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.

• Coordinating the implementation of watershed planning described within the Streamflow Restoration Act in 15 watersheds (Water Resource Inventory Areas or WRIAs) across the state, in conjunction with the Streamflow Restoration Ecologist, Regional Habitat Biologists, and WDFW’s water policy and science teams.
• Assist in refining, disseminating, and implementing WDFW’s position on the use of instream and near-stream restoration actions, including how and where they may serve as mitigation.
• Assist in coordinating WDFW’s drought response plan.

Work with Streamflow Restoration Ecologist, Regional Habitat Biologists, and water policy and science teams to ensure coordinated, consistent, and effective agency approach to local planning and mitigation across relevant watersheds state-wide.

• Serve as policy support for local staff in up to 15 watersheds across the state, including attending local planning meetings as needed; work with Streamflow Restoration Ecologist to ensure consistency in approach to mitigation across affected watersheds; assist in convening and facilitating WDFW’s Water Policy and Planning Team to ensure internal coordination on relevant issues; and communication with partner agencies and stakeholders.

?Develop policy guidance for WDFW’s role in implementing ESSB 6091.

• In close coordination with Streamflow Restoration Ecologist, develop and keep updated a policy guidance component of WDFW streamflow restoration training materials that complements scientific components, and help train relevant staff on policy and decision-making processes.

Coordinate WDFW’s drought response planning process.

• Work with Water Policy Lead, Climate Change Coordinator, and Water Policy and Planning Team to complete, update, and refine agency drought policies and action plan.

• Solid understanding of fish and wildlife ecology and habitat requirements, especially for salmonids.
• Strong knowledge of western water law and working knowledge of federal and state environmental laws.
• General understanding of state-tribal governmental relations and tribal rights.
• Effective oral and written communication skills, and an ability to translate technical jargon into plain language.
• General knowledge of budget management.
• Adaptable organizational and political awareness.
• The ability to achieve consensus in complex political and sociological settings
• The ability to remain open to creative problem solving.
• The ability to build credibility as a WDFW representative, acting as a persistent advocate for fish and wildlife resources.
• The ability to coordinate and lead groups, creating a cooperative and productive environment to resolve problems or develop and implement plans.
• Strong teamwork and collaborative decision-making skills.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in environmental policy or related field.
• Or J.D. with an emphasis on environmental and water law.
• Experience negotiating agreements among groups with diverse perspectives.
• Experience operating at a small or local scale while tracking implications and policy context in the larger scale.
• Experience facilitating and running meetings.
• Current and valid WA State or other State Driver’s License

• 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 may require the knowledge of operating GPS, clinometer, and digital camera.
• 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 supervisor.
• Physical, environmental, or mental demands of key work: Must be able to drive a vehicle to conduct field review of project sites.
• 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 & 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, ensuring you complete the Work History experience section of the online application 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.