Specific position objectives:

• Implement the Hydraulic Project Approval process in accordance with Chapter 77.55.RCW, 77.57.RCW, and Chapter 220-660-WAC (Hydraulic Code Rules).
  • Reviewing HPA applications for completeness and compliance with other permit requirements,
  • Technical review of project proposals to determine if correct information on resources present on or near the project site are identified and inventoried and that appropriate mitigation is provided for identified impacts to these resources,
  • Conduct field reviews and participate in preconstruction meetings,
  • Coordinate reviews with other state agencies as well as local and federal agencies,
• Provide review of County or City environmental protection ordinance development and implementation under the Shoreline Management Act and Growth Management Act. Updates and maintains Priority Habitat and Species (PHS) data and provides assistance in utilizing this information.
• Represents the Department on technical committees; writes and reviews plans; presents study results and serves as expert witness or negotiator before various commissions, review boards, or in court cases; formulates regulatory recommendations for management of wildlife and their habitats.
• Serves as lead for forest habitats by providing office and field review of plans, permits and actions conducted in the forested environment.
• Conducts habitat enhancement or acquisition as lead or part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Serves as lead for assigned energy projects by negotiating, developing and implementing protection, mitigation and enhancement plans associated with federal, state or local licensing or permitting.

To be considered and hired at a Biologist 3 level the following criteria will be used:
A Bachelor’s degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science.
AND three (3) years of professional experience in fish management or fish research, wildlife management or wildlife research, or habitat management or habitat research.
OR
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.
OR
Two years as a Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2.
 
To be considered and hired at a Biologist 3 in-training (Biologist 2) level the following criteria will be used:
A Bachelor’s degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science.
AND one (1) year of professional experience in fish management or fish research, wildlife management or wildlife research, or habitat management or habitat research.
Will be assigned to successfully complete a 12-month training plan.

A valid Washington or other State Driver’s License
 
Preferred/Desired Education, Training, Skills and Abilities/Competencies:

• Knowledge of stream and/or marine ecology and restoration techniques, fish passage barrier assessments, fish passage requirements for road crossing structures, logging processes, heavy equipment operation and limitations, in-water construction techniques, environmental review processes, and similarly applicable fields of study or training.
• General knowledge of Pacific Northwest fish and wildlife, their habitats and life histories; Species identification;
• Familiarity with ArcGIS and Priority Habitats and Species mapping.
• Familiarity with local government planning processes, including the Growth Management Act and the Shoreline Management Act.
• 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.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate (one-on-one and participation in group discussions), independently analyze and weigh the risks verses benefits in decisions and recommendations related to fish and wildlife resources, and habitat issues;
• Demonstrated ability to build rapport and partner with the public, tribes, and local, state, and federal governmental agencies regarding issues pertaining to fish and wildlife protection;
• Demonstrated organization and time management skills to effectively prioritize workload and maximize efficiency;
• Demonstrated ability to apply negotiation and conflict resolution skills;
• Demonstrated skill in writing and group presentations and the ability to present complex or controversial information in a way that is understandable and non-confrontational.

Key Competencies — the best qualified applicants will demonstrate abilities in the following areas:

• 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.

The successful candidate must be willing and able to:

• Work in the field in all weather conditions, walk streams and over rugged terrain up to 50% of the time. Ability to work in inclement weather over difficult terrain, including slippery rocks, steep banks, and sticky mud.
• Ability to walk, bend, stoop, while at times carrying up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to load and transport machinery, equipment, and gear.
• Ability and knowledge to work safely and efficiently around heavy equipment at construction sites, farm and agricultural equipment.
• Ability to use critical thinking in collecting, recording, compiling, and summarizing data.
• Ability to follow oral and written directions.
• Ability to visually discriminate when identifying and distinguishing biological and physical features.
• Ability to complete required administrative paperwork in an accurate and timely manner.
• Ability to work independently and as a team member.
• Willingness and ability to perform routine and repetitive work.
• Willingness and ability to perform in a punctual and dependable manner.
• Willingness to accept supervision.
• Occasional work hours outside of the regular 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday – Friday work hours including evenings and weekends, occasional early morning, evening, and weekend duties.
• Safely operate motor vehicles.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Working Conditions

• Work is performed in an office and outdoor environment.  Office work includes reading, writing, phone and computer use.
• Must have the ability to operate a vehicle and hold a valid driver’s license. There are occasions to travel to Olympia Headquarters for training, seminars and business related functions.
• Fieldwork also requires knowledge of the operation of a GPS, clinometer, and digital camera.  Knowledge of electroshocking equipment and procedures may be required.
• Work hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. five days a week.  These hours are flexible to accommodate seasonal workload or additional duties as assigned by the Regional Habitat Program Manager or Assistant Regional Habitat Program Manager.
• 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.
• An interest in fish and wildlife resource management and working with others in a collaborative and regulatory environment to influence sound resource management.

Union
This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement between the State of Washington, Department of Fish & 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.