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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 3
The Department of Fish and Wildlife is recruiting to fill one full time, permanent, Fish & Wildlife Biologist 3 position located in the Habitat Program, Region 4. The duty station for this position is located at 16018 Mill Creek Blvd. Mill Creek, WA. This position builds and maintains positive working relationships with our partners, characterized by a high level of acceptance, cooperation and mutual regard of Washington State.

This Position reports to the Assistant Regional Habitat Program Manager to implement the Hydraulic Project Approval permitting process, reviews and comment on environmental documents including Forest Practices and State Environmental Policy Act/National Environmental Policy Act documents. In addition to the specific position objectives listed below, this position is responsible for providing internal and external technical assistance within their assigned area that support efforts to achieve healthy, diverse and sustainable fish and wildlife populations and their supporting habitats.

Duties

  • Implement the Hydraulic Project Approval permitting process in accordance with Chapter 77.55.RCW, 77.57.RCW, and Chapter 220-660-WAC (Hydraulic Code Rules).
  • Provide review of SEPA/NEPA documents, 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, proposals and Priority Habitats and Species/Growth Management.
  • Technical Assistance – Salmon Recovery/Watershed Technical Assistance: Provides assistance, education, and support to local agencies, planning groups, organizations, and citizens engaged in local and regional planning to improve watershed health for salmon and other species and habitats both aquatic and terrestrial.
  • Forest Practices Assistance: Assist Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in integrating Hydraulic Project review into their Forest Practices review, participates in other Forest & Fish activities.
  • Complete administrative duties including reporting duties as assigned by the Regional Habitat Program Manager or Assistant Regional Habitat Program Manager.

Qualifications

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. 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 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.

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:

  • 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.
  • 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:

  • Lead, facilitate, and coordinate meetings with people of diverse backgrounds and skill sets to reach consensus
  • Contribute to a positive team atmosphere where collaboration and consensus are everyday practices, consistent with the agency strategic plan and program business plan.
  • Provide leadership and ideas for continuous improvement of program processes and be adaptive to changes in the work environment.
  • Be pragmatic when implementing environmental regulations and able to see the “big picture” at all times.
  • Be self-aware of their emotions and personality and how to flex these behaviors to fit with other personality types.
  • Ability to accept and follow supervisory direction, including seeking and accepting constructive feedback on performance and making efforts to improve as needed.
  • Exhibit self-initiative in developing or upgrading knowledge and skills, and applying that new knowledge or skill in the work environment.
  • 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 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, weekends and occasional early mornings.
  • 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 in the bargaining unit represented by the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Professionals and is subject to the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the State of Washington, Department of Fish & Wildlife, and the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Professionals.

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.