Habitat Biologist - