Description

Title- Statewide Wolf Specialist
Classification- Fish & Wildlife Biologist 4
Job Status- Full-Time/Permanent
WDFW Program- Wildlife Program – Wolf and Grizzly Bear Division
Duty Station- Ellensburg, Washington – Kittitas County
Hybrid/Telework- A flexible hybrid schedule may be considered at the discretion of the hiring manager. However, the successful candidate must be available to report to the Ellensburg, WA duty station as needed.
Please note- This position is eligible for an additional 15% pay differential when the incumbent is performing flight duties or chemical immobilization as noted in the duties listed below.
Posting Timeline-This recruitment has been extended and is scheduled to be posted until July 30, 2026. Application review is ongoing, and applicants are encouraged to submit their materials as soon as possible, this recruitment may be closed at any time.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

As our Statewide Wolf Specialist, you will perform rigorous fieldwork, data collection and analyses, clear reporting, and maintain collaborative relationships with internal staff, partner agencies, and the public to ensure informed decision-making and support the long-term sustainability and responsible management of wolf populations in Washington.

As the agency’s statewide lead specialist for wolf conservation and management, you will design and implement science-based monitoring programs, conduct research and population assessments, and translate findings into effective management strategies and policies.

With your experience, you will support the Wolf and Grizzly Bear Policy Lead by developing and executing wolf management plans, leading conflict mitigation efforts, supervising and coordinating with wolf biologists, and providing expert guidance during high-profile wolf conflict incidents.

What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Statewide Wolf Specialist will,

Design and conduct wolf field surveys for species monitoring and wolf conflict mitigation-related management activities:

• Design research methodologies and monitoring data collection protocols for wolves using various methods (such as radio-telemetry, trail-camera based surveys, genetic sample collection, and using bioacoustics).
• Conduct surveys statewide, analyze results, and write reports on surveys as a lead in statistical analysis, interpretation, and developing findings from wolf data.
• Follow protocols for animal welfare during all captures and handling of wildlife and serve as the mission supervisor for aerial wolf operations.
• Perform as a WDFW certified gunner and mugger for aerial capture or removal operations.
• Capture and handle wolves and other wildlife, utilizing immobilizing drugs to sedate, and radio-collaring wolves via ground traps and aerial methods.
• Collaborate and participate with other staff on wolf mortality investigations.
• Collaborate and participate with other staff on wolf-mediated livestock depredation investigations, After Action Reviews (AAR), and district level lethal recommendation processes.
• Maintain inventory of known wolf mortalities with physical/genetic samples shared with appropriate repositories.

Supervise other wolf biologists to direct and monitor their schedules, activities, and overall performance:

• Conduct weekly check-ins with direct reports and assign work: coordinate, communicate, and implement priority tasks related to wolf monitoring and conflict mitigation management.
• Inventory maintenance of capture drugs and other equipment and other supervisory administrative tasks including approval of timesheets, leave applications, training, and travel.
• Mentor and oversee the activities of the wolf biologists including planning for professional career development, ensuring staff training and safety, establishing work expectations and supporting appropriate corrective measures, and ensuring agency and program priorities are met.

Develop and maintain collaboration and communication strategies with internal and external partners:

• Translate and deliver leadership and policy decisions to staff and work to understand and communicate field information and context to leadership and policy decision makers.
• Serve as an agency project management lead who will ensure compliant implementation of wolf-related data sharing agreements and other inter-agency contracts or practices.
• Compile and analyze wolf scientific literature and data to develop wolf management guidelines and needs.
• Periodic communications and meeting participation with department staff and other agencies, organizations, private landowners, and external partners.
   

Working Conditions:

Work Setting, including hazards: Work is conducted in both office and field environments. Field work may be performed in inclement weather and over difficult terrain, including slippery rocks, steep backs, and sticky mud. Walk, bend, and stoop while carrying wolf trapping and capture equipment, firearms, multiple trail cameras, and other field gear (weighing up to 40 pounds at a time).

Safely load and transport equipment and gear in vehicles, ATVs, snowmobiles, and aircraft. Perform aerial surveys in helicopters and/or fixed wing aircraft, sometimes at low elevations for wildlife darting, captures, and removals.

This position may involve working near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.

Schedule: Typically, Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Work may be off-schedule due to seasonal demands, emergencies, and other critical assignments—this may include weekends, holidays, and periods of travel. Requires long hours and/or consecutive days in concentrated times, especially during the prime monitoring season and during lethal removal operations.

Travel Requirements: 25% – Statewide travel is required between the three (3) wolf Recovery Regions- Eastern Washington, Northern Cascades, and Southern Cascades areas, with overnight stays needed at different locations of these areas.

Tools and Equipment:

• Computer, 4x4 Truck, Four-wheeler/ATV, and snowmobile.
• Firearm use may be required for certain wolf removal operations or other wildlife euthanasia.
• Wolf trapping and immobilization equipment, such as capture drugs, dart guns, and traps.

Customer Interactions: Frequently communicate with the public by phone, email, and in-person. Deliver presentations during formal public briefings/other social-outreach events and respond to media inquiries.

Requirements

Required Qualifications:

Closely related qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-by-year basis.

Option 1:
A Bachelor’s degree in wildlife management, natural resource science, environmental science, or a related field
  AND
Five (5) years of professional experience in wildlife management, wildlife research, habitat management, or habitat research, with an emphasis in large carnivore species.

Option 2:
Four (4) years of professional experience as a Fish & Wildlife Biologist 3 working with large carnivores or ungulates.

For the options above, the following are also required and may be gained concurrently:

• Three (3) years of experience with the following:
  • Wolf ecology, conflict mitigation, and population dynamics.
  • Designing and leading large carnivore or ungulate surveys, studies, and/or monitoring programs.
  • Hands-on wolf capture, handling, and radio-collaring.
• One (1) year of experience:
  • Performing leadership/supervisory duties including performance management; conflict resolution, training and development, planning and assigning work, and evaluating performance.

Please note:

• A Master’s degree in the applicable field of study may substitute for one (1) year of the required professional experience in wildlife management, wildlife research, habitat management, or habitat research, with an emphasis in large carnivore species.
• A PhD in the applicable field of study may substitute for two (2) years of the required professional experience in wildlife management, wildlife research, habitat management, or habitat research, with an emphasis in large carnivore species.

Certifications/Licenses: Valid Driver’s License.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• Ability to legally possess and use an agency-issued firearm in a safe and accurate manner.
• This position has been designated as one for which possession and use of a department-issued firearm would be beneficial to the Department.
  • The incumbent may be authorized to carry and utilize a Department-issued firearm while in this position, provided the incumbent is able to meet the conditions and requirements of the agency firearm policy (Policy 7011), and maintains eligibility to possess and use agency-issued firearm(s) while in this position. 
  • This includes successful completion of a background check, drug screening, and training to receive authorization to use a firearm.
• This position may involve the safe and ethical euthanasia of animals in accordance with established protocols
• Ability to obtain and maintain the required license to handle and administer animal capture and immobilization drugs, in accordance with RCW 69.50.320, RCW 69.41.080, and Chapter 246-945 WAC.
• Obtain certification to participate in aerial flight surveys within 12 months of employment.
   

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.