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 at the Mill Creek Office, Snohomish County. Under the supervision of the Regional Habitat Program Manager, or the Assistant Regional Habitat Program Manager and following the agency’s strategic plan and Habitat Program business plan, this position 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.

• Conducts outreach for 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.
• Implement the Hydraulic Project Approval process in accordance with Chapter 77.55.RCW, 77.57.RCW, and Chapter 220-660-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.

Duties

A key aspect of this position will be to work with the Departments Estuary and Salmon Restoration Program (ESRP) in the development of an outreach program to restore the Snohomish Delta. The Estuary and Salmon Restoration Program (ESRP) is a program which provides funding and technical assistance for nearshore restoration and protection efforts in Puget Sound.  This position will work with project partners and the scientific community to resolve technical uncertainty about certain types of projects or project actions. Lead the development and advancement of a regional communications and engagement plan for estuary restoration. Develop outreach and engagement products, reports, concept papers, project specific outreach materials, graphics, and assist with GIS data and mapping support.

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.

Serves as the Regional lead for Estuary and Salmon Restoration Program efforts in the restoration of the Snohomish Delta.

• Work together with the Estuary and Salmon Restoration Program (ESRP) and the Puget Sound Nearshore Ecosystem Restoration Project to advance agency priorities for estuary restoration in the region. Develop outreach and engagement products, reports, concept papers, project specific outreach materials, graphics, and assist with GIS data and mapping support. Develop opportunities to engage with community members through in-person forums that communicate the need for and benefits of estuary restoration. Provide technical assistance to the public, governmental agencies, tribes, and other WDFW programs. Represent the Department on committees, workgroups or permitting teams during the review of landscape level, high-profile planning processes or projects. Support and advance estuary restoration in WDFW Region 4. Assist Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) or non-agency personnel in development and implementation of habitat enhancement projects. This can include assistance in permitting, coordination of WDFW expertise and providing in-kind work as time and budget allow. Ensure that projects are consistent with WDFW strategic goals and objectives. Seek grant funding for estuary and delta restoration projects from a variety of funding sources. Serve as lead or as part of a team to identify acquisition properties that are consistent with the Lands 20/20 process. Serve as lead or as part of team to pursue funding for acquisition properties through Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program (WWRP) or other appropriate funding source. Complete administrative reporting duties as assigned by the Regional Habitat Program Manager or Assistant Regional Habitat Program Manager.   Assisting the Regional Habitat Program Manager or Assistant Regional habitat Program Manager in providing service for implementing Strategic Plan of the Agency. Any aspect of the Habitat Program Business Plan can be assigned to meet agency goals and objectives.

Implement the Hydraulic Project Approval process in accordance with Chapter 77.55.RCW, 77.57.RCW, and Chapter 220-660-WAC (Hydraulic Code Rules).

• Investigates and prescribes appropriate resource protection requirements on legally mandated permits, specifically implements the Hydraulic Project Approval process in accordance with Chapter 77.55.RCW, 77.57 and Chapter 220-660-WAC (Hydraulic Code Rules) and consistent with standard, policies and procedures of the Habitat Program. Implements the Hydraulic Project Approval permitting process by providing field review of construction projects that may impact fish life. This includes: pre-project review and assistance to project proponents, evaluating and provisioning projects for protection of fish life, conducting project compliance and monitoring field review during and post-construction and providing assistance to the Enforcement Program for resolution of violations of RCW77.55 and 77.57.

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.

• In accordance with priorities established by their supervisor and the Olympia coordinator 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, and proposals. Primarily serves as lead in review of County or City environmental protection ordinance development and implementation under the Shoreline Management Act and Growth Management Act within their assigned area. Provides written comment within statutory comment timelines on draft policies, plans, and ordinances to the appropriate local government office and working proactively with County or City planning staff during ordinance development and review process.   Review and comment on project specific documents supplied by local jurisdictions to WDFW through SEPA/NEPA, Critical areas review or shoreline planning review. This includes providing written comments, hearing testimony on proposed ordinances or projects or appeals of ordinances or projects. Assist local governments and applicants in understanding and meeting requirements of local Shoreline and Critical Area Ordinances as related to the protection of fish and wildlife resources. Provides best available science to local organizations for use in Shoreline and Critical Area updates. Serves as PHS lead and expert for geographic coverage area. Provides technical assistance in the use and application of PHS information by local, state and federal governments as well as the general public and private organizations. Pursues strategies to maintain and update information within the database to ensure information is accurate and complete .Presents and promotes use of PHS data by local jurisdictions in land use planning and permitting. References PHS Management Recommendations when reviewing and providing written comments on land use proposals.

Serves as lead for forest habitats by providing office and field review of plans, permits and actions conducted in the forested environment.

• Serves as lead for forest habitats by providing office and field review of plans, permits and actions conducted in the forested environment including: Working collaboratively with the Washington Dept. of Natural Resources and forest landowners on: Forest Practice Applications to address impacts to fish and wildlife (including providing fish protection provisions for hydraulic projects),review of RMAP projects conducted under the Forest and Fish Law and review of Water Type Modifications; Coordinating Agency involvement in the development of US Forest Service National Forest Plans and review of NEPA/other actions.

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.

• Facilitates and coordinates DFW input to Salmon Recovery activities with lead entities and RFEG’s within geographic area of responsibility.  Participates in the identification and prioritization of projects.  Supports partnerships among the Recovery Organizations and outside groups.  Facilitates technical support from State, Federal, and tribal agencies and provides technical assistance for project development.  Is lead for all projects implemented by group from inception to completion.  Provides support to Lead Entities, watershed groups, citizen groups, environmental groups, natural resource agencies and other local entities to develop their strategies and operation competency.  Conducts habitat restoration or acquisition as lead or part of a multi-disciplinary team. Including field review and assessments of potential projects or acquisition properties, researching and applying for grants, development of formal presentations and project implantation management. Work with outside organizations including lead entities, regional fish enhancement groups or other groups dedicated to fish or wildlife habitat protection and restoration by providing technical assistance, project review and guidance and /or partnering on specific projects. Within the agency develop, lead or participate in cross-program teams to conduct habitat enhancement or acquisition as lead or part of a multi-disciplinary team.

Other Duties.

• Provide information on fish and wildlife, their life histories and habitat requirements, terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem functions and values, fluvial geomorphology, stream hydraulics, and promote preservation, conservation, and protection of fish and wildlife resources to stakeholders, user groups, community organizations and schools. Support (and lead where required) collaboration with stakeholder groups, lead entities, tribes, flood control, agriculture, and other state, local, and federal agencies. Lead the development and advancement of a regional communications and engagement plan for estuary restoration.

Qualifications

A Bachelor’s degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science AND three 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 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.

General knowledge of Pacific Northwest fish and wildlife, their habitats and life histories; Species identification

A valid Washington or other State Driver’s License

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

• 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.
• Demonstrated ability to lead public meetings and develop communications materials. Understanding of how to determine key stakeholder values and communicate with those values in mind.
• Demonstrated ability in working collaboratively with private landowners.
• 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.

Key Competencies — the best qualified applicants will demonstrate abilities in the following areas:

• 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.

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.