For more information, please follow this link: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/3574974/fish-wildlife-biologist-2-area-habitat-biologist-permanent-07913-22

Salary– $3,987.00 – $5,229.00 Monthly

Our Area Habitat Biologist,

  • Reviews and issues low risk HPA’s in accordance with the Revised Code of Washington, Washington Administrative Code, agency policy, and procedures manual.
  • Reviews permit applications and conducts field reviews to provide project assistance to applicants. Recommends alternative project designs and/or techniques, BMP’s, and measures to avoid, reduce or eliminate impacts to fish life.
  • Assists Enforcement and/or the Civil Compliance Program Inspectors in identification and resolution of Hydraulic Code violations including serving as an expert witness in court cases involving non-compliance of HPAs or appeals.
  • Participates in Water Type Modification Interdisciplinary teams, applying advice on fish habitat conditions.
  • Provides written comments to local government planning staff during the land use decision-making process as part of the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA).
  • Fosters open collaborative partnerships with City and County planners to incorporate best available science into decision-making.
  • Assists City and County planners and the public in using and interpreting Priority Habitats and Species (PHS) mapping.
  • Provides review and comment to local jurisdictions on Habitat Management Plans for small and medium-scale projects in accordance with local Critical Areas Ordinances.
  • Coordinates with the local jurisdiction to assist landowners to comply with local land use ordinances.
  • Provides technical assistance to restoration groups, governmental agencies, tribes, and other WDFW programs.
  • Provides information on fish life histories and habitat requirements, terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem functions, and promotes conservation of fish and wildlife resources to stakeholders.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

  • Work Setting, including hazards:
    1. Work is performed in an office and outdoor environment.
    2. Office work includes reading, writing, phone, and computer use.
    3. Fieldwork requires knowledge of operation of field equipment (GPS, maps, clinometer, range finder, compass, etc). Work is often in remote locations and during inclement weather.
    4. Physical, environmental, or mental demands of key work:
      • Must be able to hold a valid driver’s license and operate vehicle in off-road driving conditions.
      • Physical capacity to 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).
  • Schedule:
    1. Generally, 8 hours/day, 40 hours per week, Monday thru Friday, 8 AM – 5 PM. These hours are flexible to accommodate seasonal workload or additional duties as assigned by the regional program manager.
    2. Employee may be called out on weekends, holidays, or after hours for emergency permitting of flood related, or other emergency projects.
  • Travel Requirements:
    1. Office and fieldwork percentages vary throughout the year. The spring/summer construction season generally requires greater fieldwork that can exceed 50 percent.
    2. Periods of overnight travel may be required, and work hours may exceed the standard 8 AM to 5 PM workday.
    3. Periodic statewide or regional travel, overnight trips, and occasional attendance at evening meetings is required.
  • Tools and Equipment:
    1. Standard field gear including hiking boots, GPS, clinometer, waders, rain gear, computers, tablets/smart phone, and state-assigned work vehicle.
  • Customer Interactions:
    1. Agency staff, other government agencies, tribal, private stakeholders, and the public.

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

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

 

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

AND

  • One (1) year of professional experience in fish management or fish research, wildlife management or wildlife research, or habitat management or habitat research.

OR 

  • One (1) year as a Fish & Wildlife Biologist 1.

Please note:

  • A Master’s Degree or a Ph.D. in the applicable science will substitute for one year of the required experience.

License:

  • Valid driver’s license.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

  • Demonstrated ability to build professional rapport and partner with the public, tribes, and local, state, and federal agencies.
  • Proficient knowledge of the biology of native Washington fish especially salmon species.
  • Knowledge of ecological processes pertinent to the Northwest.
  • Knowledge of the theory and practice of aquatic restoration implementation and mitigation.
  • General understanding of regulatory processes, including the Hydraulic Code, Growth Management Act (GMA), State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), and Shoreline Management Act (SMA).
  • Demonstrated organization and time management skills to optimize work efficiency.
  • Ability and willingness to convey hard information to members of the public in a manner that maintains a positive working relationship.
  • Ability to keep the “big picture” in mind at all times through pragmatic implementation of environmental regulations.
  • Excellent self-awareness of your emotions and personality, to productively communicate with a variety of customers.
  • Ability to accept supervisory direction, including seeking and accepting constructive feedback on performance and making efforts to improve as needed.
  • Exhibit self-initiative in developing or upgrading knowledge and skills and applying that new knowledge or skill in the work environment.

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT: 

As a result of Gov. Jay Inslee’s Proclamation 21-14 (Download PDF reader) issued on August 9, 2021, all Washington State Agencies are requiring employees to be fully vaccinated with the COVID-19 vaccine as a condition of your employment. Pursuant to this mandate, you will be required to provide proof of vaccination as a part of the hiring process. Please do not upload your vaccination documentation with your application materials – your vaccination status will be verified by your supervisor prior to your first day of work. Exemptions may be granted for religious or medical purposes.

A list of acceptable documents to provide verification can be reviewed here: Vaccination acceptable documents link (Download PDF reader) (Download PDF reader)

Supplemental Information

Please note: Failure to follow the instructions below may lead to disqualification.

 

In order to successfully apply for this position, you MUST complete your profile at www.careers.wa.gov and attach the following to your profile before completing the online application:

  • A cover letter describing how you meet the qualifications of this position (Generic cover letter will not be accepted).
  • A current resume. 
  • Three professional references.