Habitat and Access Branch Chief 2025

Job title: Habitat and Access Branch Chief 2025

Company: State of Wyoming

Job description: Description and FunctionsGENERAL DESCRIPTION:The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is seeking a Habitat and Access Branch Chief. This position is responsible for the administration and management of the Habitat & Access Branch which is responsible for commission owned and managed properties. This includes 48 Wildlife Habitat Management Areas (WHMAs) with over 500,000 acres, 203 Public Access Areas (PAAs) with over 100,000 acres, and maintenance of 21 elk feedgrounds and 8 regional offices.Human Resource Contact: Corey Johnson / corey.johnson@wyo.govESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The listed functions are illustrative only and are not intended to describe every function which may be performed at the job level.

• Reviews and approves wildlife habitat development projects, project requests and plans.
• Coordinates and communicates with department divisions, state or federal agencies, landowners and the public.
• Determines priorities and management direction of Habitat & Access Branch thru the regional supervisors who manage and supervise the development, repair, and maintenance of WGFD managed lands for wildlife habitat, infrastructure, recreation developments, and other improvements within a region and regional offices.
• Prepares and presents professional presentations for public meetings, federal, state, or local governments, and the Commission.
• Responsible for branch compliance of federal and state regulations, statutes, and NEPA requirements.
• Administration and management of branch operations, legal compliance, physical inventory on department lands/easements, branch equipment and assets.
• Administration and oversight of department cooperative agreements, contracts, statutory compliance, legal permitting for department managed lands and easements.
• Supervises, directs, counsels and trains subordinate supervisors and branch employees for management and maintenance of department managed lands, easements and terrestrial/aquatic habitat development and improvement projects.
• Performs performance appraisals and performance work plans.
• Develops, administers and manages in-service training, policy and procedures.
• Responsible for Federal DOT regulations, ADA and OSHA compliance.
• Responsible for the branch safety program, policy, procedures and training for employees and compliance and inspections statewide of crews.
• Review and approve grant applications for habitat projects
• Formulates, prepares, justifies, and administers annual M&O budget for Habitat and Access and 8 regional offices and Cheyenne Headquarters.
• Oversight of approximately $8,000,000 in 24 sub-budgets.
• Coordinate, design, plan, review, cost analyze, develop, implement and inspect improvements/repairs/maintenance projects for wetlands, irrigation systems, transportation facilities, public facilities, fences, etc. on department managed lands.
• Will also coordinate, design, plan, review, perform cost analysis, develop, implement and inspect terrestrial/aquatic wildlife habitat projects on department, federal, state and private lands.
• Prepares private sector bids and quotes for completion of projects as needed.
• Communication, coordination, cooperation, with all Department Divisions, state and federal agencies on branch operations, projects, and responsibilities to ensure wildlife habitat and public concerns are addressed.
• Member of multiple department teams

QualificationsPREFERENCES/**AGENCY REQUIREMENTS:**Agency requires that the successful applicant have a valid driver’s license.KNOWLEDGE:

• Knowledge of processes of State government, including legislative and administrative processes and the guiding principles and concepts underlying these processes.
• Knowledge of policies and procedures established for the work system, acquired on the job.
• Ability to manage, lead, supervise, direct, train, counsel and communicate with employees.
• Ability to work as a team player with other branches, divisions, and agencies.
• Ability to prioritize, organize, plan for and direct an entire work unit to meet department goals and objectives.
• Ability to evaluate employees’ qualities for training, promotions, motivation or counseling purposes.
• Ability to write and orally communicate effectively to a wide variety of audiences such as biologists, landowners, federal agencies, private sector contractors, vendors and other department personnel.
• Must have skills & ability to evaluate and problem solve for day-to-day operations and long-term goals and objectives.
• Skills in prioritizing, planning, organizing, coordinating and scheduling multiple crews and projects on a statewide basis.
• Knowledge of budgeting, state purchasing, contracting, procurement procedures, and department policies and procedures
• Knowledge of aquatic & terrestrial wildlife, its ecology, and habitat requirements.
• Knowledge of natural resource management, range management, wetland management and meadow management.
• Knowledge of engineering, construction, heavy equipment use, and construction procedures for working on the projects.
• Knowledge of federal rules and regulations on projects.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Education:Bachelor’s Degree (typically in Wildlife Management)Experience:3-5 years of progressive work experience (typically in Wildlife Management) with acquired knowledge at the level of a Game and Fish Manager I OREducation & Experience Substitution:6-8 years of progressive work experience (typically in Wildlife Management) with acquired knowledge at the level of a Game and Fish Manager Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
NoneNecessary Special RequirementsPHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Statewide travel is required
• Must be able to physically lift 50 lbs. or more, sometimes in adverse weather conditions.

NOTES:

• FLSA: Exempt
• Location is negotiable, however, Cheyenne HQ is the preferred work location, if the selected candidate is not located in Cheyenne, regular travel will be required.
• Successful applicants for employment must pass a background check prior to appointment.
• This position reports to the Services Division Deputy Chief, Wyoming Game and Fish Department.
• This position hires, promotes, disciplines, and terminates division personnel.
• Must apply using the State of Wyoming online application system to be considered.
• Submit a letter of interest to Ray Bredehoft, Services Division Deputy Chief at

(limit 2 pages).Supplemental InformationClick to view the State of Wyoming Classification and Pay Structure.URL:The State of Wyoming is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively supports the ADA and reasonably accommodates qualified applicants with disabilities.Class Specifications are subject to change, please refer to the A & I HRD Website to ensure that you have the most recent version.Working for the State of Wyoming provides employees with a range of valuable benefits and offers a fulfilling career path. Employees enjoy comprehensive healthcare coverage, including medical, dental, and vision plans, ensuring their well-being and that of their families. Additionally, the state offers multiple retirement plans, which provide financial security and stability for employees once their career in public services comes to an end. the state recognizes the importance of personal time and offers generous paid time off and flexible arrangements, allowing employees to recharge, take care of personal matters, and maintain a healthy work-life integration.There are many benefits to living and working in Wyoming. Beautiful country with wide-open spaces, clean air, great recreational activities, and no State income tax to mention a few!to learn more!

Expected salary: $8871.71 – 9857.45 per month

Location: Cheyenne, WY

Job date: Tue, 11 Mar 2025 05:02:55 GMT

Apply for the job now!