Job Title: FISH AND WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST 2 *06017H
Opening Date/Time: Tue. 06/27/17 12:00 AM Pacific Time
Closing Date/Time: Thu. 07/06/17 11:59 PM Pacific Time
Salary: $3,541.00 – $4,644.00 Monthly
Job Type: Full Time – Permanent
Location: Kitsap County – Port Orchard, Washington
Department: Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
The Department of Fish and Wildlife has some of the most talented people in the natural resource field. We celebrate and value diversity, appreciating that a workforce composed of those from different backgrounds and experiences creates an inclusive environment, strengthens positive relationships with the local community, and brings new perspectives and approaches to fulfilling the agency’s mission.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is dedicated to preserving, protecting and perpetuating fish, wildlife and ecosystems, while providing sustainable recreational and commercial opportunities dependent on viable fish and wildlife populations. Each day, WDFW employees facilitate fishing, hunting and wildlife viewing opportunities for millions of residents and visitors. WDFW’s employees–field and laboratory biologists, geneticists, research scientists, hatchery professionals, policy experts, fully commissioned law enforcement officers, land stewards, lab technicians, property acquisition specialists, customer service representatives and others work throughout the state. WDFW employees protect and restore critical habitat, strive to facilitate species recovery when necessary, and manage hundreds of fish and wildlife species. WDFW employees maintain nearly a million acres of public wildlife lands. They interpret, apply and enforce state and federal laws and collaborate with stakeholders to protect fish and wildlife resources. Find out more about us and the important work we are a part of at www.wdfw.wa.gov.

Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2
(Full time, Permanent)
The Department of Fish and Wildlife is recruiting to fill one full time, permanent, Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2 position located in the Habitat Program, Region 6. The duty station is the Port Orchard Field Office, Kitsap County, with travel throughout the region.

Under the supervision of the Assistant Regional Habitat Program Manager (FWBiologist 4) and following the agency’s strategic plan and Habitat Program business plan, this position serves as a journey-level Fish and Wildlife Biologist that provides support, technical assistance and is responsible for monitoring, restoration, management or research of fish, wildlife, lands or habitat. Using predefined methodologies and/or predetermined criteria, biologists in this class also interpret data in relation to laws, rules, and regulations to make decisions in response to emerging situations in the field. Using established procedures, collects, organizes, provides analysis and assessment of fish, wildlife, lands or habitat management data. The incumbent will work with a Habitat Department expert regarding fish & wildlife habitat conservation and environmental permitting requirements within their assigned area of coverage and within the specific objectives listed below.

HPA Review and Issuance: Due to a high population density located in and around watersheds leading into the Mid Puget Sound and the Hood Canal, the local jurisdictions in these areas experience high volumes of relatively low risk HPA’s. The incumbent will start with issuing low and medium risk HPA’s and increase responsibility for higher risk HPA’s over time. Addition of a Bio 2 will increase the Bio 3’s ability to focus on GMA, SMA, CAO, and PHS comments and other special projects that will enhance our presence as Area Habitat Biologists representing WDFW Initial SEPA Review, Site Visits, and Assistance with Comments. Due to the high volume of development in the area of coverage, the Bio 2 will aid AHB’s in reviewing, covering site visits, and commenting on County SEPA decisions. Commenting on development ensures that Fish and Wildlife Habitat and Species are protected to the full extent of existing regulations. Water Typing; Forest Practice Review and Urban Stream/OHWM identification: The Bio 2 will assist in Forest Practice ID teams in order to determine stream types in Forest Practice Applications that will determine appropriate logging buffers and fish passage culvert design. The Bio 2 will also respond to stream typing and OHWM requests for urban development and private landowners when buffer requirements for development are in question.
 Duties:
  • Assist with the responsibility of assigned Hydraulic Project Approval review and assist in processing in accordance with Chapter 77.55.RCW, 77.57.RCW, and Chapter 220-660-WAC (Hydraulic Code Rules).
  • Assist with the responsibility of assigned SEPA/NEPA documents to review for variance requests, zoning change requests, shoreline substantial development permit documents, U.S. Corps of Engineers 401 & 404 permit applications, critical area ordinances, shoreline management plans, and other land use permit applications, documents, and proposals.
  • Assist or leads, under guidance and supervision, the implementation and compliance with Road Maintenance and Abandonment Plans on private and public timberlands; validating RMAP inventory data and reporting updates or concerns to the correct parties.
  • Complete administrative duties including reporting duties as assigned by the Regional Habitat Program Manager or Assistant Regional Habitat Program Manager.
  • Data entry and management, some data analysis.
 Qualifications:
A Bachelor’s degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science AND three years of professional experience in fish management or fish research, wildlife management or wildlife research, or habitat management or habitat research. OR One year as a Fish & Wildlife Biologist 1.

Note: A Master’s degree in the applicable science will substitute one year of the required experience.  A Ph.D. in the applicable science may be substituted for two years of the required experience.

Valid state-issued driver’s license.

