Working Title – Regional Habitat Program Manager

Classification – WMS Band 2

Job Status – Full-Time/Permanent 
WDFW Program – Habitat Program 

South Central – Region 3 – Kittitas, Yakima, Benton, Franklin, and Walla Walla Counties.
Duty Station – Yakima, Washington – Yakima County 

Remote Employment – This position may include telework options up to 2 days per week, at the discretion of the hiring manager.

Posting Timeframe –This recruitment is scheduled to be posted until August 14, 2025.  Application review is ongoing, submit your application materials as soon as possible, this recruitment may be closed at any time.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Photo Caption: Deadwood Lakes in Region 3 – Photo Credit: Joe Tucker 

As our Regional Habitat Program Manager (RHPM), you will lead, guide, and support a talented and diverse team of professionals, fostering an environment where they can succeed and thrive. 

This is an opportunity to oversee critical regional activities, including Forest Habitats, Aquatic Systems, Priority Habitat and Species, Growth and Shoreline Management, Regulatory Services, Renewable Energy, Salmon Recovery, Watershed Management, and overall program administration.

In this role, you’ll be responsible for developing long-range plans to protect fish and wildlife resources, advancing agency goals, and fostering collaborative relationships with a broad range of stakeholders.

This leadership position is essential to advancing habitat management initiatives and making a meaningful impact on regional conservation efforts.

What to Expect-

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Regional Habitat Program Manager will, 

• Plan, lead, organize and manage the work performed by the regional habitat team.
• Assure appropriate and optimum use of the unit’s resources and enhance the effectiveness of employees through timely appraisals and professional development opportunities.

• Coordinate with other governmental agencies and landowners to influence their land use decisions for the protection of fish and wildlife.
• Plan for and actively manage the budget allocated to the Region.  
• Coach and direct staff working in partnership with various county, state and federal fish and wildlife protection regulations and agreements to achieve protection and restoration needs consistent with statewide best practices.  
• Participate in the negotiations for developing mitigation agreements for unavoidable adverse impacts resulting from major development projects in the region.  
• Oversee the regional implementation of WDFW’s authority under: RCW 77.55, which includes issuance of Hydraulic Project Approvals.  Oversee implementation of WDFW authority under RCW 77.57 – fish passage, and approval of compliance actions under both statutes.  
• Develop long-range plans and set priorities within the region for the achievement of the Agency’s goals and objectives.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work Setting, including hazards: 75% of the time is spent in an office setting and attending meetings.  25% of the time is spent in the field, occasionally in adverse weather conditions, traveling throughout the region, and participating in evening meetings.

Schedule: Typically, Monday – Friday – 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 

Travel Requirements: Periods of overnight travel may be required, and work hours may exceed the standard workday.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications: 

AND

• Five (5) years of experience supervising professional staff.  
  • Supervisory experience must consist of progressive management experience with managerial skills for managing a group of professional staff.

Competencies: 

• Proven ability to manage programs, policies, and procedures.
• Demonstrated effective negotiation skills.
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
• Proven ability to clearly communicate with management, regulatory bodies, and employees.

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

Certifications/Licenses: 

Preferred Qualifications:

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

Experience: 

• Demonstrated ability to manage sensitive species habitat needs and impact assessment.
• Demonstrated proficiency in managing a complex budget.

Knowledge of: 

• State and federal statutes and administrative rules, including knowledge of the Hydraulic Code and Growth Management Act and their implementation in relation to protection of fish and wildlife resources.
• Principles of fresh water and terrestrial ecology and natural resource management. 
• Principles of stream dynamics and aquatic resource needs and impact analysis from development. 
• Technical knowledge of biology and life history of fish and wildlife species in Washington State.

Competencies: 

• Effectively analyze, develop, and manage program and contract budgets.
• Evaluate problems and develop recommendations to improve organizational and/or procedural efficiency.
• Interpret agency rules and regulations.
• Ability to maintain a positive attitude and create collaborative relationships with a high level of emotional intelligence.

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.

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 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 valerie.rogers@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: 2025-1234 – 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 valerie.rogers@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2025-05108.

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