Title- Environmental Policy Lead - Avian Salmonid Predation 
Classification- Environmental Planner 5
Job Status- Full-Time/Non-Permanent
Appointment/Season Length- Eighteen (18) months - January 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026 
WDFW Program- Wildlife Program – Wildlife Diversity Division 
Duty Station- Olympia, Washington – Thurston County

This recruitment has been reopened to expand the candidate pool. The hiring manager reserves the right to close the posting at any time once a selection has been made. 

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

This position reports to the Marine-Coastal-Flyway Section Manager in the Wildlife Diversity Division, which also includes the technical lead for colonial piscivorous waterbirds. The role involves leading the development of comprehensive agency-wide strategic guidance on avian-salmonid conflict, working across various WDFW programs. Additionally, the position manages intergovernmental relationships with federal and state agencies, tribal governments, and stakeholder groups focused on the conservation and management of avian and salmonid species.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Avian salmonid predation policy lead will,

• Support the agency lead in discussions around avian predation of salmonids in the workgroup described in bill 2293 and serve as agency lead in other similarly focused workgroups.
• Lead synthesis report of workgroup activities.
• Build relationships with other agencies, organizations, tribes and others to more effectively develop and implement WDFW policies that will support salmonid recovery while also prioritizing conservation of avian species.
• Develop resource plan(s) to guide agency management of avian-salmonid conflict.
• Work with supervisor and other staff to identify needs and develop funding requests for refining best available science to address avian-salmonid conservation priorities.
• Participate as an active member of Wildlife Diversity Division.

Working Conditions: 

Work Setting, including hazards: Work is primarily performed in an office environment, partial telework options available, with periodic outdoor/field work during species- and habitat-specific field seasons.

Schedule: Typically, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Travel Requirements: Periodic – Limited statewide travel required.

Customer Interactions: Frequent effective information delivery for and negotiation with the public, project partners, local government officials, and special interest groups (e.g., conservation, fisheries).

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications: 

A Bachelor’s degree in a natural resources field and seven (7) years of professional experience managing natural resources.

Note: Closely related qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-by-year basis. 

Preferred Qualifications:

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

Master’s degree or above in Wildlife Biology, Fisheries Biology, or closely related field.

Knowledge of:

• Management issues around salmonid recovery and predation by native species.
• Advanced principles of comprehensive ecosystem management, including: the development, analysis, and implementation of policy.
• Negotiation and conflict transformation.
• State and federal laws and agencies pertaining to natural resources, ecology, and the management of fish and wildlife and their interactions; intra- and interagency negotiation and coordination.
• Political sensitivity of endangered species management and implications.

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 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

Veteran and Military Spouse Preference Notice: 

Per RCW 73.16.010 Veterans and spouses of active-duty military personnel 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 RecruitmentTeam@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 diana.humes@dfw.wa.gov and reference the job number in the subject line.

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