Range Ecologist - Fish and Wildlife Biologist 4 - Permanent - 2026-08558
Salary: $5,928.00 - $7,973.00 Monthly
Location : Multiple Locations - Eastern Washington, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2026-08558
Department: Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
Opening Date: 10/12/2026
Closing Date: 10/29/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
Title- Range Ecologist
Classification- Fish and Wildlife Biologist 4
Job Status- Full-Time - Permanent
WDFW Program- Wildlife Program Duty Station- *Walla Walla, Washington - Walla Walla County
Hybrid/Telework- This position offers a hybrid work schedule, with at least one day per week onsite at the designated duty station and up to four days of telework. The selected candidate must be available to work onsite for in-person meetings and to meet business needs.
*Walla Walla is the current duty station, however depending on the successful candidate, Spokane, Yakima or Ephrata or Ellensburg Washington may be considered.
Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!
Photo Caption: George Creek Unit - Photo Credit: WDFW
WDFW manages more than 1.2 million acres of public lands statewide, including rangelands and other non-forested habitats.
In this role, you'll help steward these lands through habitat monitoring, vegetation management, technical assistance on rangeland management, and the coordination of grazing permits and agricultural leases.
You'll work independently, taking the initiative to addressing rangeland management challenges and collaborate with Wildlife Area managers, regional staff, and external partners to advance sustainable land management practices that enhance wildlife habitat and support conservation goals across diverse landscapes.
What to Expect:
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Range Ecologist will,
Design and implement ecological monitoring, resource assessments, vegetation and habitat surveys, and research investigations in support of rangeland management:
- Design and implement modeling and monitoring efforts for rangelands and apply statistical analyses to interpret data.
- Investigate research to guide stewardship of WDFW-managed lands.
- Interpret and apply research and scientific literature to on-the-ground rangeland management.
- Develop or refine and implement ecological integrity monitoring on rangelands.
- Complete resource assessments, vegetation and habitat surveys.
Assist wildlife area managers to complete grazing permit plans and summaries, agricultural lease plans and summaries, and grazing evaluation framework documents:
- Complete grazing evaluation framework to recommend potential implementation and limits of permitted grazing on WDFW-managed lands.
- Evaluate grazing efficacy to meet ecological needs of the wildlife area.
- Provide guidance on development of grazing permits, agricultural leases, and associated documents including management plans and checklists that support habitat protection of rangelands through best management practices.
- Support wildlife area managers and district teams on review and approval of agricultural leases and grazing permits and provide instruction on assessing and reporting grazing utilization.
Provide technical assistance to internal and external partners on rangeland management, incorporating inclusive strategies into wildlife area plans, supporting species of greatest conservation need, implementing rangeland restoration strategies, evaluating grazing and agricultural opportunities and impacts, and conducting habitat monitoring.
- Actively participate in planning and project team meetings, which may be multi-disciplinary and/or multi-agency.
- Research science and best practices for planning for and managing rangelands for wildlife (including the State Wildlife Action Plan, Species of Greatest Conservation Need) and ecological integrity.
Provide general education and outreach on range ecology:
- Represent WDFW on rangeland management at public meetings and with other agencies, organizations, coordinated resource management groups, and public stakeholders.
- Provide regular grazing updates to the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission.
- Communicate range management considerations to other managers and decision-makers.
Supervise range ecology staff:
- Delegate and assign tasks in support of the Range Ecology program in the Lands Stewardship Section.
- Manage the Range Ecology budget.
- Ensure compliance with safety and training requirements.
Working Conditions:
Work setting, including hazards:
- Position is a mix of working on-site in an office setting with other staff and fieldwork. May offer a hybrid work arrangement.
- Fieldwork may include inclement weather and difficult terrain and working in areas with possible wildlife encounters.
- Walk, stoop, and perform tasks while wearing up to 40 pounds of field equipment.
- Drive and operate equipment such as 4-wheel drive vehicles on unpaved roads and tracks, ATV/UTV's or other equipment as necessary.
- Attend, support, and represent the agency in a variety of public settings, including interactions with the public, occasionally in controversial settings
Schedule: This position is full-time, working 40 hours per week. Schedule may vary based on business needs, time of year, and/or weather conditions, such as a non-scheduled work week and evening or weekend work as needed.
This position offers a hybrid work schedule, with at least one day per week onsite at the designated duty station and up to four days of telework. The selected candidate must be available to work onsite for in-person meetings and to meet business needs.
Travel Requirements: Travel anticipated ~20% of the time. Travel for monitoring and other field components is required. Travel is typically done through Eastern, WA, however may vary to other Regions as needed.
