Working Title- Assistant Habitat Biologist

Classification- Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2

Job Status- Full-Time/Permanent

WDFW Program- Habitat Program – Region 1

Duty Station- *Spokane Valley, Washington – Spokane County

* Although this is a hybrid opportunity, the successful incumbent must reside within the State of Washington and must be available to report to the duty station located in Spokane Valley, Washington as needed.  The selected candidate may be able to telework/work remotely up to 2 days per week at the discretion of the supervisor.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Embrace this role to practice conservation by managing, protecting, and restoring ecosystems for the long-term benefit of people, and for fish, wildlife, and their habitats by embracing new knowledge and best science to adaptively manage changing and complex conditions

In this dynamic role, you will assist regional Fish and Wildlife Biologist 3’s with the review of plans, permits and actions permitted by the Washington Dept. of Natural Resources, and other agencies involved in forest management activities. Promote a strong sense of collaboration and teamwork.

We are seeking a candidate to work across disciplines to solve problems and work collaboratively with our conservation and community partners, integrating ecological, social, economic and institutional perspectives into our decision-making.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, this position will:

Help administer the Hydraulic Project Approval process in accordance with Chapter 77.55.RCW, 77.57.RCW, and Chapter 220-110-WAC (Hydraulic Code Rules).

• Review and issue low complexity HPA’s in accordance with the Revised Code of Washington, Washington Administrative Code, agency policy, and procedures manual.
• Develop effective working relationships with emphasis on clear communication and a cooperative approach to resolving issues related to fish habitat conservation.
• Review permit applications and conduct field reviews to provide project assistance to applicants. Recommend alternative project designs and/or techniques, BMP’s, and measures to avoid, reduce or eliminate impacts to fish life.
• Conduct construction site inspections during and after construction.

Assist Habitat Biologists with providing technical assistance to local governments implementing their fish and wildlife regulations under the Growth Management Act (GMA) and Shoreline Management Act (SMA).

• Provide assistance with writing comments to local government planning staff during the land use decision-making process as part of the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA).
• Foster open collaborative partnerships with City and County planners to incorporate best available science into decision-making.
• Assist City and County planners and the public in using and interpreting Priority Habitats and Species (PHS) mapping.
• Provide review and comment to local jurisdictions on Habitat Management Plans for small and medium-scale projects in accordance with local Critical Areas Ordinances.
• Coordinate with the local jurisdiction to assist landowners to comply with local land use ordinances.

Assist Habitat Biologists working on Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Forest Practices reviews.

• Provide assistance with DNR Concurrence Reviews for impacts to fish habitat.
• Provide assistance in Water Type Modification Interdisciplinary teams, applying advice on fish habitat conditions.

Assist Habitat Biologists with providing technical assistance for salmon recovery projects.

• Provide information on fish life histories and habitat requirements, terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem functions, and promote conservation of fish and wildlife resources to stakeholders.
• Provide technical assistance to restoration groups, governmental agencies, tribes, and other WDFW programs.

Working Conditions:

Work setting: Work is performed in an office and outdoors in all weather conditions.  Will work in remote forested and aquatic environments, conducting fish surveys and other related tasks.  These activities can consist of 8-to-10-hour days, for several days in a row.   Capable of walking over rough terrain for short distances (= 1 mile) regularly or occasionally over long distances (several miles). Must be able to negotiate water in emergency situations.

Schedule: Typically, Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.  These hours are flexible to accommodate seasonal workload or additional duties as assigned by the regional program manager.  Work hours may exceed the standard workday.  Incumbent may request and work a flexible work schedule, subject to supervisory approval.  Willingness and ability to work extended hours as necessary to complete assignments.

Travel requirements:  In the field 25-50% time doing project site visits or traveling to meetings throughout the state.  Periods of overnight travel may be required.  May include extended travel and evening or overnight trips.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Qualifications:

A Bachelor’s Degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science.

And

One (1) year of professional experience in a natural resource agency working with diverse stakeholder groups to achieve conservation goals, or general experience working in management or research of fish, wildlife, or habitat.

Or

One (1) year as a Fish and Wildlife Biologist 1.

Please note:  Closely related qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-by-year basis.  A Master’s degree in the applicable science will substitute for the required experience.

License:  Valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications:

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

• Knowledge of ecological processes pertinent to the Northwest including natural history of Washington Salmonids.
• Experience with regulatory processes in Washington. Experience or awareness of the Hydraulic Code, Growth Management Act (GMA), State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), and Shoreline Management Act (SMA) preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to build professional rapport and partnerships with the public, colleagues, tribes, and local, state, and federal agencies.

Your application should include the following:

• A completed online application.
• An up-to-date resume (chronological preferred) showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
• A cover letter detailing your interest in the position, your relevant skills and experience, and why you are the ideal candidate.
• At least three (3) 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 - WAFWP:

This position is in the bargaining unit represented by the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Professionals and is subject to the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the State of Washington, Department of Fish & Wildlife, and the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Professionals.

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 Cheri.Potter@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: 2024-1234 – 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 Cheri.Potter@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2024-13664.

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