Salary: $5,241.00 - $7,043.00 Monthly
Location : Walla Walla County - Walla Walla, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2024-08698
Department: Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
Opening Date: 10/30/2024
Closing Date: 11/20/2024 11:59 PM Pacific
DescriptionTitle- 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.
In this dynamic role, you will work across disciplines to solve problems and work collaboratively with our conservation and community partners, integrating ecological, social, economic, and institutional perspectives into our decision making.
Duties 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.
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.
- 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.
Provide biological expertise to the Department of Natural Resources for Forest Practice activities.- 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.
Provide review and comment on County/City Critical Areas Ordinances and Shoreline Master Plan updates, as authorized under the Growth Management Act (GMA) and Shoreline Management Act (SMA).- 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.
Working Conditions:Field work: Field work can vary throughout the year, reaching 80% during busy times of the year and 30% during other times of the year.
Schedule: Typically, Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. May be required to work on weekends, holidays, or after standard hours. Periods of overnight travel may be required.
Qualifications 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.
Your application should include the following:- 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.
Supplemental Information In addition to and other , there are other 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:
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.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion EmployerAs 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
Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to and reference job #2024-08698.
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More than Just a Paycheck!Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits:The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance BenefitsEmployees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement and Deferred CompensationState Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social SecurityAll state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan ForgivenessIf you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave)Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for
exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military LeaveWashington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional LeaveLeave Sharing
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 12-31-2022
01
Do you have a valid driver's license? Write "Yes" if you possess a valid driver's license, or write "No" if you do not possess a valid driver's license.
02
Please select the option below that best describes the highest level of education you have completed.
- High School Diploma/GED.
- Some College.
- Vocational Degree or Certificate.
- Associate's Degree.
- Bachelor's Degree.
- Master's Degree.
- Ph.D.
- None of the above.
03
What is your major area of study? If you possess multiple degrees, please list each degree and major. (If this does not apply to you, please put N/A.) This includes both vocational and college education.
04
Select the option below that best describes your experience as a Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2, or your professional experience in fish, wildlife, or habitat management or research.
- I do not have this experience.
- I have less than 1 year of this experience.
- I have between 1 year and 2 years of this experience.
- I have between 2 years and 3 years of this experience.
- I have between 3 years and 4 years of this experience.
- I have between 4 years and 5 years of this experience.
- I have between 5 years and 6 years of this experience.
- I have between 6 years and 7 years of this experience.
- I have 7 years or more of this experience.
05
Please briefly list where you gained your experience as a Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2 or your professional experience in fish, wildlife, or habitat management or research. Your answer should be reflected in the work history section of your application. If you do not have this experience, enter "N/A" in the box below. Do not write "See application/resume/cover letter" as those are not valid responses.
06
Select the regulatory processes in which you possess a general understanding. Select all that apply.
- Hydraulic Code.
- Growth Management Act (GMA).
- State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA).
- Shoreline Management Act (SMA).
- None of the above.
07
Do you possess knowledge of ecological processes pertinent to the Pacific Northwest?
08
Do you have work experience reviewing Hydraulic Project Approval permit applications?
09
Do you have work experience serving as habitat restoration and enhancement projects lead for assigned coverage area?
10
How did you hear about this job posting? (Select all that apply).
- American Fisheries Society (AFS)
- Careers.wa.gov
- Community Based Organization
- Community/Technical College
- Conservation Job Board
- El Informador
- Facebook
- Four W's Fishing Team, LLC - Willard Franklin III, LinkedIn
- Handshake
- Hiring Event/Workshop
- Indeed.com
- Job Board
- Job Fair
- LinkedIn
- Newspaper
- Other
- Other State Agency
- Other Website
- Professional Association
- Society of American Foresters (SAF)
- Texas A&M
- Twitter
- University Job Board
- UW College of the Environment
- WDFW Employee
- WDFW Recruiter
- WDFW Website
- Word of Mouth
- WorkSource
11
Tell us more - kindly share which website, organization, person, or other source led you to this job posting.
12
Are you currently a permanent employee of the Department of Fish and Wildlife? ("Permanent employee" means an employee who has attained permanent status in a job classification upon successful completion of a probationary, trial service, or transition review period; this would include "Seasonal Career" appointments).
Required Question
