Job Description
Salary : $121,128.00 Annually
Location : Grays Harbor County - Montesano, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2026-00273
Department: Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
Opening Date: 01/09/2026
Closing Date: 2/22/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Description Title - Regional Wildlife Program Manager - Region 6
Classification - WMS Band 2
Job Status - Full-Time/Permanent
WDFW Program - Wildlife Program
Duty Station - Montesano, Washington - Grays Harbor County
Coastal Region 6 Counties Served - Clallam, Grays Harbor, Jefferson, Kitsap, Mason, Pacific, Pierce, and Thurston.
Remote Employment - This position may include telework options up to 1-2 days per week, at the discretion of the supervisor.
Posting Timeframe - This recruitment is scheduled to be posted until February 22, 2026. First review of applications will take place January 22, 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: Taylor's Checkerspot Butterfly - Photo Credit: WDFW
As the Regional Wildlife Program Manager for Region 6, you will provide strategic direction and executive oversight to advance WDFW priorities and deliver effective wildlife conservation and recreation outcomes.
Serving as the critical link between agency administration and field operations, you will oversee four divisions (Game, Wildlife Diversity, Landowner Services, and Lands) and provide leadership for wildlife and lands management across three Wildlife Area Complexes encompassing more than 20 units and over 26,000 acres, including water and public access sites.
With your leadership experience, you will play a key role in policy development, program planning, and the advancement of new initiatives, while navigating complex and politically sensitive issues related to wildlife conflict, lands management, and threatened and endangered species.
Photo Caption: Roosevelt Bull Elk - Photo Credit: Amanda Baltzell
What to Expect- In this role, the Regional Wildlife Program Manager provides strategic leadership for managing and sustaining Washington's wildlife populations in Region 6, some of the key responsibilities include: - Supervising regional Wildlife Program staff to accomplish tasks that address Agency Strategic Goals, Program directives, and Division objectives.
- Managing the Region 6 Wildlife Program budget.
- Participating as a member in regular meetings for Agency Senior Management Team, Wildlife Program Leadership Team, and Regional Senior Staff.
- Developing policies included in species plans and recreational hunting programs having regional and statewide significance.
- Negotiating with the public, Indian Tribes, organized constituents' groups, other state, county, city and federal agencies regarding wildlife management policies, recreation access, hunting recreation and wildlife protection.
- Managing the Department-owned land base in the region.
- Directing biological survey efforts to protect threatened and endangered species and to assess game species status.
- Acting as the Wildlife Program contact for Tribes, legislators and other elected officials in Region 6.
- Developing hunting season recommendations for the region for statewide participation.
Working Conditions: Work Setting, including hazards: Primarily office-based work with some fieldwork. Fieldwork may include exposure to variable weather conditions, rough or uneven terrain, and interactions with wildlife or livestock.
Schedule: Full-time, overtime exempt - expected to schedule time within a typical 40-hour work week, Monday - Friday, however, may need to adjust schedule and work additional hours/days as needed to meet business demands and deadlines. Alternative work schedules may be considered based on operational requirements and supervisory approval.
Travel Requirements: Requires frequent travel throughout Region 6 and occasional travel to other regions for meetings, field visits, and coordination with agency staff and partners. Vehicle is provided for travel.
Qualifications: Closely related qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-by-year basis.
Required Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Wildlife Management, Natural Resource Science, or a related field.
AND all of the following experience, may be gained concurrently: Five (5) years of professional experience:
- Applying advanced principles and techniques of wildlife management, including the biology and ecology of regional wildlife species such as mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates.
- Implementing recognized methods and standards for habitat and land management.
- Navigating regulatory frameworks and bureaucratic processes related to wildlife management, conflict management, and/or land management activities.
- Working with private landowners and/or agricultural producers to address wildlife conservation.
Three (3) years of professional experience:
- Supervising or managing senior-level staff, including providing guidance, training, conflict resolution, work planning, performance management, and evaluation.
- Building a strong team dynamic across dispersed locations.
- Managing priorities and activities across multiple divisions and sections within a Wildlife Program.
