Fish & Wildlife Biologist 3 - Habitat Program - Three (3) Openings - Permanent - *09196-21

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Fish & Wildlife Biologist 3 - Habitat Program - Three (3) Openings - Permanent - *09196-21

Salary

$56,856.00 - $74,604.00 Annually

Location

Multiple Locations - Western Washington, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Job Number

2021-09196

Department

Dept. of Fish and Wildlife

Opening Date

11/18/2021

Closing Date

1/24/2022 4:09 PM Pacific

Description


THREE (3) OPENINGS
FULL-TIME/PERMANENT
FISH & WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST 3 (BIO3)

WDFW Habitat Program
Duty Station Options - Region 4:
Mill Creek, Washington - Snohomish County
North Bend, Washington - King County

Please note: Salary listed does not include the 5% premium pay granted to all King County employees. In addition to the base salary, this position is eligible for 5% premium pay for positions located in King County.

***This job is posted until February 18, 2022 - application review will be ongoing, and therefore we encourage you to submit your application materials as soon as possible. First review of applications will be December 2, 2021. The Hiring Manager reserves the right to close the posting at any time once a selection has been made. ****

 

Are you a dynamic thinker and looking for a challenge? Do you analyze, review and report data that impact fish and wildlife? If so, then apply to become a Fish and Wildlife Biologist!

 

As our Fish and Wildlife Biologist, you will implement the Hydraulic Project Approval permitting process, review, and comment on environmental documents. 

With your expertise, you will add value by providing internal and external technical assistance to support organizational efforts for healthy, diverse, and sustainable fish and wildlife populations and their habitats.

HPA Compliance Program – Photo Credit: Allison Cook

With that in mind, 

Picture yourself practicing conservation by managing, protecting, and restoring ecosystems for the long-term benefit of people, and for fish, wildlife, and their habitats by embracing new knowledge and best science to adaptively manage changing and complex conditions. 

This is an opportunity where you will be working 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.

In this dynamic role you will work to create an inclusive and professional work environment by valuing a diversity of backgrounds and experiences, promoting empathy, and respecting their co-worker's perspectives.




Duties

*HPA Compliance Program – Photo Credit: Allison Cook

Our Fish & Wildlife Biologists,

Administers the Hydraulic Project Approval process. 

              Tasks Include:

  • Reviewing permit applications and conducting field reviews to provide project assistance to applicants. 
  • Recommending alternative project designs and techniques, Best Management Practices (BMPs), and measures to avoid, reduce or eliminate impacts to fish life.
  • Coordinating participation and discussion of project proposals with other agency personnel, including biologists, scientists, and environmental engineers, in assessing project compliance with agency policies and impacts to fish life and habitat.
  • Issuing, processing, condition, or deny standard, expedited and emergency Hydraulic Project Approvals (HPA’s).
  • Assisting Enforcement in identification and resolution of Hydraulic Code violations including serving as an expert witness in court cases involving non-compliance of HPAs or appeals.

 

Assist Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in integrating Hydraulic Project review into their Forest Practices reviews, and participate in other Forest and Fish activities.

 

         Tasks Include:

  • Collaborating with state and federal forest management agencies when reviewing Forest Practice Applications (FPA’s) for impacts to fish and wildlife habitat.
  • Providing provisions for the protection of fish life using the Forest Practice Hydraulic Permit (FPHP) Concurrence Review process.
  • Assisting with the review and development of wildlife plans associated with forest practice applications.

 

Provide review and comments on County/City Critical Areas Ordinances and Shoreline Master Plan updates, as authorized under the Shoreline Management Act (SMA) and Growth Management Act (GMA).

 

         Tasks Include:

  • Providing written comments to local government planning staff during the land use decision-making process as part of the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), City/County Shoreline Management Plans, and Critical Areas Ordinances.
  • Assisting City and County planners and the public in using and interpreting Priority Habitats and Species (PHS) mapping.

 

Serve as habitat experts for salmon recovery projects within assigned coverage area and other duties.

 

         Tasks Include:

  • Serving as habitat restoration and enhancement projects lead.
  • Providing information on fish life histories and habitat requirements, terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem functions, and values, and promoting conservation of fish and wildlife resources to stakeholders.
  • Pursuing funding by writing and presenting grant proposals and formal presentations for approved projects.
  • Participating in Streamflow Restoration Act planning and implementation in order to ensure adequate water for fish, wildlife, and habitats in the coverage area. 

