Title- Habitat Biologist
Classification- Fish and Wildlife Biologist 3
Number of Vacancies- Two (2)
Job Status- Full-Time – Permanent 
WDFW Program- Habitat Program  
Duty Station- Spokane Valley, Washington – Spokane County
Hybrid/Telework- The selected candidate may be able to telework remotely up to 2 days per week at the discretion of the supervisor.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

As a senior-level Habitat Biologist, this is an opportunity to practice 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 available science to adaptively manage changing and complex conditions.

With your expertise, you will review and comment on a wide range of environmental documents related to Forest Practices, Growth and Shoreline Management Acts, and State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA)/National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and leading the implementation of the Hydraulic Project Approval (HPA) permitting process.

This role advances long-term ecosystem protection and restoration through cross-disciplinary collaboration and strong partnerships with communities and conservation stakeholders.

What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Habitat Biologist will, 

Serve as a habitat restoration and enhancement expert for priority habitat and ecosystem recovery projects within assigned coverage area:

• Assist with permitting, coordination of WDFW technical expertise, and ensure consistency strategic goals and objectives. 
• Provide technical assistance to the public, governmental agencies, tribes, and other WDFW programs. Provide information on fish life histories and habitat requirements, as well as terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem functions and values. Participate in salmon recovery Lead Entity process within assigned area. 
• Serve on technical committees, provide technical assistance, field review and rank Salmon Recovery Funding Board (SRFB) funded projects.

Administer the Hydraulic Project Approval process in accordance with Chapter 77.55.RCW, 77.57.RCW, and Chapter 220-660-WAC (Hydraulic Code Rules):

• Review permit applications and conduct field reviews to provide technical assistance to applicants. Recommend Best Management Practices (BMP), measures to avoid, reduce or eliminate impacts to fish life, and alternative project designs or techniques.
• Coordinate participation and discussion of project proposals with other agency personnel, including biologists, scientists, and environmental engineers, to assessing project compliance with agency policies and impacts to fish and wildlife habitat.
• Issue, process, condition, or deny standard, expedited and emergency HPA’s in accordance with the Revised Code of Washington, Washington Administrative Code, agency policy, and procedures manual.
• Conduct project compliance and monitoring field review during and after construction.

Provide biological expertise to the Department of Natural Resources for forest practice activities and technical expertise for projects/plans in the forested environment:

• Collaborate with state and federal forest management agencies when reviewing Forest Practice Applications (FPA’s) for impacts to fish and wildlife habitat.
• Provide provisions for the protection of fish life using the Forest Practice Hydraulic Permit (FPHP) Concurrence Review process.
• Participate in Water Type Modification Interdisciplinary teams, applying expert advice on fish habitat conditions.
• Review SOPA and NEPA for projects conducted on USFS lands. Serve as the technical expert for WDFW for activities on forested land.

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

• Foster collaborative partnerships with City and County planners to incorporate best available science into land use ordinances.
• Provide 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 Area Ordinances.

Working Conditions: 

Work setting, including hazards: 

• Work is performed in an office and outdoor environment.
• Work in remote forested and aquatic environments, conducting fish and wildlife surveys and other related tasks. These activities may consist of 8-to-10-hour days, for several days in a row and during inclement weather and rough terrain.
• Walk over rough terrain for short distances (<1 mile) regularly or occasionally over long distances (several miles).
• Operate vehicles in off-road driving conditions.
• This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments

Schedule: 

• Typically, Monday – Friday 8:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.   
• May work weekends, holidays or other after hours for emergency permitting.   Occasional evening meetings are also required. 
• Percentages of office and field work vary seasonally and can reach as much as 80% field work during busy times of the year and less than 30% during other times of the year.  Incumbent may work a flexible work schedule subject to supervisory approval.

Travel Requirements: Periods of overnight travel may be required.

Tools and Equipment: Boots, GPS, clinometer, waders, rain gear, computer, phone and state-assigned work vehicle.

Customer Interactions: Interact with agency staff, other governmental agencies, tribal groups, private stakeholders and the public.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications: 

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

Option 1: 
Bachelor's Degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, environmental science, or related field.
  And
Three (3) years of professional experience in fish management or fish research, wildlife management or wildlife research, or habitat management or habitat research. 

Option 2: 
Bachelor's Degree or higher in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, environmental science, or related field.
  And 
Two (2) years as a Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2.

Option 3: 
A Master’s degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, environmental science, or related field.   
  And 
Two (2) years of professional experience in fish management or fish research, wildlife management or wildlife research, or habitat management or habitat research.

Option 4: 
A Ph.D. in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, environmental science, or related field.
  And 
One (1) year of professional experience in fish management or fish research, wildlife management or wildlife research, or habitat management or habitat research.

Certifications/Licenses:
Valid Driver’s License.

Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess one or more of the following:

• Knowledge of ecological processes pertinent to the Pacific Northwest.
• General understanding of regulatory processes, including: 
  • The Hydraulic Code
  • Growth Management Act (GMA)
  • State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA)
  • Shoreline Management Act (SMA).
• Demonstrated organization and time management skills

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 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 Elizabeth.Bullard@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 Elizabeth.Bullard@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2026-01359.

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