Region 6 Life Help Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $104,784.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2026-03747
Department: Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
Opening Date: 05/01/2026
Closing Date: 6/14/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
Title - Assistant Regional Wildlife Program Manager - Coastal Region 6
Classification - WMS Band 2
Job Status - Full-Time/PermanentWDFW Program - Wildlife Program Duty Station - Olympia, Washington - Thurston 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 2 days per week, at the discretion of the supervisor.
Posting Timeframe - This recruitment is scheduled to be posted until June 14, 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: Roosevelt Bull Elk - Photo Credit: Amanda Baltzell
As the Assistant Regional Wildlife Program Manager for Region 6, you will help direct the operational functions of six wildlife areas, encompassing 42 units and more than 120 water access sites across approximately 30,000 acres. These lands are managed to support wildlife habitat as well as hunting, fishing, boating, and other recreational opportunities.
This is an opportunity to lead program staff, develop and manage budgets and work plans, and implement best management practices that advance habitat conservation and public access throughout Region 6.
You will work closely with land managers, district biologists, agency leadership, and external partners to ensure high-quality land management that supports the long-term conservation of healthy, diverse fish and wildlife populations.
Photo Caption: Waiting for the Fly In - Photo Credit: Richard Eltrich
What to Expect -
In this role, you will support strategic leadership for wildlife habitat and recreation management in Region 6. Key responsibilities include:

• Leadership & Supervision: Lead, mentor, and evaluate Region 6 wildlife, land management, and water access staff, ensuring performance expectations, accountability, and workforce development are met.
• Budget Management: Develop and manage program budgets in collaboration with Lands Division and funding partners, monitoring expenditures to ensure alignment with approved plans.
• Operations & Maintenance: Direct the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of wildlife area and water access site plans, ensuring compliance with agency goals, contracts, and performance standards.
• Long-Term Strategic Planning: Collaborate with internal and external partners to develop long-term strategies that address emerging trends, operational needs, and conservation priorities.
• Compliance & Administration: Ensure operations and facilities comply with applicable policies, permits, safety regulations, and labor agreements.
• Communication & Coordination: Represent the agency and coordinate with stakeholders, partners, and the public to communicate program goals and support effective land management in Region 6.

Working Conditions:
Work Setting, including hazards: Primarily office work with occasional fieldwork which may include exposure to wildlife and animals.
Schedule: Typically, Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. - you may be expected to work additional hours including evenings/weekends and adjust work schedule to meet business needs.
Travel Requirements: About 30% of the time is spent traveling, this includes but is not limited to traveling throughout Region 6.
Tools and Equipment: An agency vehicle and hand tools to support lands managers.
Qualifications:
Required Qualifications:
A Bachelor's degree in wildlife management, natural resource science, environmental science, or a relevant field of study.
AND all of the following:
Five (5) years of professional experience in wildlife management or wildlife research, habitat management or habitat research.
Demonstrated ability to build rapport, partner, and work collaboratively with the public, tribes, and local, state, and federal agencies.
Certifications/Licenses:
Valid unrestricted Driver's License.
Please note:

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

Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess one or more of the following:
Experience:

• Managing and supervising staff.
• Managing public outdoor recreation programs and/or facilities (e.g., parks, wildlife areas, trails, campgrounds, or water access sites).
• Representing an organization and working with external stakeholders, including the public, partners, Tribal representatives, elected officials, or government agencies.
• Preparing and presenting effective grant and funding requests.
• Effectively overseeing and managing complex budgets.
• Working collaboratively with members of the public with diverse opinions and backgrounds.

Knowledge & Competencies:

• Knowledge of wildlife and ecological processes pertinent to the Northwest.
• Demonstrated organization and time management skills to effectively prioritize workload and maximize efficiency.

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 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: 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 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 #2026-03747.
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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