Title- Compliance Inspector 

Classification- Fish and Wildlife Biologist 3 

Job Status- Full-Time - Permanent 

WDFW Program- Habitat Program  

Duty Station- La Conner, Washington – Skagit County

Flexible/Hybrid- Approved for hybrid flexibility up to 3 days per week, at the discretion of the hiring manager

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

As our Compliance Inspector, you will contribute to the protection of fish life by ensuring that permitted and unpermitted construction projects are carried out in a manner that is compliant with Hydraulic Project Approval (HPA) permit provisions and the Hydraulic Code laws and rules.

Leverage your knowledge and expertise to conduct thorough on-site inspections, ensuring that all activities adhere to the requirements outlined within the Hydraulic Project Approval (HPA) permit.

Build strong partnerships and collaborate with regulatory agencies, Tribes, habitat biologists, fish biologists, environmental engineers, fish and wildlife officers and others engaged in the administration of state, federal, and local laws, and regulations.

What to Expect-

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Compliance Inspector will, 

Conduct compliance inspections to ensure hydraulic projects are constructed in a manner that protects fish life:

• Conduct on site inspections to ensure compliance with the requirements of the Hydraulic Project Approval permit. 
• Evaluate damage to fish resources for non-compliance with permit provisions.
• Provide education and technical assistance to project proponents to help them understand the measures necessary to protect fish life and remedy non-compliant conditions.
• Issue a Correction Request when non-compliance is minor or potential violations are observed. Inspect to ensure that corrections are made and recommend a range of increasingly strict enforcement tools if compliance is not obtained.

Complete administrative duties:

• Prepare administrative enforcement actions for more serious violations for a manager’s signature.
• Compile evidence and prepare necessary documents for legal process and action.
• Prepare violation and fish resource damage assessment reports for criminal enforcement actions. 
• Serve as an expert witness in Pollution Control Hearings Board and court proceedings.

Investigate complaints of nonpermitted and illegal work that affects fish life:

• Help fish and wildlife officers investigate complaints from the public, public agencies, or others.
• Assist with securing written statements and other material required to document unpermitted and illegal work and collaborate with the officers and management to determine appropriate enforcement tool.
• Work collaboratively with other regulatory agencies and Tribes to address impacts from non-compliant, nonpermitted, and illegal work.
• Refer intentional and serious violations to the Enforcement Program for criminal investigation.

Working Conditions: 

Work Setting, including hazards: 

• Work is performed in an office and outdoor environment.
• Office work includes reading, writing, phone, and computer use.
• Fieldwork includes working in busy construction sites.
• Must drive a vehicle to conduct field reviews of work sites.
• Work in remote forested and aquatic environments, conducting compliance surveys and other related tasks. These activities can consist of 8 – 10 hour days, for several days in a row.
• Walk over rough terrain for short distances (less than 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 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. however these hours are flexible to accommodate seasonal workload or additional duties as assigned by the supervisor. Flexible/hybrid options available. Approved for hybrid flexibility up to 3 days per week, at the discretion of the hiring manager
• Required to work occasional nights, weekend days and holidays as needed to meet job needs. This also can include travel for several days, primarily to training workshops.

Travel Requirements: In the field 70% of the time traveling throughout the region. Periods of overnight travel may be required.

Tools and Equipment: Survey equipment, GPS, clinometer, digital camera, video camera, computer, and state-assigned work vehicle.

Customer Interactions: Position has regular interactions with permittees, landowners, contractors, WDFW personnel, other local, state, and federal government personnel, consultants, contractors, private non-profit agency representatives, and tribal representatives.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications: 

A Bachelor's degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, environmental science, or related field.

     AND

Three (3) years of professional experience in fish management or research, wildlife management or research, habitat management or research, or a related field.

OR 

Two (2) years of experience as a Fish and Wildlife Biologist 2.

Competencies: 

• Exceptional writing skills.
• The ability to serve as both as a regulator and as a non-regulatory technical expert on regional fish issues.

Please Note: 

• Professional equivalent experience in land use code enforcement, fish management or research, wildlife management or research, or habitat management or research may substitute, year for year, for the education requirement.   
• A Master’s degree may substitute for one (1) year of the required experience. 
• A Ph.D. may substitute for two (2) years of the required experience.

Certifications/Licenses:

Valid Drivers License. 

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

A background check is required. 

Preferred Qualifications:

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

Demonstrated ability to: 

• Build rapport and partner with the public, tribes, and local, state, and federal governmental agencies regarding issues pertaining to fish and wildlife protection
• Work within the regulatory environment.
• Effectively communicate (one-on-one and participation in group discussions), independently analyze risks versus benefits in decisions and recommendations related to fish resources and habitat issues.
• Apply negotiation and conflict resolution skills.

Demonstrated skill in: 

• Writing and group presentations and the ability to present complex or controversial information in a way that is understandable and non-confrontational.
• Organization and time management to effectively prioritize workload and maximize efficiency.

Knowledge of: 

• The biology, life histories, and habitat requirements of fish species of Washington.
• Construction best management practices, basic engineering practices, and applicable State laws and regulations related to hydraulic projects.

Ability to: 

• Read and interpret construction plans and apply applicable rules and regulations. 
• Explain technical requirements to lay persons, meet and deal effectively with others. 
• Prepare clear and concise reports and explain applicable laws and regulations or hydraulic project approval provisions to the public.

Familiarity with:

• ArcGIS and Priority Habitats and Species mapping.

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 - 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 Elizabeth.Bullard@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 Elizabeth.Bullard@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2024-13507.

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