Director Invasive Species Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Description Title - Aquatic Invasive Species Management Coordinator Classification - WMS-3 Job Status - Full-Time- Permanent WDFW Program - Fish Duty Station - Olympia, Washington, Thurston County Hybrid-Telework - This position may include telework options up to 2 days per week, at the discretion of the supervisor. This recruitment is scheduled to be posted until August 16, 2026. The first review of applications will begin on August 17th, 2026.

Recruitment may be extended as needed. Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW. Photo Caption - European green crab grid trapping effort-Drayton Harbor, Blaine-Credit-WDFW Lead Washington's strategy to protect thousands of lakes, rivers, streams, and marine shorelines from the growing threat of aquatic invasive species.

Guide a dedicated team while shaping statewide policies, partnerships, and long-term strategies that protect fish and wildlife, strengthen resilient aquatic ecosystems, and preserve Washington's natural resources for future generations. Make decisions that shape the future of Washington's aquatic resources and help safeguard critical environmental, economic, and cultural values. Your leadership will support salmon recovery, protect recreational, tribal, and commercial fisheries, and help prevent invasive species from causing irreversible impacts to fish, wildlife, infrastructure, and the communities that depend on healthy waters.

Build and maintain lasting partnerships across tribal, local, state, federal, industry, and academic organizations to address aquatic invasive species that cross political and jurisdictional boundaries. Represent the Department in statewide, regional, and national forums while advancing collaborative, science-based strategies that strengthen Washington's ability to prevent, detect, and respond to emerging threats. Serve as the Department's trusted advisor on aquatic invasive species management, providing strategic leadership that influences statewide policy, operational decisions, and long-term conservation outcomes.

Oversee a high-performing team while partnering across agency programs to ensure coordinated, science-based management that protects Washington's fish, wildlife, and aquatic resources. Photo Caption- Lake Roosevelt Northern Pike Suppression Effort Credit-WDFW What to Expect Manages and creates Department AIS management advisory groups, or incident command multi-agency coordination groups and Department internal policy groups as needed to address AIS management at levels commensurate with management complexity and jurisdictions involved. Leads AIS management incident command systems through delegated authority by the Department Director to function as incident commander or deputy incident commander during AIS incidents.

Coordination and consultation on Department AIS management issues with other states and countries, state and federal agencies, tribes, non-governmental organizations, affected industries and businesses, public, and others. Develop workplans and applications for Department rapid response funding agreements. Manages agreements as the Department's project manager, including timeline, deliverables, and expenses with support from other Department staff.

Leads and manages Department processes to develop AIS response plans, long-term management plans, and statewide strategies for the management of AIS, including containment, eradication, control, and mitigation under direction from the AIS Division, Program, and Department leadership. Leads and manages Department processes to enhance and revise existing AIS response plans, long-term management plans, and statewide strategies with contractors, Department leadership, subject matter experts, and external stakeholders. Advises the Department, cooperating state and local agencies, tribal nations and federal agencies on AIS management actions including eradication, control, containment, infested site-management, and long-term management, as the Department subject matter expert on AIS management.

Develops and leads Department rapid response and infested site management actions, following the detection of a prohibited level 1 or level 2 AIS or on a water body or property. Develops and leads Department notification, application, and issuance of warrants to enter properties or water bodies to implement rapid response management actions or infested site management actions, and containing, controlling, or eradicating invasive species. Develops and administers mutual aid or cooperative agreements with national, regional, state, and local partners to manage AIS, including establishing incident command system structures, unified command or multi-agency coordination groups, or other structures for effective cooperative management.

Develops, secures, and manages environmental permits for AIS management action, such as but not limited to National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits. Develops procedures and decision-making resources to protect the environmental, economic, or human health interests of the state from the threat of a prohibited level 1 or level 2 species, through management actions such as a department-declared quarantine. .

Working Conditions: Work Setting, including hazards: Work environment is a busy office setting. Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. May be required to work more than 40 hours per week or on weekends to meet deadlines during peak periods to meet business needs

A flexible work schedule may be considered at the incumbent's request, subject to supervisory approval. Travel Requirements: Travel may be required throughout the State to attend training, meetings, and conferences. Qualifications: Closely related qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-by-year basis.

Required Education, Experience, and Competencies: A bachelor's degree involving major study in any of the following: Fisheries science, Wildlife biology, Aquatic biology, Ecology, Environmental science, Natural resource management, Conservation biology Marine biology, Environmental policy Biological sciences, Or a closely related natural resource field. AND Three (3) years of full-time professional experience in one or more of the following: Aquatic invasive species management Invasive species management Integrated pest management Noxious weed management Wildlife management Natural resource management or a closely related field. AND One (1) year or more of leadership/supervisory duties including conflict resolution, training and development, planning and assigning work, evaluating performance.

May be gained concurrently with the required 3 years of experience above. In addition, the incumbent must have experience in the following: Applying established policy and statute using best science and professional opinion, informed by situational characteristics such as property ownership, extent and level of established populations, available resources and feasibility of management actions, and property owner support. Developing response, management, or strategic plans in collaboration with governmental agencies, Tribes, industry partners, and other stakeholders Leading or coordinating implementation of complex resource management projects involving multiple organizations, partners, or jurisdictions.

Developing and implementing invasive species management strategies, including prevention, early detection, rapid response, containment, control, and long-term management. Interpreting and applying regulatory requirements related to natural resource management, including quarantines, access restrictions, or other regulatory controls. Negotiating and administering cooperative agreements, memoranda of understanding, or other collaborative agreements with federal, state, Tribal, or local governments.

Preparing, obtaining, or managing environmental permits or regulatory authorizations (such as National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits or Special Use Permits). Certifications/Licenses: Valid driver's license for statewide independent travel. Preferred Qualifications: In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess one or more of the following: Experience in the following: Project and portfolio management, including managing multiple complex initiatives, priorities, and resources.

Risk management and structured decision-making frameworks. Incident Command System (ICS), including Unified Command, multi-agency coordination, and/or policy groups. Facilitation, collaboration, negotiation, and conflict resolution among diverse stakeholders with competing interests.

Your application packet requires 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: 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 at valerie.rogers@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: 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 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 valerie.rogers@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2026-06446. Know someone who would like to volunteer. WDFW-Get Involved-Volunteer

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