Habitat Biologist - Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2 - Permanent

Position Overview Title: Habitat Biologist Classification: Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2 Job Status: Full‑time / Permanent Program: Habitat Program – Region1 Duty Station: Walla Walla, Washington (Walla Walla County) Telework: Telework is an option; the successful candidate must be able to report to the duty station as needed. Responsibilities Help administer the Hydraulic Project Approval process in accordance with Chapter77.55.RCW, 77.57.RCW, and Chapter220‑110‑WAC (Hydraulic Code Rules). Review and provision low‑complexity permits under the Hydraulic Project Approval (HPA) process in accordance with Hydraulic Code Rules, prescribing appropriate resource protection requirements for fish life. Review and issue low‑complexity HPA’s in accordance with the Revised Code of Washington, Washington Administrative Code, agency policy, and procedures manual. Develop effective working relationships with emphasis on clear communication and a cooperative approach to resolving fish habitat conservation issues. Recommend alternative project designs and/or techniques, BMPs, and measures to avoid, reduce, or eliminate impacts to fish life. Conduct construction site inspections during and after construction. Assist Habitat Biologists with providing technical assistance to local governments implementing their fish and wildlife regulations under the Growth Management Act (GMA) and Shoreline Management Act (SMA). Provide assistance with writing comments to local government planning staff during the land‑use decision‑making process as part of the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA). Foster open collaborative partnerships with city and county planners to incorporate best available science into decision‑making. 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. Coordinate with the local jurisdiction to assist landowners to comply with local land‑use ordinances. Assist Habitat Biologists working on Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Forest Practices reviews. Assist regional Fish and Wildlife Biologist 3’s with the review of plans, permits and actions permitted by the Washington Dept. of Natural Resources, and other agencies involved in forest management activities, promoting collaboration and teamwork. Provide assistance with DNR Concurrence Reviews for impacts to fish habitat. Provide assistance in Water Type Modification Interdisciplinary teams, applying advice on fish habitat conditions. Assist Habitat Biologists with providing technical assistance for salmon recovery projects. Assist regional Fish and Wildlife Biologist 3’s with habitat restoration groups on various habitat restoration proposals. Provide information on fish life histories and habitat requirements, terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem functions, and promote conservation of fish and wildlife resources to stakeholders. Provide technical assistance to restoration groups, governmental agencies, tribes, and other WDFW programs. Working Conditions Work setting: Office and outdoor environments, including remote forested and aquatic areas for fish and wildlife surveys. Physical capacity required to walk over rough terrain up to 1 mile routinely or several miles occasionally. Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM, with flexibility to accommodate seasonal workload or additional duties. Extended hours may be required. Travel: 25–50 % time in the field for project site visits or meetings statewide; overnight travel may be required. Customer interactions: Agency staff, other government agencies, tribal, private stakeholders, restoration partners, funders, and the general public. Interacts with the public regularly and may handle non‑compliant or uncooperative individuals. Qualifications Required Qualifications Option 1: Bachelor’s degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science plus one (1) year of professional experience in natural resources working with diverse stakeholder groups to achieve conservation goals; a Master’s degree substitutes for the required experience. Option 2: Two (2) years as a Fish and Wildlife Biologist1. Option 3: Five (5) years of professional experience in natural resources with similar stakeholder engagement, or general experience in fish, wildlife, or habitat management or research. Valid driver’s license (required for all options). Preferred Qualifications Knowledge of ecological processes pertinent to the Northwest, including natural history of Washington salmonids. Experience with Washington regulatory processes, especially the Hydraulic Code, GMA, SEPA, and SMA. Demonstrated ability to build professional relationships and partnerships with the public, colleagues, tribes, and local, state, and federal agencies. EEO Statement The Department of Fish and Wildlife is an equal‑opportunity employer. Veterans and qualifying spouses receive preference during the initial application review stage. #J-18808-Ljbffr