Title- Habitat Biologist

Classification- Fish & Wildlife Biologist 3

Job Status- Full-Time/Permanent

WDFW Program- Habitat Program – Region 1
Duty Station- Walla Walla, Washington – Walla Walla County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Bridge over Tucannon River in fall – Photo Credit: WDFW

This is an opportunity to practice conservation by managing, protecting, and restoring ecosystems for the long-term benefit of people, and for fish, wildlife, and their habitats by embracing new knowledge and best available science to adaptively manage changing and complex conditions.

Be a central figure in the implementation of the Hydraulic Project Approval (HPA) permitting process, and review and comment on environmental documents including Forest Practices, Growth and Shoreline Management Acts, and State Environmental Policy Act/National Environmental Policy Act documents.

What to Expect-
 
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, this position will,
 
Serve as a habitat restoration and enhancement expert for priority habitat and ecosystem recovery projects within assigned coverage area.

• Serve as habitat restoration and enhancement projects lead for salmon recovery in the Tucannon Basin and throughout Columbia County. Assist in permitting, coordination of WDFW expertise, and ensuring consistency with WDFW strategic goals and objectives. Provide technical assistance to the public, governmental agencies, tribes, and other WDFW programs. Implement restoration projects as needed in coordination with partners.
• This position is partially funded to assist with the implementation of the Tucannon BPA Programmatic as managed by the Snake River Salmon Recovery Board (SRSRB). This is accomplished by serving as the WDFW lead for habitat restoration projects, providing technical assistance to our partners and by working on strategic direction of restoration on the Tucannon Watershed through cooperation and coordination with our partners (SRSRB, Columbia CD, Tribes, USFS, etc.).
• Participate in salmon recovery Lead Entity process within assigned area. Serve on technical committees, provide technical assistance, field review and rank SRFB funded projects.

• Review permit applications and conduct field reviews to provide project technical assistance to applicants. Recommend Best Management Practices; measures to avoid, reduce or eliminate impacts to fish life; and/or alternative project designs and/or techniques.
• Coordinate participation and discussion of project proposals with other agency personnel, including biologists, scientists, and environmental engineers, in assessing project compliance with agency policies and impacts to fish and wildlife habitat.

• Collaborate with state and federal forest management agencies when reviewing Forest Practice Applications (FPA’s) for impacts to fish and wildlife habitat.
• Provide provisions for the protection of fish life using the Forest Practice Hydraulic Permit (FPHP) Concurrence Review process.

• Foster open collaborative partnerships with City and County planners to incorporate best available science into land use ordinances.
• Provide written comments to local government planning staff during the land use decision-making process as part of the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), City/County Shoreline Management Plans, and Critical Area Ordinances.

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, wildlife, or habitat management or research.
 
Or
 
Two (2) years as a Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2.
 
Please Note:
Closely related qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-by-year basis.
A Master’s degree in the applicable science may be substituted for 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.
 
License: 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).
• Demonstrated organization and time management skills to optimize work efficiency.
• Become an engaged team member where collaboration and consensus are everyday practices.
• 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.
• Exhibit self-initiative in developing or upgrading knowledge and skills pertaining to work, and applying that new knowledge or skill in the work environment.

• 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 (3) professional references with current contact 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 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.