Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?

Olympic Region is actively seeking a biologist to fill the role of Region Biologist. Working with the region’s State Lands team, the duties of this position will include providing support of Fish and Wildlife biology management within DNR’s Olympic Region, consulting with staff from the region’s timber sale, engineering, recreation, and asset management programs. This position will be asked to hold electrofishing permits and to conduct stream typing along with old growth assessments and other habitat delineations. In this role, you will have an opportunity to work within the Olympic Experimental State Forest and help the region achieve objectives through fish, wildlife, and habitat research and monitoring projects.

What we will trust you with:

• Support Olympic Region’s State Lands with regards to fish and wildlife biology.
• Conduct Stream Typing and maintain electrofishing permits.
• Conduct Old Growth assessments and other habitat delineations.
• Provide input on FPA, SEPAs, and other environmental documents related to wildlife and habitat.
• Consult with staff regarding timber sales, silviculture activities, engineering and recreation projects.
• Attend seminars and conferences, serve on working groups, and read scientific papers related to fish and wildlife biology in Olympic Region.
• Establish strong working relationships with diverse groups of internal and external stakeholders.

Who are we looking for?

The right candidate has:

• Bachelor’s degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science and three years of professional experience in fish management, fish research, wildlife management, wildlife research or habitat management or habitat research. A Master’s degree in the applicable science may substitute for one year of the experience. A Ph.D. In the applicable science may substitute for two years of the required experience.
• Experience with fish and wildlife ecology and habitat management. Knowledge of stream ecology and management. Knowledge of principles and procedures of wildlife, fish, and habitat management and biological research.
• Working knowledge and ability to use MS Office software.
• Skilled at forming collaborative partnerships, finding workable solutions, and negotiating agreements with diverse internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to work on uneven terrain in all weather conditions.
• The incumbent in this position is required to travel.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and have two years of driving experience. This position requires driving as an essential function.  Employees who drive for state business, whether in a state or privately-owned vehicle, are required to possess a valid license as defined in policy PO02-006 and abide by all other driver responsibility requirements. Finalists and/or interview candidates will be asked to provide a driving record from all states in which they have held a license during the past three years.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Knowledge of DNA management principles, forest land planning and timber management planning, including Forest Practices rules and the Habitat Conservation Plan.
• Knowledge of logging and forest road construction equipment and use.
• Working knowledge of the SEPA process, and the ability to correctly read, write and interpret SEPA documents.
• Two years as a Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2.

The Location

One of the world’s most scenic places, Washington State offers breathtaking discoveries for people who love natural beauty and outdoor recreation, from the Pacific Coast shores to the rugged Cascade Mountains to the rolling hills of the Palouse. Your office will be located in Forks. The position’s duties cover the entire region from Grays Harbor to Forks, along the Straits, and to Hood Canal. The work environment in the field includes all manner of terrain and conditions, and is mostly forested.

Why work for DNR?
At DNR, we value public service, innovation and creative problem solving, safety and well-being, and leadership and teamwork. At DNR you’ll support the vision of a sustainable future by using your skills to protect and manage the state’s natural resources for both current and future generations. As a DNR employee, you’ll work with the public’s interest in mind as we manage more than 5 million acres of state-owned forest, range, commercial, agricultural and aquatic lands. But managing lands is only half of our story. We house the Washington Geological Survey, a dynamic program that is the primary source of geological products and services in support of decision making in Washington. We also protect other public resources such as fish, wildlife, water, and provide public access to outdoor recreation. Two of our largest and most important state-wide resource protection responsibilities are fire prevention and suppression, and overseeing forest practices.

We are nearly 1,500 employees strong and dedicated to making DNR a great place to work. Our mission is to serve Washington’s lands and communities; build strong and healthy rural communities; enhance forest health and wildfire management; strengthen the health and resilience of our lands and waters; and increase public engagement and commitment to our public lands and resources. In partnership with citizens and governments, we provide innovative leadership and expertise to ensure environmental protection, public safety, perpetual funding for schools and communities, and a rich quality of life.  At DNR we approach our work through the lens of making Washington a better place environmentally, economically and socially for current and future generations.

What makes DNR a great place to work?

• Transitioning to a modern work environment
• Mobile work
• Infants at work program
• Commitment to organizational health and wellness
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council
• Leadership that empowers and supports employees
• Work/life balance
• Leadership development opportunities
• Educational aid and career development stipends
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility
• Opportunities to participate in wildland fire suppression assignments
• Opportunities to stretch your professional skills
• A comprehensive benefit package that includes employer contributions toward health insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans, sick leave and vacation days. Visit http://careers.wa.gov/benefits.html for more information.

Application Process

To be considered you must apply online at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above). You must complete the entire online application to be considered for the position.

• You must attach the following:
  • A letter of interest describing how your experience and qualifications relate to the position profile, required and desired position qualifications, and special position requirements.
  • A resume including the names of three to five professional references

Carefully review your application materials before submitting. If you fail to submit the required documents or complete the entire online application, you may no longer be considered for the position by the supervisor.

Application Status – once you submit your online application, you can check your status by logging into your account.  Finalists for the position will be contacted by the hiring manager directly. Recruitment may be extended depending on the quantity and quality of the application pool.

Questions?  Please contact David Hurn at (360) 640-9332, david.hurn@dnr.wa.gov or e-mail us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.

Washington State Department of Natural Resources is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind.  We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities in a fair and impartial manner for all persons without regard to age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, creed, color, national origin, religion, pregnancy/parental status, genetic information, military status, political affiliation, criminal history or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability or the use of a trained service animal by a person with a disability.  Persons with a disability who need assistance during the screening process or those needing this announcement in an alternative format may contact DNR Recruiting staff (360) 902-1350 or (360) 902-1139.  DNR may be contacted using the Washington State Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) by dialing 711.