Title- Hydraulic Permit Specialist 
Classification- Environmental Specialist 3
Job Status- Full-Time - Permanent 
WDFW Program- Habitat Program - Division 
Duty Station- Olympia, Washington – Thurston County
Hybrid/Telework- Although this is a hybrid opportunity, the successful incumbent must reside within the State of Washington and must be available to report to the Olympia, Washington headquarters building as needed. Approved for hybrid flexibility up to 2 days as week, at the discretion of the hiring manager. 

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

This is an opportunity to support fish conservation through providing statewide technical support and enhancing the efficiency of the Hydraulic Project Approval (HPA) permitting process.

Envision yourself serving as a key expert in the Aquatic Protection Permitting System (APPS), supporting the Hydraulic Project Approval (HPA) permitting process by ensuring the completeness and compliance of applications.

What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Hydraulic Permit Specialist will, 

Review, evaluate, and process HPA application materials for accuracy and administrative statutory completeness:

• Determine whether HPA application materials submitted by applicants are in accordance with the applicable statutes, rules, agency policies, and guidance. 
• Assign complete applications to the appropriate Habitat Biologist for final permit review, conditioning, and issuance or denial. 
• Correspond with applicants via email, surface mail, and phone regarding incomplete or inadequate applications submitted.

Provide internal and external customer service and training in the Department’s HPA permitting system (APPS), including the development and update of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): 

• Timely response to requests for assistance in using the Department’s HPA permitting system (APPS) by phone calls, emails, and personal contact. 
• Assist supervisor and permit system development team with the development of program guidance, manuals, and help tools.
• Develop manuals and provide training and assistance to Department staff on the use of APPS and methods for application processing, as needed.
• Assist with the development of APPS procedures and guidance, as needed. 

Develop a complete understanding of the permit application process from start to project completion and consider/propose methods for constant improvement:

• Accompany Habitat Biologists and other staff associated with HPA processing as they perform pre-construction site visits. Discuss project plans and specifications, permit provisions and cause/effect relationships of the proposed work, and conduct post-project site visits. 

Working Conditions: 

Work setting, including hazards: 

• Work is performed mostly indoors in an office environment but occasionally includes work outdoors to review project sites before, during, and after construction. 
• May require some minimal lifting of up to 20 pounds occasionally in an office setting. 
• Field work may include exposure to inclement weather, and walking on steep, uneven terrain along rivers, streams, and marine shorelines. 
• Must be able to negotiate water in emergency situations.

Schedule: Standard business hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M., however may need to adjust the work schedule to meet business needs. The department will consider a flexible work schedule at the incumbent’s request however, this is subject to the supervisor’s approval.

Travel Requirements: Some travel may be required to meet with regional staff, conduct other business, or attend training.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications: 

Option 1: Bachelor's degree involving a major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences, environmental planning, or other allied field AND two (2) years of professional-level experience in environmental analysis, control, planning or another allied field.

Option 2: A Masters degree involving a major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences, environmental planning, or other allied field AND one (1) year of professional-level experience in environmental analysis, control, planning or another allied field.

Option 3: A Ph.D. involving a major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences, environmental planning, or other allied field.

Option 4: One (1) year of experience as an Environmental Specialist 2.

Please Note: 

• Additional qualifying experience may substitute, year for year, for education. 

Certifications/Licenses:
Valid Driver’s License

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

• Functional knowledge of fish species, fish habitat management, and the requirements of the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) as they pertain to the Hydraulic Code.
• Functional proficiency in the use of common computer functions and programs like Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Ability to accurately and timely enter information into log sheets and database forms.
• Proficiency in using standard office equipment including computers, digital scanners, photocopiers, printers, and fax.
• Ability to build rapport with WDFW staff, the public, Tribes, and local, state, and federal government agencies regarding issues pertaining to fish and wildlife protection.

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 #2024-14075.

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