 

WORKING CONDITIONS:

  • Work Setting, including hazards:    
  1. Work is performed in an office and outdoor environment.
  2. Office work includes reading, writing, phone and computer use.
  3. Fieldwork includes operation of field equipment (GPS, maps, clinometer, range finder, compass, etc). 
  4. Physical, environmental, or mental demands of key work – may include remote forested and aquatic environments, conducting fish surveys and other related tasks – activities can consist of 8-to-10-hour days, for several days in a row. 
  5. Walking over rough terrain for short distances (~1 mile) regularly or occasionally over long distances (several miles).
  • Schedule:   
  1. Typically, Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm – hours are flexible to accommodate seasonal workload or additional duties. 
  • Travel Requirements: 
  1. In the field 50% doing field work or traveling to meetings throughout the state. 
  2. Periods of overnight travel and work hours that may exceed the standard 8:00 am to 5:00 pm workday.
  • Tools and Equipment: 
  1. Boots, GPS, clinometer, waders, rain gear, state-assigned work vehicle.
  • Customer Interactions:
  1. Frequent communication with agency staff, other government agencies, tribal, private stakeholders, and general public.
  • Other: 
  1. Interest in fish and wildlife resource management and working with others in a collaborative manner to reach consensus on fish and wildlife issues.


Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • A Bachelor's degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science.

           AND

  • Three (3) years of professional experience in fish management or fish research, wildlife management or wildlife research, or habitat management or habitat research.

           OR 

  • Two (2) years as a Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2.

 

Please Note: 

  • 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

Certifications/Licenses:

  • Valid Driver’s License.

 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

Experience with:

  • Building professional rapport and partnering with the public, colleagues, tribes, and local, state, and federal agencies.
  • Ecological processes pertinent to the Northwest.
  • Regulatory processes, including the Hydraulic Code, Growth Management Act (GMA), State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), and Shoreline Management Act (SMA).
  • Working within the regulatory environment including reviewing, issuing, or monitoring environmental permits.
  • Engaging in crucial conversations with agency staff and stakeholders to execute the duties of this position.
  • Providing leadership and ideas that continuously improves program processes and be adaptive to changes in the work environment.

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: 

On Monday August 9, 2021, Governor Inslee enacted Proclamation 21-14which requires that all employees of all state agencies not headed by an elected official be fully vaccinated with a recommended COVID-19 vaccine by October 18, 2021 as a condition of employment. Fully vaccinated includes the two-week waiting period after the last shot in each series, or single shot, is given. If hired for this or any position at WDFW, you will be required to provide verification of COVID vaccination. A list of acceptable documents to provide verification can be reviewed here. Vaccination acceptable documents link 

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

The Department of Fish and Wildlife’s priority during the Covid-19 health crisis is to keep our staff, candidates, and the public safe.  We are hiring and encourage you to apply to open positions. We have transitioned to a virtual recruitment process, to include web-based interviews.

 

JOIN THE WDFW TEAM:

Learn about our agency and the perks of working for WDFW!

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 professionalism, accountability, empathy, integrity, service, and respect. (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:

  • 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.

*(Images shown are Pre-COVID, WDFW Staff follow current COVID Safety Protocol including the use of face masks)

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More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note:  If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS).  New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs.  For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP).  This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165. 

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 12-31-2022

01
Do you have a valid driver's license?
  • Yes
  • No
02
Please select the duty station/location that you are submitting application for. (Select ALL that apply).
  • Mill Creek, Washington – Snohomish County
  • North Bend, Washington – King County
03
Please select the option below that best describes your highest level of education.
  • High School Diploma/GED
  • Some College
  • Associates Degree
  • Bachelor's Degree
  • Master's Degree
  • PhD.
  • None of the above.
04
What is your major area of study? If multiple degrees, please list each degree and your major.
05
Please select the option below that best describes your professional experience in fish management or fish research, wildlife management or wildlife research, or habitat management or habitat research.
  • Less than 3 years of experience.
  • 3 or more years of experience.
  • No experience.
06
Please select the option below that best describes your professional experience as a Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2
  • Less than two years of experience
  • Two or more years of experience.
  • No experience.
07
Please BRIEFLY LIST your experience with building a professional rapport and partnering with the public, colleagues, tribes, and local, state, and federal agencies.
08
Do you have experience writing technical reports?
  • Yes
  • No
09
Please BRIEFLY LIST your general understanding of regulatory processes, including the Hydraulic Code, Growth Management Act (GMA), State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), and Shoreline Management Act (SMA).
10
This position requires field work - which can include working outdoors in all weather conditions and performing strenuous physical activities. Can you perform these functions with or without reasonable accommodation?
  • Yes
  • No
11
How did you hear about this job posting? (Select all that apply).
  • Careers.wa.gov
  • Community Based Organization
  • Community/Technical College
  • Facebook
  • Handshake
  • Hiring Event/Workshop
  • Indeed.com
  • Job Board
  • Job Fair
  • LinkedIn
  • Newspaper
  • Other State Agency
  • Other Website
  • Professional Association
  • Twitter
  • University Job Board
  • WDFW Employee
  • WDFW Recruiter
  • WDFW Website
  • Word of Mouth
  • WorkSource
  • Other
12
If you selected "other" please specify the information/person that led you to this job posting.
13
Are you currently a permanent employee of the Department of Fish and Wildlife? ("Permanent employee" means an employee who has attained permanent status in a job classification upon successful completion of a probationary, trial service, or transition review period; this would include "Seasonal Career" appointments).
  • Yes
  • No

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