Fish & Wildlife Biologist 3 - Habitat Biologist - Permanent - *13731-21

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Fish & Wildlife Biologist 3 - Habitat Biologist - Permanent - *13731-21

Salary

$56,856.00 - $74,604.00 Annually

Location

Stevens County – Colville, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Job Number

2021-13731

Department

Dept. of Fish and Wildlife

Opening Date

02/04/2022

Closing Date

2/23/2022 11:59 PM Pacific

Description


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

HABITAT BIOLOGIST

WDFW Habitat Program
Colville, Washington


***Please Note: This recruitment has been reopened to increase the applicant pool. If you applied previously your application is still under consideration and you do not need to reapply.***


If you are an experienced senior-level biologist who is passionate about supporting our organizational efforts for healthy, diverse, sustainable fish and wildlife populations and their habitats then this is the job for you!

As a Habitat Biologist, you’ll be a steward of the environment and serve as an expert regarding habitat preservation, protection, conservation, restoration, enhancement, and environment permit requirements within your geographic coverage area in Eastern Region.

WDFW’s Habitat Program works across disciplines to solve problems and work collaboratively with our conservation and community partners, integrating ecological, social, economic, cultural, and institutional perspectives into our decision-making.


Kettle River Valley in the Spring*Kettle River Valley in the Spring – Photo Credit: Sandy Dotts

With that in mind, 

Picture yourself working with the public, industry, and tribal, local, state, and federal governments to promote restoration and protection of some of Washington’s most threatened lands

This is a dynamic role where you will serve as the Department expert regarding Fish & Wildlife habitat preservation, protection, conservation, restoration, enhancement, and environmental permitting.

The optimal applicants will use their knowledge of fish and wildlife habitats, together with superior communication skills and expertise in conflict resolution to work with others to develop solutions that balance the needs of people with the protection and restoration of fish and wildlife habitats.


Duties

Colville River

Colville River – Photo Credit: Bill Baker


Our Habitat Biologist, 

Administers the Hydraulic Project Approval process.

         Tasks include:

  • Providing pre-application assistance to project proponents by providing technical data, interpreting Washington Administrative Code (WAC) application to project, and facilitating the HPA permitting process.
  • Reviewing permit applications and conducting field reviews to provide project assistance to applicants. 
  • Coordinating participation and discussion of project proposals to assess field reviews of construction project sites and participating in preconstruction meetings. 
  • Issuing, processing, conditioning, or recommending denial of standard, expedited and emergency HPA’s in accordance with the Revised Code of Washington, Washington Administrative Code, agency policy, and procedures manual.
  • Providing a technical review of project proposals to determine if correct information on resources present on or near the project site is provided and that appropriate mitigation is identified for impacts to these resources.
  • Evaluating potential adverse impacts of project proposals on fish resources and recommending alternatives or plan modifications as indicated.

Represents the Department on Technical Committees. 

         Tasks include:

  • Authoring and providing review of technical, planning, and other documents.
  • Presenting study results and serving as expert witness or negotiator before various commissions, review boards, or in court cases.

 

Provides review of environmental protection ordinance development and implementation; reviews Land Use planning documents and decisions; and updates and maintains Priority Habitat and Species (PHS) data.

         Tasks include:

  • Reviewing environmental protection ordinance development and implementation under the Shoreline Management Act and Growth Management Act.
  • Providing review and comment to local jurisdictions on Habitat Management Plans in accordance with local Critical Areas Ordinances – coordinating with the local jurisdiction to assist landowners to comply with local land use ordinances.
  • Serving as Priority Habitat and Species (PHS) lead and expert for geographic coverage area – presenting and promoting use of PHS data as Best Available Science by local jurisdictions in land use planning and permitting. 
  • Providing technical assistance in the use and application of PHS information by local, state, and federal governments as well as the general public and private organizations – pursuing strategies to maintain and update information within the PHS database.

 

Provides office and field review of plans, permits and actions conducted in the forested environment.

 

         Tasks include:

 

  • Working collaboratively with the Washington Dept. of Natural Resources (WDNR) and forest landowners regarding Forest Practice Applications to address impacts to fish and wildlife.
  • Providing review of Forest Practice Hydraulic Projects (FPHPs) in accordance with RCW, WAC and Policies/Procedures developed by the Department.
  • Providing review and comment on Water Typing and Water Type Modifications. 

