Orca Recovery Specialist - Community Outreach & Environ Education Specialist 3 -Non-Perm- 2025-09045
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- Director’s 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.
Closing Date- 12/25/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!
This is an exciting opportunity to serve as WDFW’s 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 WDFW’s 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 public’s understanding of responsible boating near Southern Resident killer whales:
- Create or revise content for print and online advertising, social media targeting, video marketing, on-site signage, and other communications avenues to support community and stakeholder awareness and support.
- Develop and distribute brochures, rack cards, infographics, and video content to convey key messages.
- Manage invoicing related to development and production of the materials noted above.
- Collect multimedia and monitor media activity related to Southern Resident killer whale activity in Washington state.
Attend and present at community or educational events related to Orca recovery and boating:
- Attend events and other opportunities to educate the public about vessel regulations near orcas. This may include tabling at events or classroom activities, with or without partner organizations, or hosting presentations for a variety of audiences.
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:
Closely related qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor’s 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):
- Two (2) years providing community outreach or public-facing event support, including handling challenging or sensitive situations in a professional and respectful manner.
- Two (2) years in communications, environmental education, environmental sciences, marine biology, marketing, public affairs, or a closely related field.
Certifications/Licenses:
Valid Driver’s 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:
- Event or project management.
- Natural resources, fisheries, and outdoor recreation issues in Washington state.
Experience, Knowledge, and Abilities:
- Boating and familiarity with the waters and geography of Puget Sound and Washington coast.
- Understanding of photo and video management systems and software.
- Dual language/bilingual capabilities.
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 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: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents
Union - 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:
- Notify us of your veteran or military spouse status by email at danielle.gustafson@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: 2025-1234 – 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 danielle.gustafson@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2025-09045.