Facilitation and negotiation skills – The ability to serve as both as a regulator and as a non-regulatory technical expert on regional fish and wildlife issues is required.  Being tactful and sensitive when dealing with people with strongly held opposing viewpoints and when addressing “politically sensitive” matters are very important qualities for this position.  Exemplary social and verbal communication skills are needed to ensure requests and actions are professional, objective, and not perceived by others as adversarial or unprofessional.
Written Communication – Exceptional writing skills are a requirement. Writing (letters, memos and email) should be organized, clear and concise, use principles of “plain talk”, and be effective, yet tactful.  Writing should be professionally written with the understanding that they are public records and as such may be read by others than the intended recipient(s).
Working with WDFW Management – This position must ensure to keep management timely apprised of controversial issues in the region, especially politically sensitive matters, and consult with supervisor and management prior to acting on particularly sensitive or controversial matters or representing the Department on such matters so that WDFW management can participate in deciding positions or actions to be taken.
Appearance and Attire – While an agency dress code is not currently required, Area Habitat Biologists are expected to dress appropriately for the type of work they are conducting.  A professional appearance including grooming and attire is expected when working with local, state, and federal agencies, tribes, permit applicants and the public. Footwear used during field work should be appropriate so as to minimize risk of injury.

Competencies:
Well qualified applicants will demonstrate knowledge and competencies in the following areas:

  • Knowledge of stream ecology and restoration techniques, fish passage barrier assessments, fish passage requirements for road crossing structures, logging processes, heavy equipment operation and limitations, environmental review processes, and similarly applicable fields of study or training.
  • Experience in working through difficult or complex situations involving multiple parties with differing opinions and expectations.  Experience providing superior customer service.
  • Familiarity with the Growth Management Act, Shoreline Management Act and the WDFW Priority Habitat and Species.
  • Experience in developing and presenting biological information to diverse groups of people.
  • Demonstrated ability to work within the regulatory environment including reviewing, issuing, monitoring or complying with federal, state or local environmental permits.
  • Demonstrated functional knowledge of the biology, life histories, and habitat requirements of fish and wildlife species of Washington.
  • Experience collecting and identifying data.
  • Excellent organizational and planning skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Strong relationship building and conflict resolution skills.
  • Working knowledge of MS Office package including Word, Excel and Access, and familiarity with ArcMap.
  • Ability to closely follow standard protocols and perform work under moderate to low supervision.
  • Must be able to work for extended periods in an office setting
  • Must be able to adapt to a flexible work schedule and travel on fairly short notice
  • This job is physically demanding and the incumbent must be able to work year round in varying weather conditions, hike streams and in rugged, steep terrain carrying moderately heavy loads
  • Must be able to work comfortably, and safely along busy roadways, overwater structures, and boats.
 Supplemental Information:
Working Conditions

  • This position demands a mix of office and field work. Duties require periodic fieldwork, sometimes in remote locations and during inclement weather. 8 hour/day, 40 hours per week.  Employee may be called out on weekends, holidays, or after hours for emergency permitting of flood related, or other emergency projects. Office and fieldwork percentages vary throughout the year.  The summer construction season generally requires greater fieldwork that can exceed 50 percent
  • Physical, environmental, or mental demands of key work: Must be able to drive a vehicle to conduct field review of project sites.  Physical capacity to work in remote forested and aquatic environments, conducting fish surveys and other related tasks.  These activities can consist of 8 to 10 hour days, for several days in a row.
  • Health, Safety or Administrative Requirements: Capable of walking over rough terrain for short distances (≤ 1 mile) regularly or occasionally over long distances (several miles).
  • Willingness and ability to work extended hours as necessary to complete assignments.  May include extended travel and evening or overnight trips.

Union
This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement between the State of Washington, Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Washington Association of Fish and Wildlife Professionals (WAFWP). As a condition of employment you must either join the union and pay union dues, or pay the Union a representational or other fee within 30 days of the date you are put into pay status.

How to Apply:
To apply for this position you MUST complete your profile at www.careers.wa.gov and attach the following to your profile before completing the online application:

  • A cover letter describing how you meet the qualifications of this position (generic cover letter will not be accepted)
  • A current resume (please make it succinct)
  • Three professional references (personal references do not count as professional)

Please note:  Failure to follow the above application instructions will lead to disqualification. Please do not include any attachments other than the ones requested above. E-mailed documents will not be accepted after the closing of the recruitment or in lieu of attaching your documents to the online profile.

Upon submission of your online application, you will immediately receive a confirming e-mail.  You will then be notified via e-mail of your status during the process.  In addition to the e-mail notifications, you can check the status of your application at any time by visiting your online profile at www.careers.wa.gov.  Due to the high volume of applications that we receive, we ask your understanding and encourage you to use the online process and avoid calling for information.

Please note that initial screening will be solely based on the completeness of application materials submitted and the contents and completeness of the “work experience” section of your application in NeoGov. A resume will not substitute for the “work experience” section of the application. The information provided in your application must support your selected answers in the supplemental questions. Responses not supported in your application may disqualify you from consideration for employment in this position. All information will be verified and documentation may be required.

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. Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 902-2276 or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at (800) 833-6388.