 

Conducts Habitat Enhancement or Acquisition as lead or part of a multi-disciplinary team. 

 

         Tasks include:

 

  • Facilitating and coordinating WDFW input to Salmonid Recovery activities for fish recovery within geographic area.
  • Participating in the identification and prioritization of habitat enhancement projects.
  • Conducting habitat restoration or acquisition as lead/part of a multi-disciplinary team – including field review and assessments of potential projects or acquisition properties, researching, and applying for grants, development of formal presentations and project implementation management. 

 

Negotiates, develops, and implements protection, mitigation and enhancement plans associated with federal, state, or local licensing or permitting.

 

         Tasks include:

 

  • Serving as a lead during the three phases of energy project licensing or permitting by representing positions developed in collaboration with the Department's Fish, Wildlife and Enforcement Programs.
  • Working proactively and seeking partnerships with federal, state, and local governments as well as tribal entities, conservation groups and the utilities or other organizations seeking licensing or permitting.

 

WORKING CONDITIONS:

  • Work Setting, including hazards: 
    1. Work is performed periodically in the field, sometimes in remote locations and during inclement weather.
    2. Occasional driving to conduct field review of project sites.
    3. Periodic work in remote forested and aquatic environments, conducting fish surveys and other related tasks.
    4. Activities can consist of 8-to-10-hour days, for several days in a row.
    5. Frequent walking over rough terrain for short distances (? 1 mile) regularly or occasionally over long distances (several miles).
  • Schedule: 
    1. Typically, work schedule consists of an 8-hour day, 40 hours per week. 
    2. May work weekends, holidays, or after hours for emergency permitting of flood related, or other emergency projects.
    3. Office and fieldwork percentages vary throughout the year – the summer construction season generally requires greater fieldwork that can exceed 50 percent.
  • Travel Requirements: 
    1. Periodic statewide or regional travel and occasional attendance at evening meetings is required.
  • Tools and Equipment: 
    1. Field equipment, electro-shocker, survey equipment, computers, tablets, GPS locators.
  • Customer Interactions: 
    1. Effective negotiation with clients, local government officials, agriculture, forest, and special interest groups.


Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Please Note:
  • Closely related qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-by-year basis.
            OR
  • 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.

Also,
  • A Master’s degree in the applicable science will substitute one (1) year of the required experience. 
  • A Ph.D. in the applicable science may be substituted for two (2) years of the required experience. 

Certifications/Licenses: 

  • Valid Driver’s License. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

Job knowledge and experience in:

  • Stream ecology and restoration techniques, fish passage barrier assessments, fish passage requirements for road crossing structures, logging processes, heavy equipment operation and limitations, environmental review processes, and similarly applicable fields of study or training. 
  • Working through difficult or complex situations involving multiple parties with differing opinions and expectations. 
  • Providing superior customer service. 
  • The Growth Management Act, Shoreline Management Act and the WDFW Priority Habitat and Species. 
  • Developing and presenting biological information to diverse groups of people.


CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT: 

As a result of Gov. Jay Inslee’s Proclamation 21-14 (Download PDF reader) issued on August 9, 2021, all Washington State Agencies are requiring employees to be fully vaccinated with the COVID-19 vaccine as a condition of your employment. Pursuant to this mandate, you will be required to provide proof of vaccination as a part of the hiring process. Your vaccination status will be verified at new employee onboarding.  

A list of acceptable documents to provide verification can be reviewed here. Vaccination acceptable documents link (Download PDF reader)


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: 

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.

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:

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 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:

  • 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 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.
03
What is your major area of study? If you possess multiple degrees, please list each degree and major.
04
Do you have two (2) or more years of experience as a Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2?
  • Yes
  • No
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 years – 7 years of experience.
  • More than 7 years of experience.
  • No experience.
06
Please BRIEFLY LIST your professional experience in fish management or fish research, wildlife management or wildlife research, or habitat management or habitat research. ("See Resume" is not a valid response, if you do not have this experience, put N/A).
07
This position requires performing work in all weather conditions, carrying, and transporting heavy equipment; and operating motor vehicle and fishing vessels for long periods of time. Can you perform these functions with or without reasonable accommodation?
  • Yes
  • No
08
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
  • FourWsFishingTeam - Linkedin
  • Other
09
If you selected "other" please specify the information/person that led you to this job posting.
10
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

Required Question

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