State of Washington
Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
invites applications for the position of:
FISH AND WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST 4 *03635H
SALARY: $3,819.00 – $5,010.00 Monthly
OPENING DATE: 05/28/15
CLOSING DATE: 06/18/15 11:59 PM
DESCRIPTION:
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is dedicated to protecting native fish and wildlife, and
providing sustainable fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing opportunities for millions of residents and visitors.
Working throughout the state, WDFW’s employees: field biologists, enforcement officers, land stewards, lab
technicians, customer service representatives and others – manage hundreds of fish and wildlife species,
maintain nearly a million acres of public wildlife lands, provide opportunities for recreational and commercial
fishing, wildlife viewing and hunting, protect and restore habitat and enforce laws that 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)
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 4. The duty station for this position is at the La Conner Office,
Skagit 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 three 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.
Job Bulletin
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· 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.
DUTIES:
The Assistant Regional Habitat Manager Program Manager (ARHPM) assists the Program Manager in all
management responsibilities of the Habitat Program within the Region. Supervision includes training,
mentoring, and evaluating staff and implementing disciplinary action as necessary. Management
responsibilities include negotiating settlement of HPA informal appeals, reviewing and approving habitat
management plans, and providing technical and management information to Program Management in the
headquarters office in Olympia. The ARHPM provides immediate supervision, direction and management of
professional Habitat Program staff within the assigned area.
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 can
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.
QUALIFICATIONS:
A Bachelor’s degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science
AND
Five years of professional experience in fish management or fish research, wildlife management or wildlife
research, or habitat management or habitat research. Twelve semesters 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 will substitute for two years of the required experience.
OR
Four years as a Fish & Wildlife Biologist 3.
Equivalent education/experience.
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.
Job Bulletin
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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.
Job Bulletin
http://agency.governmentjobs.com/washington/job_bulletin.cfm?JobID=1125858[6/2/2015 2:40:54 PM]
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.
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. E-mailed
documents will not be accepted 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.
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.
FISH AND WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST 4 *03635H Supplemental Questionnaire
* 1. What best describes your level of education:
Associates degree
Bachelor’s degree
Job Bulletin
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Master’s degree
Ph.D.
None of the above
* 2. What is your major area of study? If you have multiple degrees, please list each degree
and major.
* 3. Please 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.
* 4. Please describe your supervisory experience managing a group of experts.
* 5. Please describe your experience coordinating multiple reviews and comments on complex
project proposals including providing written responses to project proponents.
* 6. Please describe your experience managing multiple, deadline-driven tasks.
* 7. Please describe your experience implementing environmental regulations, including
negotiating project agreements in contentious settings.
* 8. Are you willing and able to work in all weather conditions up to 55% of the time,
including snow and extreme heat, and over difficult terrain including slippery rocks, steep
banks, dense forest, and mud?
Yes No
* 9. Are you willing and able to work hours outside of the regular 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday
– Friday work hours?
Yes No
* 10. Are you willing and able to work non-scheduled hours including evenings and weekends?
Yes No
* 11. Are you willing and able to travel up to 10% of the time including occasional multiple
days, out of state and overnight trips?
Yes No
* 12. Have you ever been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony within the last ten (10) years?
(Answering yes will not automatically disqualify you from competing for the position.)
Yes No
* 13. Do 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
Job Bulletin
http://agency.governmentjobs.com/washington/job_bulletin.cfm?JobID=1125858[6/2/2015 2:40:54 PM]