- Communicating, verbally and in writing, technical information to diverse audiences
- Building and maintaining relationships with constituents and stakeholders with diverse interests, including engaging in processes that influence political and policy outcomes.
One (1) year of professional experience:
- Managing budgets, grants, or contracts and effectively allocating resources across multiple projects.
Certifications/Licenses: Valid Driver's License
Special Requirements: Background Checks & Fingerprinting -- Must satisfy and maintain certification for limited access to the WDFW's law enforcement dispatch and records system which includes passing initial and recurring periodic fingerprinting and background checks.
- May also be required to be the named individual responsible person for an explosives storage magazine license which requires additional fingerprinting/background checks through the Department of Labor and Industries.
Preferred Qualifications: In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess one or more of the following: - Master's degree or higher in Wildlife Management, Natural Resource Science, or a related field.
- Three (3) years of professional experience working with tribal governments, local communities, nonprofit organizations, or other stakeholders to build consensus and support for wildlife management objectives.
- Three (3) years of professional experience with data collection, GIS mapping, wildlife population modeling, or other technical tools to support management decisions.
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.
Supplemental 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:
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 kaila.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 or support@neogov.com.
Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to kaila.daudt@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2026-00273.
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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.
02
This position requires the incumbent to satisfy and maintain certification for limited access to the WDFW's law enforcement dispatch and records system which includes passing initial and recurring periodic fingerprinting and background checks. May also be required to be the named individual responsible person for an explosives storage magazine license which requires additional fingerprinting/background checks through the Department of Labor and Industries. Are you willing to meet and maintain these requirements?
03
Do you have a valid driver's license? Write "Yes" if you have a valid driver's license or write "No" if you do not have a valid driver's license.
04
Do you have a Bachelor's Degree or higher in Wildlife Management, Natural Resource Science, or a closely related field?
05
If yes, please list your degree(s) and field of study. If no, please describe how your related qualifying experience meets the year-for-year substitution for this requirement.
06
Do you have at least five (5) years of professional experience applying advanced principles and techniques of wildlife management?
07
Please briefly describe your experience applying advanced principles and techniques of wildlife management, including the biology and ecology of regional wildlife species such as mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. ("See Resume" is not a valid response, if you do not have this experience, put N/A).
08
Do you have at least five (5) years of professional experience implementing recognized methods and standards for habitat and land management?
09
Please briefly describe your professional experience implementing habitat, wildlife, or land management standards, including your experience navigating complex regulatory frameworks and bureaucratic processes related to wildlife management, conflict management, or land management activities. ("See Resume" is not a valid response, if you do not have this experience, put N/A).
10
Please briefly describe your professional experience managing priorities and coordinating activities across multiple divisions or sections within a Wildlife Program. Include the length of time, divisions/sections involved, and your role(s). ("See Resume" is not a valid response, if you do not have this experience, put N/A).
11
Do you have at least three (3) years of professional experience supervising or managing senior-level staff?
12
Please briefly describe your professional experience supervising or managing senior-level staff, including the strategies or approaches that have contributed to your success as a leader and your ability to build strong, cohesive teams across multiple locations. ("See Resume" is not a valid response, if you do not have this experience, put N/A).
13
Do you have at least one (1) year of professional experience managing budgets, grants, or contracts?
14
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
- Facebook
- Four W's Fishing Team, LLC - Willard Franklin III, LinkedIn
- Handshake
- Hiring Event/Workshop
- Indeed.com
- Job Board
- Job Fair
- LinkedIn
- MHCC - Mount Hood Community College
- Newspaper
- Other
- Other State Agency
- Other Website
- Professional Association
- Society of American Foresters (SAF)
- Texas A&M
- Twitter
- University Job Board
- UW College of the Environment
- WDFW Employee
- WDFW Recruiter
- WDFW Website
- Word of Mouth
- WorkSource
15
Tell us more - kindly share which website, organization, person, or other source led you to this job posting.
Required Question
Job Tags
Permanent employment, Full time, Part time, Internship, Seasonal work, Work at office, Local area, Immediate start, Remote work, Monday to Friday, Flexible hours, Shift work, 2 days per week, 1 day per week,