Title- Fish Screening Section Manager
Classification- Environmental Planner 5
Job Status- Full-Time / Permanent
WDFW Program- Habitat Program – Fish Passage and Screening Division
Duty Station- Ellensburg, Washington is the current duty station, however, depending on the successful candidate, other statewide duty stations may be considered.
Hybrid/Telework- 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!

If you’re passionate about protecting Washington’s fish populations and thrive on leading complex, statewide conservation efforts, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.

As the state’s expert on fish screening, you will lead efforts to ensure water diversions and bypass systems protect fish and support healthy aquatic ecosystems.

Here you will develop and implement statewide biological studies, policies, and regulations related to water diversions, and may negotiate mitigation for projects with impacts.

In this role you will lead a team of biologists, providing expert advice and policy interpretation. 

You will also conduct scientific studies to address information gaps and determine protocols and practices to effectively run the screening section. Your work will be a critical part of the agency’s mission to conserve and protect fish and wildlife resources statewide.

What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Fish Screening Section Manager will,

Serve as the statewide expert overseeing fish screening programs, project management, fishway maintenance, and fish habitat management initiatives:

• Provide direction for screening evaluation protocols and offer technical support for diversion inventories and assessments statewide.
• Conduct site reviews to identify and prioritize fish screening projects; collect and analyze biological data; assess species use and fish benefits; and propose conceptual design options.
• Monitor screening budgets and contracts to ensure proper fiscal management, adherence to budget constraints, and timely completion of deliverables.
• Collaborate closely with the Yakima Screen Shop staff to ensure environmental compliance of fish screens, coordinate maintenance activities, and oversee screen refurbishments.
• Provide technical expertise to Area Habitat Biologists, environmental engineers, watershed stewardship biologists, and staff across Wildlife, Fish, and Capital and Asset Management Program (CAMP) initiatives on screening corrections and bypass options on both WDFW and private lands.
• Represent WDFW in external review processes, including FERC reviews, Value Planning and Value Engineering, and participate on the Fish Screening Oversight Committee.

Independently prioritize, plan, coordinate, and supervise staff:

• Manage, supervise, evaluate, and mentor four (4) full-time Biologist 3’s and one (1) full-time Biologist 2.
• Maintain regular communication with supervisors, regional staff, and Natural Resources Building (NRB) staff in Olympia.

Oversee project management, permitting, and compliance:

• Facilitate, coordinate, or manage projects and provide input into project design to maximize the salmon and habitat benefits.
• Provide guidance on environmental permitting and review of engineering requirements related to fish passage activities.
• Apply for environmental permits to construct and rebuild fish screening projects.
• Collaborate with landowners to establish positive relationships and develop agreements that enable environmental compliance monitoring on private properties.
• Hire engineers to complete environmental fish screen design work.
• Review and evaluate engineered drawings relative to juvenile fish requirements and design criteria.
• Work with construction crew and contractors to build projects.

Data management, information-sharing, partnerships, and manage budget and staffing requirements for area of responsibility:

• Oversee screening database.
• Pursue cost-share and grant opportunities to implement fish screening and passage projects with outside entities.
• Develop and foster partnerships.
• Author proposals and secure external grants for screening projects on both agency-managed and private lands.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work Setting, including hazards:

• Position includes both office and fieldwork with significant travel and long workdays to complete tasks in remote locations.
• Fieldwork comprises approximately 10% to 50% of the position, depending on the season, and involves hiking streams and rugged terrain in remote areas—typically less than a mile, though occasionally several miles, often while carrying moderately heavy loads (30+ lbs.) in inclement weather. 
• Duties may involve working in or near water, including wading in moving streams, operating backpack electro-shockers, or using boats in riverine or lake environments. 
• Work safely along busy roadways.

Schedule:
Full-time, 40 hours per week. The standard work schedule includes the potential for occasional evening or weekend work as needed. Alternative schedules may be considered based on business needs. Schedules may vary based on business needs, time of year, and/or weather conditions.

Travel Requirements:
Travel frequently to accomplish goals of directing fish habitat management programs and studies on a statewide basis.

Tools and Equipment:
Standard habitat survey gear, road safety equipment, and backpack electro-fisher.

Customer Interactions:
Regularly respond to inquiries from agency staff and the public via phone and email.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Qualifications: 

Closely related qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year by year basis.

Option 1: 

• A master’s degree involving major study in biological science, environmental science, physical science, natural science, engineering, or similarly allied fields.

AND

• Three (3) years of professional level experience in biology, environmental engineering, and/or project management.

AND

• Experience in one (1) or more of the following:
• Fish screening requirements for salmonids.
• Fish passage requirements of salmonids.
• Habitat enhancement/restoration techniques for salmonids.
• Habitat requirements of salmonids.
• Life history for all species of salmonids.
• Fish passage and screening assessment protocols.
• Aquatic habitat assessment methods.

AND

• Two (2) years of supervisory/leadership experience including training and mentorship.

Option 2:

• A bachelor’s degree involving major study in biological science, environmental science, physical science, natural science, engineering, or similarly allied fields.

AND

• Five (5) years of professional level experience in biology, environmental engineering, and/or project management.

AND

• Experience in one (1) or more of the following:
  • Fish screening requirements for salmonids.
  • Fish passage requirements of salmonids.
  • Habitat enhancement/restoration techniques for salmonids.
  • Habitat requirements of salmonids.
  • Life history for all species of salmonids.
  • Fish passage and screening assessment protocols.
  • Aquatic habitat assessment methods.

AND

• Two (2) years of supervisory/leadership experience including training and mentorship.

Option 3 

• A Ph.D. in biological science, environmental science, physical science, natural science, or engineering.

AND

• One (1) year of professional level experience in biology, environmental engineering, and/or project management.

AND

• Experience in one (1) or more of the following:
• Fish screening requirements for salmonids.
• Fish passage requirements of salmonids.
• Habitat enhancement/restoration techniques for salmonids.
• Habitat requirements of salmonids.
• Life history for all species of salmonids.
• Fish passage and screening assessment protocols.
• Aquatic habitat assessment methods.

AND

• Two (2) years of supervisory/leadership experience including training and mentorship.

In addition to the required pathways above, the incumbent must also have the following (experience may be gained concurrently):

• Three (3) years of experience communicating technical or scientific information in writing and verbally to audiences without subject-matter expertise.
• Two (2) years of experience managing complex work assignments with competing deadlines or priorities.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (e.g., Word, Excel, Outlook)

Certifications/Licenses:
Valid driver’s license.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:
Successful completion of agency training and/or certification is dependent on supervisory direction, position need and training availability.

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

• Proficiency in Microsoft Access.
• Proficiency in ArcGIS software programs.

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.

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:  https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents

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 Ashley.Lee@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 Ashley.Lee@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2025-07323.

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