FISH AND WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST 3 *02750H
- Description
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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 3The Department of Fish and Wildlife is recruiting to fill one full time, permanent, Fish & Wildlife Biologist 3 position located in the Habitat Program, Region 5. The duty station for this position is located in Ridgefield with work performed throughout Southwest corner of Washington State, Wahkiakum County.Reporting to the Assistant Regional Habitat Program Manager, this position implements the Hydraulic Project Approval permitting process, reviews and comments on environmental documents including Forest Practices, Growth and Shoreline Management Acts, and State Environmental Policy Act/National Environmental Policy Act documents.
Consistent with Habitat Program’s Guiding Principles, this position practices 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 science to adaptively manage changing and complex conditions. We 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
- Specific position objectives:
- Review and provision permits under the Hydraulic Project Approval (HPA) process in accordance with Hydraulic Code Rules. The incumbent works cooperatively in prescribing appropriate resource protection requirements and mitigation for the protection of fish life.
- Provide review of plans, permits and actions permitted by the Washington Dept. of Natural Resources, and other agencies involved in forest management activities. Promote a strong sense of collaboration and teamwork.
- Provide technical assistance to local jurisdictions during critical area ordinance development and implementation, as required under the Shoreline Management Act and Growth Management Act. Provide assistance to other agencies and the public in the use and understanding of the Priority Habitat and Species (PHS) system.
- Collaborate with habitat restoration groups on various habitat restoration proposals. The position will act as a lead or part of a multi-disciplinary team, and may include grant-writing, formal presentations, or technical assistance.
- Qualifications
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- A Bachelor’s Degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science OR three years of professional experience in fish management or fish research, wildlife management or wildlife research, or habitat management or habitat research. Twelve semester or eighteen-quarter hours of specific course work is required for certain positions.
OR
- A Master’s Degree in the applicable science will substitute for 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 and Wildlife Biologist 2.
Key Competencies — Demonstrate abilities in the following areas:
- Self-awareness and regulation – Strong self-awareness skills, understanding and relating to different personalities and cultures in a manner that fosters collaboration, trust, and solution-oriented thinking.
- Influence. The ability to influence key stakeholders and build functioning relationships that shape decision-making that is in line with WDFW strategic goals and objectives.
- Facilitation and negotiation – The ability to serve as both 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.
- Communication and coordination – Ability to articulate complex or controversial information in a way that is understandable and non-confrontational to different audiences. Exceptional professional writing skills are a requirement. Writing (letters, memos, and emails) should be organized, clear and concise, use principles of “plain talk,” and be effective, yet tactful. 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.
- Demonstrated ability to build professional rapport and partner with the public, colleagues, tribes, and local, state, and federal agencies;
- Knowledge of ecological processes pertinent to the 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.
- Demonstrated ability to work within the regulatory environment including reviewing, issuing, or monitoring environmental permits.
- 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 improves program processes and be adaptive to changes in the work environment.
- Keep the “big picture” in mind at all times though pragmatic implementation of environmental regulations
- Being aware of your emotions and personality, understanding how to best leverage those with a variety of constituents and stakeholders.
- 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, and applying that new knowledge or skill in the work environment.
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 agricultural equipment, ATVs, and hand tools (e.g. shovels, box cutters).
- Ability to work independently and as a team member.
- 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. 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.
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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 and that your priority is making sure 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. Check with the agency human resource office for specific benefit information.Insurance BenefitsEmployees and 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.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.
Vacation (Annual Leave)You begin accruing vacation starting your first month of employment. Since we value your loyalty, the amount of vacation you can accrue increases the longer you work with us. Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year. Vacation accrues for full-time employees per WAC 357-31-165.Holidays
Full-time employees are entitled to eleven* paid holidays:HOLIDAYDATENew Year’s DayJanuary 1Martin Luther King, Jr’s birthdayThird Monday in JanuaryPresidents’ DayThird Monday in FebruaryMemorial DayLast Monday in MayIndependence DayJuly 4Labor DayFirst Monday in SeptemberVeterans’ DayNovember 11Thanksgiving DayFourth Thursday in November & Friday afterChristmas DayDecember 25Personal HolidayEmployee’s selection each calendar year*Employees who are members of certain Unions are entitled to an additional personal leave day of their choice. Please refer to specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
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.Sick LeaveFull-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Paid sick leave may be used for reasons included in WAC 357-31-130.Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information.
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01What best describes your level of education completion:
- Associates degree
- Bachelor’s degree
- Master’s degree
- Ph.D.
- None of the above
02What is your major area of study? If multiple degrees, please list each degree and major.03Please describe your experience working as a part of a multidisciplinary group including any experiences you may have had working with such a group to reach consensus on contentious issues.04Please describe your experience participating in a collaborative effort to develop a habitat restoration project or some other type of complex project that required multi-party involvement.05Please describe your experience coordinating multiple reviews and comments on complex project proposals including providing written responses to project proponents.06Please describe your experience managing multiple, deadline-driven tasks. Please include details on how you manage data, e-mails, and workload on a daily and/or project basis.07Please describe your experience negotiating agreements associated with habitat restoration projects or some other type of complex project.08Are you willing and able to work in all weather conditions, including snow and extreme heat, and over difficult terrain including slippery rocks, steep banks, and mud up to 50% of the time?- Yes
- No
09Are you willing and able to work hours outside of the regular 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday – Friday work hours?- Yes
- No
10Are you willing and able to work non-scheduled hours including evenings and weekends?- Yes
- No
11Are you willing and able to travel up to 10% of the time including occasional multiple days, out of state and overnight trips?- Yes
- No
12Do you have a valid Washington State, or other state, driver’s license? (If selected for an interview, you may be asked to furnish your license and driving record.)- Yes
- No
13Please verify that you have included the following information in your online application: 1) A chronological resume OR a completed online profile that includes education and employment history 2) A detailed cover letter describing how you meet the qualifications for this position. 3) Detailed responses to all supplemental questions. 4) Three professional references.- Yes
- No
Required Question
- Agency
- State of Washington
- Address
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View Job Posting for Agency Information
View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504
- Phone
- View Posting for Agency Contact
- Website
- http://www.careers.wa.gov