and applying scientific principles.
• Ability to identify and resolve complex or sensitive issues personnel issues with crewmembers and supervisors.

• A current resume.
• A cover letter describing how you meet the qualifications of this position (Generic cover letter will not be accepted).
• Three professional references.

• Subject line should include recruitment number, position, and Vet (for example: #10155 Biologist 1 – Veteran).
• Email a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22 or USDVA signed verification of service letter to [email protected].
• Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.

• Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.
• Subject line should include recruitment number, position, and MS (for example: #10155 Biologist 1 – MS).
• Notify us of your military spouse status by email at [email protected].