Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2 - Area Habitat Biologist - Permanent - *16975-22
FULL-TIME/PERMANENT
AREA HABITAT BIOLOGIST
FISH & WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST 2 (BIO 2)
Habitat Program
Port Orchard, Washington – Kitsap County
Practice conservation by managing, protecting, and restoring ecosystems for the long-term benefit of people, and for fish, wildlife, and their habitats.
Work across disciplines to solve problems and work collaboratively with our conservation and community partners, integrating ecological, social, economic, and institutional perspectives into our decision-making.
Forest Sun – Photo Credit: Rachel Blomker
Picture yourself assisting Habitat Biologists working on Hydraulic Project Approvals and Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Forest Practices reviews.
This is an opportunity to provide technical assistance to local governments implementing their fish and wildlife regulations under the Growth Management Act (GMA) and Shoreline Management Act (SMA).
In this dynamic role you will coordinate with local jurisdictions to assist landowners in complying with local land use ordinances.
You thrive on building collaboration and teamwork, fostering open collaborative partnerships with City and County planners to incorporate best available science into decision-making.
DUTIES
Red-breasted Sapsucker – Photo Credit: Judy Dragoo
Our Area Habitat Biologist will,
- Provide written comments to local government planning staff during the land use decision-making process as part of the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA).
- Assist City and County planners and the public in using and interpreting Priority Habitats and Species (PHS) mapping.
- Provide review and comment to local jurisdictions on Habitat Management Plans for small and medium-scale projects in accordance with local Critical Areas Ordinances.
- Review and issue small and medium-scale HPA’s in accordance with the Revised Code of Washington, Washington Administrative Code, agency policy, and procedures manual.
- Develop effective working relationships with an emphasis on clear communication and a cooperative approach to resolving issues related to fish habitat conservation.
- Review permit applications and conduct field reviews to provide project assistance to applicants. Recommend alternative project designs and/or techniques, BMP’s, and measures to avoid, reduce or eliminate impacts to fish life.
- Conduct construction site inspections during and after construction.
- Assist Enforcement and/or the Civil Compliance Program Inspectors in identification and resolution of Hydraulic Code violations including serving as an expert witness in court cases involving non-compliance of HPAs or appeals.
- Participate in Water Type Modification Interdisciplinary teams, applying advice on fish habitat conditions.
- Provide information on fish life histories and habitat requirements and terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem functions, and promote conservation of fish and wildlife resources to stakeholders.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
- Work is performed in an office and outdoor environment.
- Office work includes reading, writing, phone, and computer use.
- Fieldwork requires knowledge of operation of field equipment (GPS, maps, clinometer, range finder, compass, etc). Work is often in remote locations and during inclement weather.
- Physical, environmental, or mental demands of key work:
- Must be able to hold a valid driver’s license and operate vehicle in off-road driving conditions.
- 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.
- Capable of walking over rough terrain for short distances (? 1 mile) regularly or occasionally over long distances (several miles).
Schedule:
- Generally, 8 hours/day, 40 hours per week, Monday thru Friday 8 AM – 5 PM. These hours are flexible to accommodate seasonal workload or additional duties as assigned by the regional program manager.
- Incumbent may request and work a flexible work schedule, subject to supervisory approval.
- Employee may be called out on weekends, holidays, or after hours for emergency permitting of flood related, or other emergency projects.
- Willingness and ability to work extended hours as necessary to complete assignments.
Travel Requirements:
- Office and fieldwork percentages vary throughout the year.
- The spring/summer construction season generally requires greater fieldwork that can exceed 50 percent.
- Periods of overnight travel may be required, and work hours may exceed the standard 8 AM to 5 PM workday. Periodic statewide or regional travel, overnight trips, and occasional attendance at evening meetings is required.
Tools and Equipment:
- Standard field gear including hiking boots, GPS, clinometer, waders, rain gear, computers, tablets/smart phone, and state-assigned work vehicle.
Customer Interactions:
- Agency staff, other government agencies, tribal, private stakeholders, and the public.
Qualifications
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s Degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science and one (1) year of professional experience in fish/wildlife/habitat management or research.
OR
- Five years of professional experience in fish management or fish research, wildlife management or wildlife research, or habitat management or habitat research.
OR
- One year as a Fish & Wildlife Biologist 1.
Please note:
- A Master’s Degree or a Ph. D in the applicable science may substitute for one (1) year of the required experience.
License:
- Valid driver’s license.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Demonstrated ability to build professional rapport and partner with the public, tribes, and local, state, and federal agencies.
- Proficient knowledge of the biology of native Washington fish especially salmon species.
- Knowledge of ecological processes pertinent to the Northwest.
- Knowledge of the theory and practice of aquatic restoration implementation and mitigation.
- General understanding of regulatory processes, including the Hydraulic Code, Growth Management Act (GMA), State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), and Shoreline Management Act (SMA).
- Demonstrated organization and time management skills to optimize work efficiency.
- Ability and willingness to convey hard information to members of the public in a manner that maintains a positive working relationship.
- Ability to keep the “big picture” in mind at all times through pragmatic implementation of environmental regulations.
- Excellent self-awareness of your emotions and personality, to productively communicate with a variety of customers.
- Ability to accept 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.
CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT:
WDFW requires all employees to be fully vaccinated with the COVID-19 vaccine as a condition of employment. You will be required to provide proof of vaccination as part of the hiring process. Please do not upload your vaccination documentation with your application materials - your vaccination status will be verified by your supervisor before you will be allowed to work. Exemptions may be granted for religious or medical purposes.
Supplemental Information
Please note: Failure to follow the instructions below may lead to disqualification.
In order to successfully 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.
- Three professional references.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
All new employees must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9 Form) on their first day of work. If hired for this or any position at WDFW, you will be required to provide documentation proving you are eligible to work in the United States. For a list of acceptable documents, please use the following link: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents
JOIN THE WDFW TEAM:
The Washington 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. We value demonstrated skill in living WDFW values of Accountability, Service, Professionalism, Integrity, Respect, and Empathy (ASPIRE).
WDFW employees may be eligible for the following:
Medical/Dental/Vision for employee & dependent(s), Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), Vacation, Sick, and other Leave*, 11 Paid Holidays per year*, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Tuition Waiver, Long Term Disability & Life Insurance, Deferred Compensation Programs, Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP), Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA), Employee Assistance Program, Commute Trip Reduction Incentives (Download PDF reader), Combined Fund Drive, SmartHealth.
UNION - WAFWP:
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.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer
VETERAN PREFERENCE NOTICE:
To take advantage of veteran preference, please do the following:
- Email a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22 or USDVA signed verification of service letter to RecruitmentTeam@dfw.wa.gov.
- Subject line should include recruitment number, position, and Vet (for example: #10155 Biologist 1 – Veteran)
- Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.
MILITARY SPOUSE PREFERENCE NOTICE:
To take advantage of military spouse preference, please do the following:
- Notify us of your military spouse status by email at RecruitmentTeam@dfw.wa.gov.
- Subject line should include recruitment number, position, and MS (for example: #10155 Biologist 1 – MS)
- Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.
Note: Please blackout any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers. For further information, please contact us at RecruitmentTeam@dfw.wa.gov.
As part of WDFW’s efforts to advance respectful and inclusive work environments, the Agency expects inclusivity as part of our professional interactions and communications. Therefore, we want to ensure that all individuals feel welcome, are treated fairly and respectfully. All staff are empowered to fully contribute to serving their work unit, Agency, and the citizens of Washington.
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.
If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or support@neogov.com.
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