Orca Recovery Specialist Community Outreach & Environ Education Specialist 3 Non-Perm-

Description

Title- Orca Recovery Specialist

Classification- Community Outreach & Environmental Education Specialist 3

Job Status- Full-Time / Non-Permanent

Appointment Length- 5.5 Months January 16 2026 June 30 2026

WDFW Program- Directors Office Communications and Public Engagement

Duty Station- Olympia Washington Thurston County

Hybrid / Telework- A flexible hybrid schedule may be considered at the discretion of the hiring manager. However the successful candidate must be available to report to the Olympia WA duty station as needed.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW !

Photo Caption : Southern Resident Killer Whales (J Pod) near Cattle Point Lighthouse Photo Credit : Dante Aubert

This is an exciting opportunity to serve as WDFWs primary point of contact on orca-related communications for partner organizations and the community.

As the Orca Recovery Specialist you will independently plan develop and implement community outreach efforts supporting orca recovery and vessel regulations.

In this dynamic position your work will include teaching workshops attended by professional educators overseeing production and continued development of educational outreach materials for orca recovery and providing outreach at various in-person events festivals and conferences.

What to Expect-

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role the Orca Communications Specialist will

Support cross-coordination and collaboration between WDFW and partners around vessel regulations for Orcas :

• Develop and maintain talking points for WDFW and partners regarding vessel regulations near orcas.
• Serve as WDFWs primary communications contact for Be Whale Wise partnership engagement and messaging.
• Act as liaison for contracted work related to messaging vessel regulations around Southern Resident killer whales (SRKW) including an ambassador program.
• Collaborate with partners in the development of tools to identify SRKW on the water measuring distances on the water and identifying different types of orcas.
• Collaborate with partners including Canadian partners to support consistent branding and messaging around orca vessel regulations and Be Whale Wise practices in Washington state.

Plan prioritize develop and implement communications and public engagement to enhance the publics understanding of responsible boating near Southern Resident killer whales :

Attend and present at community or educational events related to Orca recovery and boating :

Working Conditions :

Work Setting including hazards : Work is performed primarily in an office environment with frequent transitions to outdoor settings for community events educational activities and outreach programs. Outdoor field work may involve exposure to inclement weather and occasional walking on uneven terrain or navigating crowded event spaces. May require lifting carrying and transporting outreach materials display items and tabling supplies (weighing up to 40 pounds) during event setup and takedown. This position may involve working in or near water including tasks that require navigating negotiating and performing duties related to water environments.

Schedule : Typically Monday Friday 8 : 00 A.M. 5 : 00 P.M. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required. Alternative schedules may be considered based on business needs including attending public events during the spring and summer.

Travel Requirements : Regular in-state travel within the assigned region primarily throughout the Puget Sound area and the San Juan Islands. Travel may include day trips ferry travel and occasional overnight stays depending on event schedules.

Customer Interactions : Extensive interaction with the public including community members partner organizations educators and event participants. Duties include staffing outreach tables facilitating workshops or presentations answering questions and providing educational information in a professional and approachable manner.

Qualifications :

Required Qualifications :

Bachelors degree in communications public affairs biology zoology marine science fisheries or closely related field.

AND all of the following professional experience (may be gained concurrently) :

Certifications / Licenses :

Valid Drivers License

Preferred Qualifications :

In addition to the required qualifications our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following :

One (1) year or more of professional experience in :

Experience Knowledge and Abilities :

Your application should include the following :

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 : - WFSE :

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement between the State of Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). This recruitment may be used to fill positions in addition to those listed.

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 :

Please redact any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers.

Diversity Equity and Inclusion Employer

As part of WDFWs 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 or email or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at .

Technical Difficulties : If you are having technical difficulties creating accessing or completing your application please call NEOGOV toll-free at or .

Other questions : If you have other questions regarding this position please reach out to and reference job #.

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Required Experience :

IC

Key Skills

Sales Experience,Crane,Customer Service,Communication skills,Heavy Equipment Operation,Microsoft Word,Case Management,OSHA,Team Management,Catheterization,Microsoft Outlook Calendar,EHS

Employment Type : Full-Time

Experience : years

Vacancy : 1

Monthly Salary Salary : 4428 - 5956