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 4
(Permanent- Full Time)

The Department of Fish and Wildlife is recruiting to fill one full time, permanent, Fish & Wildlife Biologist 4 position located in the Habitat Program, Region 6. The duty station for this position is at the Natural Resources Building, Olympia, Thurston County.

Under the supervision of the Regional Habitat Program Manager and following the agency’s strategic plan and Habitat Program business plan, this position supervises four Habitat Biologist positions and serves as Department expert regarding Fish & Wildlife habitat preservation, protection, conservation, restoration, enhancement, and environmental permitting requirements within their assigned area of coverage and within the specific objectives listed below.

• The incumbent provides policy, training, and technical support to the staff they supervise, including facilitating meetings, coordinating appeals, and providing technical advice on HPA’s when needed.
• Implement the Hydraulic Project Approval process in accordance with Chapter 77.55.RCW, 77.57.RCW, and Chapter 220-110-WAC (Hydraulic Code Rules).
• 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.
• 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. This can include grant-writing, formal presentations, technical assistance to lead entities, regional fish enhancement groups or others and project development/management.

The ARHPM 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; specifically serves as Department expert in assigned coverage area regarding fish and wildlife habitat preservation, protection, conservation, restoration, enhancement, and environmental permitting requirements. As the Department expert, provide technical assistance to the public, governmental agencies, tribes, and other WDFW programs. This will include representing the Department on committees, workgroups or permitting teams during the review of landscape level, high-profile planning processes or projects.

• Implement the Hydraulic Project Approval process in accordance with Chapter 77.55.RCW, 77.57.RCW, and Chapter 220-110-WAC (Hydraulic Code Rules).
• 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.
• 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. This can include grant-writing, formal presentations, technical assistance and project development/management.

A valid Washington or other State Driver’s License.

Preferred/Desired Education, Training, Skills and Abilities/Competencies:

• Experience supervising, coaching, and leading biologists.
• 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.
• 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 facilitate meetings and seek solutions to complex fish and wildlife issues is required.  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 professional with the understanding that every document is a public record and may be read by people other than the intended recipient(s).
• Working with WDFW Management – This position must keep management timely apprised of controversial issues in the region, especially politically sensitive matters, and consult with supervisor prior to acting on particularly sensitive or controversial matters or representing the Department on such matters so that WDFW management can provide guidance or direction.

Experience is based on full time equivalency (i.e., 40 or more hours/week).  Part time work is prorated (e.g., 20 hours/week for 6 years = 3 years of experience). Do not count experience that was a part of your educational requirements.

*College course work involving major study in biology, zoology, fisheries, chemistry, natural sciences, or closely allied field will substitute, year for year, for experience, provided course work includes at least six semester or nine quarter hours of natural science classes.

The successful candidate must be willing and able to:

• Demonstrate, instruct, or train others in methods, policies, procedures, and how to complete tasks.  Ability to balance quality of work with ability to meet deadlines by making efficient and effective use of available time, equipment and resources.  Exhibit self-initiative in developing or upgrading knowledge and skills, and applying that new knowledge or skills in the work environment.
• Create a positive team atmosphere where staff can function knowing the operating sideboards of their position(s) and how they align with the agency strategic plan and program business plan.
• Ability to accept and follow supervisory direction, including seeking and accepting constructive feedback on performance and making efforts to improve as needed.
• Ability to explain processes, procedures or protocols so others will understand and follow appropriately. Ability to negotiate agreements with other entities as a representative of the agency. Ability to draft processes, procedures, programs, guidelines or directives for implementation and administration.
• Work in the field in all weather conditions either in assigned coverage area or with staff, walk streams and over rugged terrain up to 55% of the time. Ability to work in inclement weather over difficult terrain, including slippery rocks, steep banks, and mud.
• Balance the interests or desires of the staff they supervise with the interests of the public.
• Ability to follow oral and written directions.
• Ability to complete required administrative paperwork in an accurate and timely manner.
• Ability to provide leadership and direction to other team members as well as work independently in assigned work area.
• Provide leadership and ideas for continuous improvement of program processes and be adaptive to changes in the work environment.
• Willingness and ability to perform in a punctual and dependable manner.
• 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.

• 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.
• 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 (CBA) 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: If you have applied to this position in the past 30 days, you do not need to reapply.
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.