Title- Habitat Biologist
Classification- Fish and Wildlife Biologist 3
Job Status- Full-Time / Permanent
Number of Vacancies- Two (2)
WDFW Program- Habitat Program
*Duty Station- Multiple Locations

*Apply to one (1) or both locations by submitting one (1) application.

One (1) Position – Winthrop, Washington – Okanogan County
One (1) Position – Wenatchee, Washington – Chelan County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

As a senior-level Habitat Biologist, you will play a key role in conserving and managing fish, wildlife, and their habitats by providing expert technical assistance and overseeing the implementation of the Hydraulic Project Approval (HPA) permitting process.

With your knowledge and experience, you will review and comment on a variety of environmental documents related to Forest Practices, Growth and Shoreline Management Acts, and State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA)/National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documents. 

By applying best available science and adaptive management strategies, this position works to protect and restore ecosystems for long-term sustainability. Through cross-disciplinary collaboration and community partnerships, it integrates ecological, social, and economic perspectives to drive effective conservation efforts.

What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Habitat Biologist will,

Administer the Hydraulic Project Approval (HPA) Process:
In accordance with Chapter 77.55.RCW, 77.57.RCW, and Chapter 220-660-WAC (Hydraulic Code Rules).

• Review permit applications and conduct field reviews to provide technical assistance to applicants.
• Recommend Best Management Practices and mitigation measures to minimize or eliminate impacts on fish life, including alternative project designs and/or techniques.
• Coordinate project proposal reviews with agency personnel, including biologists, scientists, and environmental engineers, to ensure compliance with agency policies and assess impacts on fish and wildlife habitats.
• Issue, process, condition, or deny standard, expedited, and emergency HPAs in accordance with the Revised Code of Washington (RCW), Washington Administrative Code (WAC), agency policy, and procedures manual.
• Conduct project compliance and monitoring field reviews during and after construction.
• Assist WDFW Compliance Inspectors or Enforcement in identifying and resolving Hydraulic Code violations, including serving as an expert witness in court cases involving HPA non-compliance or appeals.

Review and Comment on County/City Critical Areas Ordinances and Shoreline Master Program Updates and Implementation Activities:
As authorized under the Growth Management Act (GMA) and Shoreline Management Act (SMA):

• Foster collaborative partnerships with City and County planners to incorporate best available science into land use ordinances.
• Provide written comments to local government planning staff on land use decisions under the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), City/County Shoreline Management Plans, and Critical Area Ordinances.
• Assist planners and the public in interpreting and applying Priority Habitats and Species (PHS) management recommendations and mapping.

Provide Biological Expertise to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for Forest Practice Activities:

• Collaborate with state and federal forest management agencies to review Forest Practice Applications (FPAs) for impacts to fish and wildlife habitats.

Serve as a Habitat Restoration and Enhancement Expert for Priority Habitat and Ecosystem Recovery Projects within Assigned Coverage Area:

• Lead habitat restoration and enhancement efforts, ensuring project alignment with WDFW’s strategic goals and objectives.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work Setting, including hazards:

• Work is performed both in an office and outdoor setting, percentage of office and field work vary seasonally and can reach as much as 80% field work during busy times of the year and less than 30% during other times of the year.
• Fieldwork involves regularly walking short distances (under 1 mile) over rough terrain or occasionally over long distances (several miles).
• Operate field equipment, such as GPS, maps, clinometer, range finder, compass, electroshocking, etc.
• Fieldwork includes safely operating vehicles in off-road driving conditions and conducting fish and wildlife surveys and related tasks in remote forested and aquatic environments, in inclement weather and rough terrain.
• 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 AM – 5:00 PM. May be required to work weekends, holidays or after hours for emergency permitting. Occasional evening meetings are also required.
• Often involves 8–10-hour days, sometimes for several consecutive days.
• Flexible work schedule is subject to supervisory approval.

Travel Requirements:
Overnight travel may be required. Work hours may extend beyond the standard workday.

Tools and Equipment:
Boots, GPS, clinometer, waders, rain gear, computer, phone, and state-assigned work vehicle.

Customer Interactions:

• Engage with agency staff, other government agencies, tribal representatives, private stakeholders, special interest groups, and the public.
• Keep management informed of controversial or politically sensitive issues in the region. Consult with supervisors and management before acting or representing the Department on sensitive matters to ensure WDFW management can guide decisions and responses. 

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 fish research, wildlife management or wildlife research, or habitat management or habitat research.

OR

Two (2) years as a Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2.

Please Note:

• A Master’s degree in the applicable science may be substituted one (1) year of the required experience.
• A Ph.D. in the applicable science may be substituted for two (2) years of the required experience.
• Closely related qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-by-year basis.

Certifications/Licenses:

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 Pacific Northwest.
• General understanding of regulatory processes, including the Hydraulic Code, Growth Management Act (GMA), State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), and Shoreline Management Act (SMA).
• Capacity and willingness to engage in crucial conversations with agency staff and stakeholders to execute the duties of this position.
• Provide leadership and ideas that continuously improve program processes and be adaptive to changes in the work environment.
• Ability to accept and participate in supervisory direction, including seeking and accepting constructive feedback on performance and making improvements.

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 Ashley.Lee@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 Ashley.Lee@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2025-01541.

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