Habitat Biologist - Fish & Wildlife Biologist 3 - Permanent - 2026-05396

Description

This position provides internal and external technical assistance in their assigned area to support organizational efforts for healthy, diverse, and sustainable fish and wildlife populations and their habitat.

With your experience, you will review and comment on a variety of environmental documents.

• Administer the Hydraulic Project Approval 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 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.
• Cook up to 80% field work during busy times of the year, including navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.
• Work in an office and outdoor environment, encountering adverse weather and sea conditions, noise, odors, repetitive movements of hands, finger manipulations, long periods of sitting, squatting, walking, boating, climbing in and out of boats, carrying, kneeling, heavy lifting (up to 40 lbs. unassisted), standing in confined spaces, slippery surfaces, biting and stinging insects, use of knives, may transport agency staff and equipment in agency vehicles.

Qualifications

• Required Qualifications:
  • Option 1: Two years as a Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2.
  • Option 2: A Bachelor's Degree in fish management or fish research, wildlife management or wildlife research, or habitat management or habitat research. (Closely related qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-by-year basis. A Master’s Degree in applicable science will substitute for one (1) year of required experience. A Doctorate degree in applicable science will substitute two (2) years of required experience.)
  • And Three (3) years of professional experience in fish, wildlife, or habitat management or research.
  • A Valid driver’s license.
• Preferred Qualifications:
  • Knowledge of ecological processes pertinent to the Pacific Northwest.
  • A 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.

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

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 Cheri.Potter@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...