Hunter Education Field Manager - Program Specialist 5 - Permanent - Internal Only - 2026-03345

Title- Hunter Education Field Manager

Classification-Program Specialist 5

Job Status- Full-Time / Permanent / Internal Only

WDFW Program-Director’s Office – Communications and Public Engagement Division
Duty Station- Olympia, Washington (Thurston County) is the current duty station, however, alternative duty stations of Mill Creek (Snohomish County) or Ridgefield (Clark County) may be considered depending on the successful candidate.
Please Note: Work duties are performed throughout Regions 4, 5, and 6. Learn more about thecounties served in the North Puget Sound, Southwest, and Coastal regions.
Hybrid/Telework- A flexible hybrid schedule may be offered at the discretion of the hiring manager. However, the successful candidate must be available to report to the assigned duty station as needed.
Internal Only- This recruitment is open to current WDFW employees only.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Photo Caption: Hunter Education Instruction – Photo Credit: WDFW

Join the team and build, strengthen, and maintain partnerships with the public, conservation groups, and other agencies while fulfilling the Department’s mission to preserve, protect, and perpetuate fish, wildlife, and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.

As a primary point of contact, you will develop and implement strategies to support staff, volunteers, and the public participating in three (3) major areas of WDFW work: Hunter Education, Master Hunter Permit Program, and the Volunteer Program.

This is an exciting opportunity to manage hundreds of volunteer certified hunter education instructors to ensure proper and consistent implementation of the program according to policies and practices, as well as developing and implementing program improvements.

What to Expect-

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Hunter Education Field Manager will,

Conduct Strategic Hunter Education Program Improvement and Implementation:

• Lead, facilitate, and direct the implementation of the hunter education program and related work in Regions 4, 5, and 6.
• Work across internal and external boundaries to independently address hunter education program issues and opportunities in Regions 4, 5, and 6.
• Represent direct reports and westside volunteer instructors; work closely with the section manager and hunter education specialist to develop policies, procedures, and program improvements; and lead implementation by direct reports and instructors (including training volunteer instructors).
• Serve as the lead for westside hunter education staff and certified hunter education instructors to facilitate compliance with agency volunteer policies and training needs.
• Play an active role in the Hunter Education Instructor Advisory Committee (IAC) and advise the hunter education section manager and specialist on prioritizing and resolving issues identified by the IAC.

Supervise Staff and Certified Hunter Education Instructors:

• Supervise and mentor two mid-level professional staff, including work planning and prioritization to support an effective, motivated team.
• Set clear expectations and coaching for staff career development, conduct work planning, assign tasks, and conduct annual evaluations.
• Supervise and manage approximately 200 volunteer certified hunter education instructors to successfully implement the hunter education program.
• Recruit, train, and certify new hunter education instructors and direct reports using structured training and certification in the pre-service training process.

Serve as the Safety Lead for the Hunter Education Section:

• Review and provide expert input on updates to the agency firearm policy (Policy 7011) and any firearm safety or implementation concerns with the Safety and Training teams related to hunter education.

Budget Management and Legislative Work:

• Identify and provide policy guidance on firearm and hunter education legislative bills that affect the Department.

Volunteer Program and Opportunities Outreach and Coordination:

• Promote agency use of volunteers and help staff identify volunteer projects (such as Master Hunter Permit Program projects, projects on Department-managed lands, citizen/community science projects) and coordinate activities in agency volunteer management software.

Working Conditions:

Work Setting, including hazards:Work may be performed in an office setting or in an outdoor setting in varied weather conditions. Instructional work includes travel to regional locations to support hunter education classes, training sessions, and outreach events.

Coordinate and oversee hunter education activities that involve firearms and safety equipment. Direct exposure to hazards is limited and mitigated through established policies, procedures, and safety training. May assist with coordinating responses to emergency situations and support first aid/CPR efforts as needed.

Schedule:40 hours per week. Schedule varies to include evenings and weekends to accommodate schedules of volunteers and events.

Travel Requirements:Work occurs in a large geographic area requiring long drives and overnight stays to effectively reach and supervise volunteers. May attend conferences, workshops, fair events, or assist with WDFW approved volunteer training exercises throughout the state and occasionally out of state.

Tools and Equipment:Computer, WDFW issued vehicle, hunter education utility trailer, and WDFW assigned hunter education equipment/tools including firearms, ammunition, and bows.

Customer Interactions:Routinely work with the public, professional staff, WDFW Law Enforcement Officers, certified Master Hunters, certified Hunter Education instructors, other state/federal/tribal organizations, non-profit organizations, and individuals interested in providing volunteer services. May encounter individuals experiencing frustration, who will need to be defused in a professional manner.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

A Bachelor’s degree or higher in wildlife management, education, environmental science, natural science, physical science, communications, or a related field.

AND all of the following (may be gained concurrently):

• Four (4) years of professional experience involving wildlife management, environmental or community education or outreach, environmental analysis or control, environmental planning, or communications activities.
• Two (2) years of experience with firearms, hunting, and hunting equipment.
• Two (2) years of experience developing and/or implementing training or education programs.
• One (1) year of supervisory/lead experience including conflict resolution– acceptable experience is supervision of professional staff or supervision/coordination of volunteers implementing an established program. This does not include discrete volunteer projects.

Please Note:Professional or volunteer equivalent experience may substitute, year for year, for the education requirement if that experience is in wildlife management, education, environmental science, natural science, physical science, communications, or a related field.

Certifications/Licenses:

Valid Driver’s License.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• Ability to legally possess and use an agency-issued firearms in a safe manner.
• Ability to pass a background check, drug screening, and required firearm authorization training.
• This position has been designated as one for which possession and use of a department-issued firearm is required and essential to performing job duties. With the approval of the Appointing Authority or designee, provided the incumbent is able to meet the conditions and requirements of the agency firearm policy (Policy 7011), the incumbent may be authorized to carry and utilize Department-issued firearms while in this position, provided they can continue to meet the requirements of Policy 7011.

Preferred Qualifications:

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

• Two (2) or more years of supervisory/lead experience including conflict resolution.
• Certification as a Washington Hunter Education Instructor, or comparable experience working with Hunter Education Instructors.
• Certification as a Washington Master Hunter, or comparable experience working with the Master Hunter Permit Program.
• Experience working with and managing volunteers.
• Experience working as a natural resource volunteer.
• Knowledge and experience of hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation.
• Possession of a Federal Firearms License (FFL), or comparable experience and knowledge of firearms and hunting equipment.
• Understanding of how to navigate through WDFW policies, procedures, rules and laws.
• Proficiency with standard office equipment and computer software including Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel) and internet browsers.

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.

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

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 danielle.gustafson@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 todanielle.gustafson@dfw.wa.govand reference job #2026-03345.

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