Working Title- Habitat Biologist

Classification- Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2

Job Status- Full-Time/Permanent

WDFW Program- Habitat Program – Region 1

Duty Station- - Walla Walla, Washington – Walla Walla County

- While this position may offer a telework option, the successful candidate must be available to report to the duty station as needed.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Photo Caption – Stehekin – Photo Credit: Zaid Al-Obaidi

Join the WDFW team and help manage, protect, and restore ecosystems for the long-term benefit of both people and wildlife.

This is an opportunity to work across disciplines to solve problems and work collaboratively with our conservation and community partners.

With your experience, you will review permit applications and conduct field reviews to provide project assistance to applicants.

WHAT TO EXPECT -

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, this position will:

Help administer the Hydraulic Project Approval process in accordance with Chapter 77.55.RCW, 77.57.RCW, and Chapter 220-110-WAC (Hydraulic Code Rules).

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).

Assist Habitat Biologists working on Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Forest Practices reviews.

Assist Habitat Biologists with providing technical assistance for salmon recovery projects.

Working Conditions:

Work setting: Work is performed in an office and outdoor environment. Physical capacity to work in remote forested and aquatic environments, conducting fish and wildlife surveys and other related tasks. These activities can consist of 8-to-10-hour days, for several days in a row. This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments. Capable of walking over rough terrain for short distances (= 1 mile) regularly or occasionally over long distances (several miles).

Schedule: Typically, Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. These hours are flexible to accommodate seasonal workload or additional duties as assigned by the regional program manager. Willingness and ability to work extended hours as necessary to complete assignments.

Travel requirements: In the field 25-50% time doing project site visits or traveling to meetings throughout the state. Periods of overnight travel may be required, and work hours may exceed the standard workday. May include extended travel and evening or overnight trips.

Customer Interactions: Agency staff, other government agencies, tribal, private stakeholders, restoration partners, funders, and general public. Interacts with the public on a regular basis while conducting fieldwork and/or site visits. Occasionally may be confronted by citizens that are non-compliant or not cooperative. Must be able to mitigate appropriately, speak effectively, and maintain an interest in fish and wildlife resource management to reach consensus on fish and wildlife issues.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Qualifications:

Option 1:

A Bachelor’s Degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science.

And

One (1) year of professional experience in natural resources working with diverse stakeholder groups to achieve conservation goals, or general experience working in fish, wildlife, or habitat management or research. (Note: A Master’s degree in one of the areas listed above will substitute for the required experience.)

Option 2:

One (2) year as a Fish and Wildlife Biologist 1.

Option 3:

Five (5) years of professional experience in natural resources working with diverse stakeholder groups to achieve conservation goals, or general experience working in fish, wildlife, or habitat management or research.

For ALL options above:

Valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications:

In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:

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 (3) professional references with current contact information.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:

In addition to pay and other special employee programs, there are other benefits that WDFW employees may be eligible for. Click the “Benefits” tab at the top of this announcement to learn more.

Important Note:

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: />

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 RCW 73.16.010 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 Cheri.Potter@dfw.wa.gov.
• Veterans only – Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 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: 2024-1234 – Biologist 1 – Veteran).
• Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer

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.

Request an accommodation: Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format please contact Jayme Chase by phone 360-902-2278 or email Jayme.Chase@dfw.wa.gov, or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 800-833-6388.

Technical Difficulties: 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.

Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to Cheri.Potter@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2026-04517.

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