Job Description

Salary: $5,812.00 - $7,817.00 Monthly
Location : Stevens County - Colville, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number: [click to reveal phone number]2025-07744
Department: Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
Opening Date: 10/31/2025
Closing Date: 11/16/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

Description
Working Title- Wildlife Conflict Supervisor

Classification- Fish & Wildlife Biologist 4

Job Status- Full-Time/Permanent

WDFW Program- Wildlife Program - Region 1, Colville District

Duty Station- Colville District Office - Colville, Washington - Stevens County
Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW !
Photo Caption - Fladry work party - Photo Credit: WDFW
Be a central figure in implementing strategic statewide policy and directing operational functions for the WDFW region addressing deer, elk, and turkey damage to agricultural crops and private property; and in working with the ranching community to mitigate and minimize wolf/livestock conflict by deploying wolf deterrence measures for an increasing and expanding wolf population.
In this dynamic role, you will lead a team of Wildlife Conflict Specialists and Technicians in the Colville District responding to landowner complaints and concerns. You will work with WDFW Enforcement staff and local government to respond in a coordinated manner providing outstanding public service.
We are seeking a candidate with strong collaborative leadership skills and an interest in resolving calls for service from the public related to wildlife conflict, injured wildlife, and nuisance wildlife, you will develop and foster relations with local county governments.
WHAT TO EXPECT -

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, this position will:
Supervise, manage, assign, direct and evaluate the work of Wildlife Conflict staff.

• Supervises and mentors technical and professional level staff in order to support an effective, motivated team.
• Sets goals and objectives, develops strategies to implement, and develops performance measurements and standards for the purpose of ensuring individual and program performance objectives are met.
• Monitors and inspects work in progress to ensure continuity and timely completion of work.
• Develops the Performance Development Plan (PDP) for each assigned employee within unit; creates or updates position descriptions; monitors and documents employee performance; provides on-going feedback regarding levels of performance, and conducts timely and meaningful employee performance evaluations.
• Manages personnel issues relating to staff conflicts, absenteeism, performance issues, etc. in a positive manner for ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.
• Develops and implements staff training and development plans to provide cross training of employees, specific job-related training and other approaches to provide opportunities for staff flexibility and development.
• Participates in team meetings, communicates status of ongoing projects and/or job tasks, and coordinates work schedule with team for maintaining open communication.
• Responsible for planning and maintaining work systems, procedures, and policies that enable and encourage the optimum performance of its people and other resources within the unit.
• Observes and assesses the state of equipment upkeep and maintenance. Identifies needs for upgrade or repair and communicates those needs to staff.
• Monitors activities for compliance with federal or state safety laws and regulations, as well as agency policy and procedure regarding safety.
• Develop and maintain a cohesive team environment that supports collaborative relationships both internally and externally.

Conduct and/or assist staff with field activities associated with Wildlife Conflict Mitigation.

• Field investigations of livestock injuries or mortalities.
• Field investigations of agricultural crop damage.
• Field investigations associated with bear/human interactions.
• Recommending and/or implementing mitigation measures to reduce wildlife conflict.
• Use an agency-issued firearm to euthanize animals.
• Lead staff in consistent documentation of field investigations, recommendations and implementation of non-lethal measures.

Negotiate agreements with other state agencies, local governments, and stakeholders. Tracks Division spending plans, and expenditures. Negotiates wildlife conflict issues with other agencies, businesses, public, tribes and programs within the agency. Recommends changes in Landowner Services Division and Region 1 organization, staffing and/or funding. Commits Program staff and/or funding to unplanned activities.

• Communicates orally and in written documents, agency and Wildlife Program goals, policies, procedures to staff and interested parties (e.g. co-managers, stakeholders, agencies, regulatory entities, etc.).
• Represents the agency in technical or policy forums, and other public settings (i.e. U.S. Forest Service, Local Cattlemen Association meetings.
• Coordinates and communicates regularly with the Detachment 11 Enforcement Sergeant.
• Coordinates and communicates regularly with the Stevens County Wildlife Specialist. Assists with implementation of the WDFW/Stevens County MOU.
• Writes regular reports summarizing Wildlife Conflict activities.

Communication and Operational/Administrative compliance.

• Organizes and conducts After Action Reviews (AARs) of high-profile livestock or crop damage investigations in District 1.
• Use the Spillman-Flex system to record, track, and share activity data on wildlife conflict response.
• Conducts supervisor review on Law Incident Report (LIR) in the Spillman-Flex system.
• Organizes and facilitates regular meetings of the District 1 Wolf Team during livestock grazing season.
• Co-leads with State Wolf Biologists the development of individual lethal removal recommendations for submission to the Region 1 Director.

Budget Management.

• Work with budget analyst, supervisor,HQ Wildlife Conflict Section and others as needed to ensure an optimum operations and maintenance budget is attained for D1 conflict staff.
• Enter contracted or grant budgets, in timely and accurate manner, into Novatus or equivalent system. Monitor current and future projects expenditures to comply with the approved budget. Account for deviations from projection.
• Make recommendations and funding requests to HQ Wildlife Conflict Section when additional damage mitigation tools or resource needs are identified.

