Wildlife Ecology Program Coordinator

Job Description:

Wildlife Ecology Program Coordinator

Description

OVERVIEW

Kitsap County is seeking an experienced Wildlife Ecology Program Coordinator to fill a critical role in conserving wildlife and habitats within our park system.

This position offers an outstanding opportunity to build your career in natural resource management while making a lasting impact on the preservation of biodiversity and ecological health in our community. This role offers the perfect blend of fieldwork, planning coordination, collaboration and public engagement for a wildlife professional ready to take the next step in their career.

As the Wildlife Ecology Program Coordinator, you will:

• Coordinate wildlife conservation and habitat management programs across County Parks, ensuring compliance with complex environmental regulations and policies.
• Drive ecological restoration projects - Coordinating and tracking scope, budgets, timelines, and quality assurance for multi-disciplinary initiatives.
• Serve as a technical resource, providing resources and consultation to staff, volunteers, and partner organizations on wildlife biology and conservation practices.
• Navigate regulatory processes, securing permits and ensuring compliance with state and federal agencies.
• Public outreach efforts, recruiting and training volunteers, delivering educational presentations, and representing the County at public meetings and stakeholder engagements.
• Collaborate with diverse teams, including County staff, contractors, and community partners, to achieve conservation outcomes that protect and enhance natural resources.

What you bring:
Educational Excellence:

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Environmental Science, Wildlife Ecology, Zoology, Natural Resource Management, or a closely related field from an accredited institution.
  (Relevant work experience may substitute for educational requirements.)

Technical/Industry Background:

• Minimum 1 year of progressively responsible experience in wildlife ecology or natural resource management (required).

• Deep understanding of wildlife biology, conservation practices, and environmental regulations, with the ability to apply this knowledge to real-world challenges.

• Strong ability to communicate technical concepts clearly, both in writing and through public presentations.
• Skilled at building partnerships and serving as a liaison with agencies, community groups, and elected officials.

Additional Preferred Qualifications:

• 3 years of experience conducting or managing wildlife ecology programs.

• Experience working with volunteers, community members, and stakeholders to foster collaboration and engagement.

• Knowledge and practical use of GIS and ArcGIS software for habitat analysis and planning.
• Experience working in government agencies, public sector roles, or parks and recreation departments.

• Proven ability to coordinate complex projects, budgets, and collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams toward successful outcomes.

Equivalency: Relevant work experience demonstrating required knowledge, skills, and abilities may substitute for educational requirements. Work experience is essential and cannot be replaced by additional education.

For the complete job description: https://www.kitsap.gov/hr/JobClassifications/Wildlife%20Ecology%20Coordinator.pdf
For more information about the Parks Department: Kitsap County Parks Department

OTHER POSITION RELATED INFORMATION

• Who May Apply: This position is open to the general public. Applications will be screened for qualifications and completion of all the required materials and forms. The most competitive applicants may be contacted for further steps in the selection process, which may include testing for office and computer skills.
• This position is classified as exempt from overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
• Non-represented and covered under the Kitsap County Personnel Manual.

Prior to employment, the successful candidate must:

• Submit official transcripts from an accredited college or university or business school, if education is being used to meet the minimum qualifications.
• Pass all job-related examinations/tests necessary to demonstrate required knowledge, skills and abilities, as determined by the hiring authority at time of job posting.
• Authorize and complete a criminal background check. Information received is reviewed on a case-by-case basis and will not necessarily remove a candidate from consideration.

Driving Requirements

The successful incumbent must meet the driving requirements of this position and submit a copy a current driving record/abstract (from state of residency) to review for eligibility to drive for Kitsap County prior to employment. The successful incumbent must obtain a valid Washington State Driver’s License prior to hire and maintain a satisfactory driving record as outlined in the Kitsap County Vehicle Use Policy. This position is categorized as:
Category 1: Driver operates County-owned vehicle. Category 2: Driver operates a personal vehicle as an essential function for official County business.
Within twelve months of appointment, the successful candidate must:

• Obtain and maintain a CPR and First Aid

• Kitsap County is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please contact our Human Resources Office.
• This posting may be used to fill future openings.
• Only authorized employees and hiring authorities have access to the application materials submitted. Per RCW 42.56.250, all applications for public employment, including the names of applicants, resumes, and other related materials submitted with respect to an applicant are exempt from public inspection.

At Kitsap County, we strive to take care of our team! Our employees are the greatest asset of Kitsap County, and we take pride in offering a highly competitive compensation and benefits package to all eligible employees.

County Paid Benefits Include:
Medical - Kaiser Permanente (HMO) or Aetna (PPO)
Dental - Delta Dental or Willamette
Vision - VSP
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
Life Insurance - Basic, Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D), Voluntary Term Life Insurance (VTL)
Disability - Short-term disability & Long-term disability
Voya Voluntary Insurance
Transportation incentives
Employee Assistance Program
Travel Assistance Program
Wellness program
Benefits become effective on the first calendar day of the month following the month in which the employee is hired except if the employee's hire date is the first calendar day of the month, benefits begin on the day of hire. More information about employee benefits is available on the county's website at: https://spf.kitsapgov.com/hr/Pages/Benefits.aspx or the Kitsap County Digital Benefits Guide .

*Voluntary benefit options also available at the employee's expense

Retirement:
Employees are covered under the PERS retirement plan provided through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and Social Security.

Deferred Compensation (IRS Plan 457b): tax-deferred savings program

Holidays
11 paid holidays and 2 additional floating holiday per year. One additional floating holiday after 10 years of service.

Vacation Leave
New employees are credited with 48 hours of annual leave upon hire and will be begin accruing at the rate of 8 hours per month starting on their 7th month of employment. Employees may carry over 360 hours from one calendar year to the next. Annual leave accrual will increase upon tenure, as follows:

Upon completion of 2 years: 15 days per year (10.00 hours per month)
Upon completion of 5 years: 20 days per year (13.33 hours per month)
Upon completion of 10 years: 25 days per year (16.67 hours per month)

Sick Leave
All new hires will be credited with 48 hours of sick leave upon hire and will begin accruing at the rate of 8 hours per month starting on their 7th month of employment. Employees may carry over 1200 hours from one calendar year to the next.

***Part-time employees benefit contributions and leave accruals will be prorated***

Current County Employees
If you are transferring or promoting into this position you are responsible for reviewing these benefit changes; prior to accepting a position. In addition, it is your responsibility to notify the Auditor's Payroll Division of a change in union status.

NOTE: This is a general overview of the benefits offered through employment with Kitsap County, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts or is incorrect with the provisions of the Personnel Manual, applicable laws, policies, rules or official plan documents they will prevail. The Personnel Manual is available at: https://www.kitsapgov.com/hr/Pages/Personnel-Manual-2019.aspx

Closing Date/Time: 1/19/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$73,604.03 - $94,163.34 Annually