You are viewing a preview of this job. Log in or register to view more details about this job. Habitat Biologist - Fish and Wildlife Biologist 3 - Permanent - 12321-24 Classification- Fish and Wildlife Biologist 3 Job Status- Full-Time/Permanent WDFW Program- Habitat Program Duty Station- Wenatchee, Washington – Chelan County As a senior-level Biologist, you will be dedicated to implementing the Hydraulic Project Approval (HPA) permitting process and reviewing and commenting on environmental documents including local government land use permits, DNR Forest Practice Applications, and State Environmental Policy Act/National Environmental Policy Act documents. You will also provide valuable technical assistance, supporting the organization's mission to foster healthy, diverse fish and wildlife populations and their habitats. What to Expect- Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Habitat Biologist will: Administer the Hydraulic Project Approval process in accordance with Chapter Hydraulic Code Rules (77.55.RCW, 77.57.RCW, and Chapter 220-660-WAC): Review permit applications and conduct field assessments to provide technical assistance to applicants. Recommend Best Management Practices (BMPs), mitigation measures to avoid, reduce, or eliminate impacts on fish habitats, and suggest alternative project designs or techniques as needed. 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. Issue, process, condition, or deny standard, expedited, and emergency HPA’s in accordance with the Revised Code of Washington, Washington Administrative Code, agency policy, and procedures manual. Conduct project compliance and monitoring field review during and after construction. Review and provide feedback on County and City Critical Areas Ordinances, Comprehensive Plan updates, Shoreline Master Program updates, and implementation activities, in accordance with 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, Growth Management Comprehensive Plans, and Critical Area Ordinances. Assist City and County planners and the public in using and interpreting Priority Habitats and Species (PHS) management recommendations and mapping. Provide review and comment to local jurisdictions on Habitat Management Plans in accordance with local Critical Areas Ordinances. Coordinate with the local jurisdiction to assist landowners to comply with local land use ordinances. 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. Serve as a habitat restoration and enhancement expert for priority habitat and ecosystem recovery projects within assigned coverage area: Provide information on fish life histories and habitat requirements, terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem functions and values, and promote conservation of fish and wildlife resources to stakeholders. Working Conditions: Work is performed in an office and outdoor environment. Will operate vehicles in off-road driving conditions. Work in remote forested and aquatic environments, conducting fish and wildlife surveys and other related tasks. These activities may consist of 8 -10 hour days, for several days in a row and during inclement weather and rough terrain. Must be able to negotiate water in emergency situations. Will walk over rough terrain for short distances (less than 1 mile) regularly or occasionally over long distances (several miles). Schedule: Typically, Monday – Friday 8:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. May be called out on weekends, holidays, or other after hours for emergency permitting. Occasional evening meetings are also required. Percentages of office and field work vary seasonally and can reach as much as 80% field work during busy times of the year and less than 30% during other times of the year. Incumbent may work a flexible work schedule subject to supervisory approval. Travel Requirements: Periods of overnight travel may be required, and work hours may exceed the standard 8:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. workday. Office and fieldwork percentages vary throughout the year. The spring/summer construction season generally requires greater fieldwork that can exceed 50 percent. Tools and Equipment: Standard field gear including hiking boots, GPS, clinometer, waders, rain gear, computers, tablets/smart phone, and state-assigned work vehicle. Customer Interactions: Interact with agency staff, other governmental agencies, tribal, private stakeholders, special interests, and the public. 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 management or research, wildlife management or research, 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 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. Preferred Qualifications: In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following: Proficient knowledge of the biology of native Washington fish especially salmon species. Knowledge of ecological processes pertinent to the Pacific Northwest. Knowledge of the theory and practice of aquatic restoration implementation and mitigation. Experience with environmental permitting in Washington. General understanding of regulatory processes, including the Hydraulic Code, Growth Management Act (GMA), State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), and Shoreline Management Act (SMA). Your application should include the following: A completed online application 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 professional references with current contact information. 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. 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. 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 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: Veterans only – Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22 or USDVA signed verification of service letter. 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 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.Chasedfw.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 supportneogov.com. Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to Elizabeth.Bullarddfw.wa.gov and reference job 2024-12321. J-18808-Ljbffr
