Assistant Regional Wildlife Program Manager - WMS Band 2 - Coastal Region 6 - Permanent - 2026-03747

Title –Assistant Regional Wildlife Program Manager – Coastal Region 6

Classification - WMS Band 2

Job Status - Full-Time/Permanent
WDFW Program - Wildlife Program
Duty Station – Olympia, Washington – Thurston County

Coastal Region 6 CountiesServed - Clallam, Grays Harbor, Jefferson, Kitsap, Mason, Pacific, Pierce, and Thurston.

Remote Employment– This position may include telework options up to 2 days per week, at the discretion of the supervisor.

Posting Timeframe- This recruitment is scheduled to be posted until June 14, 2026. Application review is ongoing, submit your application materials as soon as possible, this recruitment may be closed at any time.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Photo Caption: Roosevelt Bull Elk – Photo Credit: Amanda Baltzell

As the Assistant Regional Wildlife Program Manager for Region 6, you will help direct the operational functions of six wildlife areas, encompassing 42 units and more than 120 water access sites across approximately 30,000 acres. These lands are managed to support wildlife habitat as well as hunting, fishing, boating, and other recreational opportunities.

This is an opportunity to lead program staff, develop and manage budgets and work plans, and implement best management practices that advance habitat conservation and public access throughout Region 6.

You will work closely with land managers, district biologists, agency leadership, and external partners to ensure high-quality land management that supports the long-term conservation of healthy, diverse fish and wildlife populations.

Photo Caption: Waiting for the Fly In – Photo Credit: Richard Eltrich

What to Expect -

In this role, you will support strategic leadership for wildlife habitat and recreation management in Region 6. Key responsibilities include:

• Leadership & Supervision: Lead, mentor, and evaluate Region 6 wildlife, land management, and water access staff, ensuring performance expectations, accountability, and workforce development are met.
• Budget Management:Develop and manage program budgets in collaboration with Lands Division and funding partners, monitoring expenditures to ensure alignment with approved plans.
• Operations & Maintenance: Direct the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of wildlife area and water access site plans, ensuring compliance with agency goals, contracts, and performance standards.
• Long-Term Strategic Planning: Collaborate with internal and external partners to develop long-term strategies that address emerging trends, operational needs, and conservation priorities.
• Compliance & Administration: Ensure operations and facilities comply with applicable policies, permits, safety regulations, and labor agreements.
• Communication & Coordination: Represent the agency and coordinate with stakeholders, partners, and the public to communicate program goals and support effective land management in Region 6.

Working Conditions:

Work Setting, including hazards: Primarily office work with occasional fieldwork which may include exposure to wildlife and animals.

Schedule: Typically, Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. - you may be expected to work additional hours including evenings/weekends and adjust work schedule to meet business needs.

Travel Requirements: About 30% of the time is spent traveling, this includes but is not limited to traveling throughout Region 6.

Tools and Equipment: An agency vehicle and hand tools to support lands managers.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

A Bachelor's degree in wildlife management, natural resource science, environmental science, or a relevant field of study.

AND all of the following:

Five (5) years of professional experience in wildlife management or wildlife research, habitat management or habitat research.

Demonstrated ability to build rapport, partner, and work collaboratively with the public, tribes, and local, state, and federal agencies.

Certifications/Licenses:

Valid unrestricted Driver’s License.

Please note:

• Closely related qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-by-year basis.
• A Master’s degree in the applicable science may substitute for one (1) year of the required experience.
• A Ph.D. in the applicable science may substitute for two (2) years of the required experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

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

Experience:

• Managing and supervising staff.
• Managing public outdoor recreation programs and/or facilities (e.g., parks, wildlife areas, trails, campgrounds, or water access sites).
• Representing an organization and working with external stakeholders, including the public, partners, Tribal representatives, elected officials, or government agencies.
• Preparing and presenting effective grant and funding requests.
• Effectively overseeing and managing complex budgets.
• Working collaboratively with members of the public with diverse opinions and backgrounds.

Knowledge & Competencies:

• Knowledge of wildlife and ecological processes pertinent to the Northwest.
• Demonstrated organization and time management skills to effectively prioritize workload and maximize efficiency.

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 professional references with current contact information.

In addition topayand otherspecial employee programs, there are otherbenefitsthat 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

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 atkaila.daudt@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 orsupport@neogov.com.

Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out tokaila.daudt@dfw.wa.govand reference job #2026-03747.

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