Tools and Equipment:
- Office equipment - Staff use computer and related software, project management software (Smartsheets), ArcPro and other mapping program and monitoring and data management systems (R).
- Field equipment - On/off off-road motorized vehicles operation and monitoring equipment, survey tapes, photography equipment for photo monitoring and other survey equipment are required for on-going monitoring of sites.
Customer Interactions:
- Interact with department staff, including Wildlife Area Managers, District teams, wildlife area crews and contractors, Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission and other local, state, and federal agencies.
- Interact with the public - including meeting attendees, wildlife area neighbors, wildlife area users, permittees and lessees, and interest groups such as the Washington Cattlemen's Association.
Qualifications:
Closely related qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-by-year basis.
Required Qualifications:
A bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, natural resource or environmental sciences.
And
Five (5) years of experience in the following areas, which may be gained concurrently or in combination:
- Wildlife, habitat or ecological research
- Natural areas or rangeland management
- Designing and implementing monitoring programs for ecological integrity
Please Note:
- 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.
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:
One (1) year of experience supervising field crews and collecting field data.
Two (2) years of experience in data management, statistical analysis, and reporting of natural resources monitoring data.
Competencies:
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to build strong collaborative partnerships with a variety of audiences
- Knowledge of soils, plant taxonomy, range conservation best practices, and restoration techniques in semi-arid ecosystems
- Knowledge of invasive weed control methods and techniques for establishing native vegetation.
- Familiarity with geographic information systems (GIS), Field Maps, Avenza or equivalent mapping software, as well as rangeland decision-support tools and data products, such as the Rangeland Analysis Platform.
- Ability to operate field monitoring equipment including ATVs/UTVs.
Supplemental Information
In addition to and other , there are other 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: [click to reveal website link]
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
- 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: 2024-1234 - 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 [click to reveal phone number] or email [click to reveal email address], 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 [click to reveal phone number] or .
Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to and reference job #2026-08558.
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More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 01-07-2026
01
Are you currently an employee of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife? This includes permanent, non-permanent, intern, project, and career seasonal.
- Yes
- No
02
Do you have a valid driver's license?
- Yes, I have a current valid driver's license.
- No, I do not have a current valid driver's license.
03
Please select the option below that best describes the highest level of education you have completed.
- High School Diploma/GED.
- Some College.
- Vocational Degree or Certificate.
- Associate's Degree.
- Bachelor's Degree.
- Master's Degree.
- Ph.D.
- None of the above.
04
What is your major area of study? If you possess multiple degrees, please list each degree and major. (If this does not apply to you, please put N/A.) This includes both vocational and college education.
05
Select the option below that best describes your experience in the following areas: wildlife, habitat or ecological research, natural areas or rangeland management or designing and implementing monitoring programs for ecological integrity (may be gained concurrently or in combination).
- No experience
- Less than 3 years of experience
- Between 3 - 4 years of experience
- Between 4 - 9 years of experience
- 9 years or more of experience
06
In support of the Question 5 above, please briefly describe your experience. ("See Resume" is not a valid response, if you do not have this experience, put N/A).
07
Please briefly describe your experience supervising field crews, including the size of teams you supervised, and the types of data collected. ("See Resume" is not a valid response, if you do not have this experience, put N/A).
08
Do you have two (2) years of experience in data management, statistical analysis, and reporting of natural resources monitoring data?
- Yes
- No
09
Please briefly describe your experience in data management, statistical analysis, and reporting of natural resources monitoring data. ("See Resume" is not a valid response, if you do not have this experience, put N/A).
10
Select the option(s) below if you have knowledge of the following. Select all that apply.
- Invasive weed control methods and techniques for establishing native vegetation
- Taxonomic identification of range vegetation in Washington
- None of the above
11
How did you hear about this job posting? (Select all that apply).
- American Fisheries Society (AFS)
- Careers.wa.gov
- Community Based Organization
- Community/Technical College
- Conservation Job Board
- El Informador
- Four W's Fishing Team, LLC - Willard Franklin III, LinkedIn
- Handshake
- Hiring Event/Workshop
- Indeed.com
- Job Board
- Job Fair
- MHCC - Mount Hood Community College
- Newspaper
- Other
- Other State Agency
- Other Website
- Professional Association
- Society of American Foresters (SAF)
- Texas A&M
- University Job Board
- UW College of the Environment
- WDFW Employee
- WDFW Recruiter
- WDFW Website
- Word of Mouth
- WorkSource
12
Tell us more - kindly share which website, organization, person, or other source led you to this job posting.
Required Question