Invasive Species Specialist - Natural Resource Specialist 1 - Project - 2026-01556

Full Job Description

Title- Invasive Species Specialist

Classification- Natural Resource Specialist 1

Job Status- Full-Time / Project

Appointment Length- 36 months

Anticipated Start Date- April 1, 2026
WDFW Program- Wildlife Program – Lands Division
Duty Station- Mount Vernon, Washington – Skagit County

Hybrid/Telework- While this position may offer a telework option, the successful candidate must be available to report to the duty station as needed.

Spray Operator- This position is eligible for an additional 10% pay differential when the incumbent is a licensed spray operator performing spray operator duties as noted in the duties listed below.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Mud and cattails – Photo Credit: WDFW

If you enjoy hands-on fieldwork, leading a crew in dynamic environments, and seeing the direct impact of your efforts on fish and wildlife habitat, this role offers meaningful and lasting work.

As a Natural Resource Specialist 1, you’ll play a key part in managing noxious weeds and vegetation across wetlands, riparian areas, and other wildlands—primarily in Region 4.

From operating specialized equipment in challenging terrain to implementing integrated pest management (IPM) strategies and mapping treatment areas, your work will directly support the long-term health and sustainability of these landscapes.

What to Expect-

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Invasive Species Specialist will,

Survey, control and eradication of noxious weeds and management of other vegetation using integrated pest management (IPM):

• Prioritize, plan, schedule, and lead a crew in the eradication of Spartina (RCW 17.26) and invasive cattail control efforts.
• Operate specialized equipment such as boats, airboats, tractors, All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), drones, and amphibious tractors.

Maintain and repair equipment:

• Perform preventative maintenance such as oil changes, filter replacement, and pitching props.
• Conduct major repairs to airboats (e.g., replacing motors, alternators, props, drives, plastic bottoms) and Marshmaster/amphibious tractor (e.g., replacing drive motors and sprockets, changing bogey wheels, bogey tubes, tracks).

Manage weed and spray data, map treatment areas and write weed reports:

• Collect data using QuickCapture, Field Maps, GPS units, and agency weed applications.
• Upload treatment points to airboat-mounted plotters; collect and download treatment location and sampling files to ArcGIS.
• Use ArcGIS to map project areas and weed locations.
• Prepare reports summarizing weed management activities.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work Setting, including hazards:

• Perform fieldwork approximately 60% of the time in intertidal areas of Puget Sound, working from boats and around water in all weather conditions.
• Navigate difficult terrain, including slippery rocks, steep banks, and muddy substrates.
• Frequently bend, stoop, and lift/carry up to 40 pounds, with occasional loading and transport of gear exceeding 40 pounds.
• Work independently in remote locations.
• This position involves working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.

Schedule:

Monday through Friday, 40 hours per week. Start times are determined by optimal tide conditions and may require early morning starts for weed management activities.

Flexibility is required to adjust the schedule to meet project needs, including occasional evening and weekend work. Work beyond 40 hours a week may occur to complete a project.

Travel Requirements:

Some projects in other areas of the state require occasional weekend travel and stay for up to a week at a time.

Tools and Equipment:

Operate and oversee the use and maintenance of small mechanical equipment (e.g., brush cutters) and chemical application equipment. Perform manual removal of seedlings and small clones by hand.

Operate specialized equipment including 4-wheel drive trucks with trailers, amphibious tractors, airboats, motorboats, and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs).

Customer Interactions:

Regular interaction with other agencies and the public. Provide clear explanations of weed control activities and respond to questions regarding project goals and methods.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Qualifications:

Option 1 – All of the following (experience may be gained concurrently):

• Bachelor’s degree involving major study in a biological science or closely allied field.
• 3-6 months of professional experience in the detection, survey, control, or eradication of invasive species.
• Six (6) months of experience operating boats or airboats in marine environments.

Option 2 – All of the following (experience may be gained concurrently):

• Associate’s degree involving major study in a biological science or closely allied field.
• Two (2) years of professional experience in the detection, survey, control, or eradication of invasive species.
• Six (6) months of experience operating boats or airboats in marine environments.

Option 3 – All of the following (experience may be gained concurrently):

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Four (4) years of professional experience in the detection, survey, control, or eradication of invasive species.
• Six (6) months of experience operating boats or airboats in marine environments.

Please Note:

• Graduate-level education in biological science or a closely related field may be substituted for professional experience in the detection, survey, control, or eradication of invasive species on a year-for-year basis.

Certifications/Licenses:

Valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications:

In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:

Two (2) years of professional experience:

• Operating boats and airboats in marine environments.
• Operating amphibious tractors, mowers, drones, and other machinery.
• Applying herbicides.
• Trailering equipment.
• Maintaining and repairing equipment.
• Collecting data using GPS devices and using programs to map data.
• Using collected data and other information to write reports.

Six (6) months of professional experience:

• Leading field crews to complete field projects.
• Wildlife research studies and applying scientific principles.
• Identifying and resolving complex or sensitive issues with crewmembers and supervisors.
• Performing basic mechanical/small engine repair.
• Working in marine environments.
• Applying foundational knowledge of biology and/or botany.

Certification:

• Motorboat Operator Certification Course (MOCC).
• Pesticide Applicator's License with an aquatic endorsement.

Include the items below with your application materials:

• 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.

Additional 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 #2026-01556.

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