Wildlife Habitat Technician, Senior

Wildlife Habitat Technician, Senior 

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game is seeking a Wildlife Habitat Technician, Senior. This position will be located at our Pend Oreille WMA located near Sandpoint ID. This is a temporary position that is expected to work for up to 40 hours per week for a period not to exceed eight months. Employee housing available. Pets are not permitted.

Position Dates: 04/01/2026 - 11/7/2026

What We Offer:

• Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance · Participation in one of the Nation's best state retirement systems
• Generous vacation and sick leave accrual that begins as soon as you start
• Eleven paid holidays in a year
  • Eight weeks of Paid Parental Leave
• Multiple saving plans-optional 401k and 457 plans · Group Life Insurance/Disability Insurance/Supplemental Life Insurance - state provided basic life insurance coverage and affordable supplemental plans · Public Sector Student Loan Forgiveness (eligibility requirements may apply) Employee Assistance Program - confidential support, information, and resources for all of life's challenges · State and Department Wellness Programs
• Ongoing training opportunities

Supplemental Information:

Positions in this classification are used for habitat management areas, data management, wildlife management, or wildlife research. Some positions may travel to remote locations for data collection and maintenance activities and may require the physical ability to walk and backpack for several hours; operate four-wheel drive and/or off-road vehicles; lift and carry up to 65 pounds; and work in extreme weather conditions. Incumbents working on habitat projects may be working with herbicides and pesticides. Evening, weekend, and holiday work may be required. Travel may be required.

SPECIAL NOTIFICATION: This position is exempt from classified state service and the rules of the Division of Human Resources and the Idaho Personnel Commission. This job announcement will remain open until the position has been filled. Applications will be periodically reviewed as they are received. Applicants are encouraged to apply and submit their applications as soon as possible.

Responsibilities:

• Developing and maintaining habitat
  • Preparing soil; planting, cultivating, and irrigating to improve wildlife habitat
  • Utilizing herbicides and pesticides safely as part of integrated pest management (IPM)
• Basic facility maintenance and construction activities
  • Maintaining signage, fences, roads, dikes, buildings, and grounds
• Operating and maintaining tractors and farm implements; using hand tools and power equipment for maintenance and habitat management to include inspecting equipment to ensure proper working order.
• Documenting daily work and assisting with developing end-of-year reports
• Monitoring fleet use and ensuring the documentation of use and maintenance
• Managing wildlife, botanical, and habitat information.
  • Mapping plant and animal occurrences
  • Interpreting and entering plant and animal occurrence data into a database.
  • Mapping and documenting herbicide use

Minimum Qualifications: (These qualifications are required)

• Applicants must be able to work well in a team environment and independently as needed, take direction, and follow protocols effectively. Applicants must be well organized, detail oriented, self-motivated, responsible, and safety conscious.
• Good knowledge of wildlife ecology and habitat requirements, and habitat development practices and procedures.
• Experience recording, summarizing, and analyzing wildlife biological data.
• Must be at least 18 years of age and have a valid driver's license.

Minimum Qualifications Specialty: (These qualifications are required.)

• Some knowledge of supervisory practices.
• Experience operating and performing minor maintenance on equipment to include tractors, four-wheel drive trucks, off-road vehicles and/or motorized boats; using small hand and power tools.
• Good knowledge of plant identification

In addition to the minimum qualifications, the ideal candidate will have experience with fleet tracking software, GPS equipment, and hold (or can obtain within 60 days) an Idaho pesticide applicator’s license.

Additional consideration may be given at the time of the interview to candidates who have this experience. Please be sure to include any experience you have in these areas.

How to Apply

1. Applicants must first register with Idaho Department of Labor (Reference Job Number 2499830 at https://labor.idaho.gov.)
2. Complete an IDFG Application for Temporary Employment at https://idfg.idaho.gov/jobs/application-temporary
3. Submit a cover letter, a resume, three professional or academic references, and a completed IDFG Application for Temporary Employment via email (preferred) or by mail to:

Aaron Switalski – WMA Manager

Pend Oreille Wildlife Management Area

800 Trout Creek Rd.

Sandpoint ID, 83864

(208) 263-6334

aaron.switalski@idfg.idaho.gov

Additional Comments: EEO/Veteran’s Preference. If qualified applicants are found, this announcement may close before the listed date.

Why IDFG? We are a premier natural resource agency dedicated to preserving, protecting, perpetuating, and managing Idaho's fish and wildlife for this great state. We are committed to creativity, innovation, and excellence as we cultivate opportunities for our customers to engage with our natural resources and become resource stewards for future generations. We are highly dedicated to our mission, committed to our team, and we know how to balance work/life commitments while loving the work we do.

Thank you for applying with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game!