Area Habitat Biologist - Fish & Wildlife Biologist 3 - Permanent

Title: AreaHabitat Biologist Classification: Fish & Wildlife Biologist 3 Job Status: Full‑Time / Permanent WDFW Program: Habitat Program Duty Station: Ridgefield, Washington – Clark County Hybrid / Telework: The selected candidate may be able to telework/work remotely up to 2 days per week at the discretion of the supervisor. Description: As a senior‑level Biologist, this position provides internal and external technical assistance in the assigned area to support organizational efforts for healthy, diverse, and sustainable fish and wildlife populations and their habitat. The role implements the Hydraulic Project Approval (HPA) permitting process and reviews and comments on environmental documents including Forest Practices, Growth and Shoreline Management Acts, and State Environmental Policy Act / National Environmental Policy Act documents. The officer embraces new scientific knowledge to adaptively manage complex conditions, works across disciplines, and collaborates with conservation and community partners. What to Expect Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Area Habitat Biologist will: Provide biological expertise to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for Forest Practice activities: Collaborate with state and federal forest management agencies when reviewing Forest Practice Applications (FPAs) for impacts to fish and wildlife habitats. Provide provisions for the protection of fish life using the Forest Practice Hydraulic Permit (FPHP) Concurrence review process. Participate in Water Type Modification Interdisciplinary teams, applying expert advice on fish habitat conditions. Assist with the review and development of wildlife plans associated with FPAs. Administer the Hydraulic Project Approval (HPA) process: Review permit applications and conduct field reviews to provide project technical assistance to applicants. Recommend best management practices and measures to avoid, reduce, or eliminate impacts to fish life, including alternative project designs and/or techniques. Coordinate project proposal reviews with other agency personnel, including biologists, scientists, and environmental engineers, to ensure compliance with agency policies and impacts to fish and wildlife habitats. Issue, process, condition, or deny standard, expedited, and emergency HPAs in accordance with the Revised Code of Washington (RCW), Washington Administrative Code (WAC), agency policy, and procedures manual. Review and comment on County/City Critical Areas Ordinances and Shoreline Master Program updates and implementation activities: Foster open, collaborative partnerships with City and County planners to incorporate best available science into land use ordinances. 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) management recommendations and mapping. Review and provide comments to local jurisdictions on Habitat Management Plans in accordance with local Critical Areas Ordinances, coordinating with local jurisdiction to assist landowners to comply with local land use ordinances. Serve as a habitat restoration and enhancement expert for priority habitat and ecosystem recovery projects within the assigned coverage area: Support habitat restoration and enhancement efforts for the assigned coverage area. Assist in permitting, coordinate WDFW expertise, ensure consistency with WDFW strategic goals and objectives, and provide technical assistance to the public, governmental agencies, tribes, and other WDFW programs. Provide information on fish life histories and habitat requirements, terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem functions and values, and promote conservation of fish and wildlife resources to stakeholders. Participate in salmon recovery Lead Entity process by serving on technical committees, providing technical assistance, conducting field reviews, and ranking projects for Salmon Recovery Funding Board (SRFB) funding. Working Conditions Work is performed in both office and outdoor environments. Fieldwork includes working in remote forested and aquatic environments, including during adverse weather and sea conditions. Activities such as conducting fish and wildlife surveys may consist of 8‑ to 10‑hour days, for several days in a row. Regularly walk over rough terrain for short distances (one mile or less) and occasionally walk over rough terrain for long distances (several miles). Operate an agency vehicle in off‑road driving conditions, which may include transporting agency staff and equipment. May encounter and work around noise, odors, repetitive movements of hands, finger manipulations, long periods of sitting, squatting, walking, boating, climbing in and out of boats, carrying, kneeling, occasional heavy lifting (such as backpack, field gear, and equipment weighing up to 40 pounds unassisted), standing in confined spaces, slippery surfaces, biting and stinging insects, and the use of knives. This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments. Schedule Typically, Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., but may work weekends, holidays, or other after‑hours for emergency permitting. Occasional evening meetings are required for emergency permitting. Percentages of office and field work vary seasonally and can reach as much as 80% field work during busy times of the year and less than 30% during other times of the year. A flexible work schedule may be requested, subject to supervisory approval. Travel Requirements Periods of overnight travel may be required, and work hours may exceed the standard 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. workday. Tools and Equipment GPS, computer, phone, state‑assigned work vehicle, and personal protective equipment (PPE). Customer Interactions Interact with agency staff, other governmental agencies, tribal, private stakeholders, restoration partners, funders, and members of the public. May occasionally encounter members of the public who are not cooperative. Inform supervisor and management of controversial issues in the region so WDFW management can make appropriate decisions and actions in a timely manner. Qualifications Required Qualifications: Option1: A Bachelor’s degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, environmental science, or a related field AND Three (3) years of professional experience in fish management/research, wildlife management/research, or habitat management/research. Option2: A Bachelor’s degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, environmental science, or a related field AND Two (2) years of experience as a Fish and Wildlife Biologist2. For the options above, the following is also required and may be gained concurrently: Two (2) years of professional experience in communication, conflict resolution, or facilitation of diverse perspectives, including teamwork in service‑oriented settings. One (1) year of professional experience influencing key stakeholders and building functioning relationships that shape decision‑making. One (1) year of professional experience applying laws or policies, providing technical expertise to diverse stakeholders, or managing politically sensitive or high‑conflict situations with objectivity, professionalism, and diplomacy. A Valid Driver’s License. Please note: Closely related qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year‑by‑year basis. A Master’s degree in the applicable field of study may substitute for one (1) year of the required professional experience in fish management or research, wildlife management or research, or habitat management or research. A PhD. in the applicable field of study may substitute for two (2) years of the required professional experience in fish management or research, wildlife management or research, or habitat management or research. Preferred Qualifications Knowledge of ecological processes pertinent to the Pacific Northwest. General understanding of regulatory processes, including: The Hydraulic Code Growth Management Act (GMA) State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) Shoreline Management Act (SMA) Demonstrated organization and time management skills. Your Application Must Include the Following A completed online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements. An up‑to‑date resume. A cover letter detailing your interest in the position, your relevant skills and experience, and why you are the ideal candidate. At least three professional references with current contact information. 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. Veteran and Military Spouse Preference Notice Per RCW73.16.010 Veterans and qualifying spouses who meet the minimum qualifications of a position are eligible for preference during the initial application review stage. To receive this benefit, please do the following: Notify us of your veteran or military spouse status by email at View email address on click.appcast.io. Veterans only – Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member4 copy), NGB 22 or USDVA signed verification of service letter. Please redact any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers. Subject line must include recruitment number, position, and spouse/veteran (example: 2026‑1234– Biologist1– Veteran). Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer 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. Request an Accommodation Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format please contact Jayme Chase by phone360‑902‑2278 or email View email address on click.appcast.io, or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at View phone number on click.appcast.io. Technical Difficulties If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll‑free at View phone number on click.appcast.io or View email address on click.appcast.io. Other Questions If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to View email address on click.appcast.io and reference job #2026‑04421. #J-18808-Ljbffr