Working Conditions:

Work setting: Work -75% of time at meetings conducting general management and coordination activities or in the office reviewing or creating documents, writing memos, responding to email, answering phone inquiries. In the field -25%, occasionally in rough weather conditions, traveling throughout the region or participating in evening meetings. Periods of overnight travel may be required, and work hours may exceed the standard 8am to 5pm workday. Will require travel across the state for meetings, developing and fostering partnerships and showcasing the private lands and wildlife conflict programs. Office hazards repetitively entering data into computer, looking at computer monitor for long periods of time, sitting or standing for long periods of time.
Schedule: Typically, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday. Often includes long and irregular hours to include evenings and weekends as determined by business needs and emergent issues.
Travel requirements: Periods of overnight travel may be required, and work hours may exceed the standard workday.
Customer Interactions: Frequent contact with the public, private landowners, hunters. employees from within and out of agency, to include Federal, State and Local Municipalities. Private landowners are often frustrated, agitated and/or uncooperative due to negative or challenging perceptions and previous interactions with wildlife.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required Qualifications:
Option 1: Four (4) years as a Fish & Wildlife Biologist 3.
And
A combined total of at least two (2) years of professional experience in/with one or more of the following:

• Supervisory or program management to include skills in leadership, conflict resolution, cultural diversity, fostering a positive and effective working relationship among staff, and motivating and providing vision for a staff.
• Advanced knowledge of principals of wildlife management, wildlife conflicts, and damage to property or livestock.
• Communicating clearly and concisely across managerial, professional, and legislative levels in both oral and written form.

License: Valid driver's license.
Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

This position has been designated as one for which possession and use of a department-issued firearm is required and essential to performing job duties. Must successfully meet all requirements of agency firearm policy (Policy 7011) and maintain eligibility to possess and use agency-issued firearm(s) at all times while in this position.

Ability to pass background checks and training to receive authorization to use a firearm.

Must be willing to euthanize animals.
Option 2: Bachelor's Degree in a natural resource science or related field, and five (5) years of professional experience in wildlife management or wildlife research. Please note: Closely related qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-by-year basis.
And
A combined total of at least two (2) years of professional experience in/with one or more of the following:

• Supervisory or program management to include skills in leadership, conflict resolution, cultural diversity, fostering a positive and effective working relationship among staff, and motivating and providing vision for a staff.
• Advanced knowledge of principals of wildlife management, wildlife conflicts, and damage to property or livestock.
• Communicating clearly and concisely across managerial, professional, and legislative levels in both oral and written form.

License: Valid driver's license.
Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

This position has been designated as one for which possession and use of a department-issued firearm is required and essential to performing job duties. Must successfully meet all requirements of agency firearm policy (Policy 7011) and maintain eligibility to possess and use agency-issued firearm(s) at all times while in this position.

Ability to pass background checks and training to receive authorization to use a firearm.

Must be willing to euthanize animals.
Preferred Qualifications:

In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:
Three (3) years or more of professional experience:

• Supervising professional staff.
• Developing, managing, and administering complex budgets.
• Experience with planning and public policy formulation.
• Conservation focused wildlife conflict and wolf conservation.

Two (2) years of professional experience in:

• Policy analysis development and implementation.
• Budget development and management.
• Strategic planning and implementation.

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 (3) 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:
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 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: [click to reveal phone number]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]360-902-2278 or email , or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at [click to reveal phone number]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](855) 524-5627 or
Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to and reference job number/title from the top of this posting.
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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 [click to reveal phone number]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 07-21-2025
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

Which of the following best describes your experience as a F&W Biologist 3 OR your professional experience in wildlife management or wildlife research?

• I do not have this experience.
• I have less than 1 year of this experience.
• I have between 1 year and 2 years of this experience.
• I have between 2 years and 3 years of this experience.
• I have between 3 years and 4 years of this experience.
• I have between 4 years and 5 years of this experience.
• I have between 5 years and 6 years of this experience.
• I have between 6 years and 7 years of this experience.
• I have between 7 years and 8 years of this experience.
• I have between 8 years and 9 years of this experience.
• I have 9 years or more of this experience.

06

Please list where you gained your experience as a F&W Biologist 3 OR your professional experience in wildlife management or wildlife research. Include the name of the organization(s) where you worked and dates of employment. FOR EXAMPLE: WDFW, F&W Biologist, 2020 - present. If you do not have this experience, enter "N/A" in the box below. Do not write "See application/resume/cover letter" as those are not valid responses.
07

BRIEFLY describe any experience you have working with livestock and/or crop producers. Please describe any experience you have which includes wildlife conflict in these settings, especially including wolves, deer, and elk. If you do not have this experience, enter "N/A" in the box below. Do not write "See application/resume/cover letter" as those are not valid responses.
08

Please BRIEFLY describe any experience you have working with the public in managing injured and/or nuisance wildlife. If you do not have this experience, enter "N/A" in the box below. Do not write "See application/resume/cover letter" as those are not valid responses.
09

Do you possess a total of at least two (2) years of professional experience in one or more of the following items?• Supervisory or program management to include skills in leadership, conflict resolution, cultural diversity, fostering a positive and effective working relationship among staff, and motivating and providing vision for a staff.• Advanced knowledge of principals of wildlife management, wildlife conflicts, and damage to property or livestock.• Communicating clearly and concisely across managerial, professional, and legislative levels in both oral and written form.

• Yes, I possess a total of at least two (2) years of experience in one or more of the items listed above.
• No, I do not possess a total of at least two (2) years of experience in one or more of the items listed above.

10

Do you have the ability to pass a background check to possess and use a firearm?

• Yes, I am able to pass a background check to possess and use a firearm.
• No, I am not able to pass a background check to possess and use a firearm.

11

Are you willing to euthanize animals as needed/required to fulfill the duties of this position?

• Yes, I am willing to perform this duty.
• No, I am not willing to perform this duty.

12

Please describe your experience supervising professional staff, including where you gained this experience. FOR EXAMPLE: WDFW, F&W Biologist, 2020 - present. If you do not have this experience, enter "N/A" in the box below. Do not write "See application/resume/cover letter" as those are not valid responses.
13

Do you have experience developing and managing complex budgets?

• Yes, I have this experience with complex budgets.
• No, I do not have this experience with complex budgets.

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, Monday to Friday, Flexible hours, Shift work, Night shift, Afternoon shift,

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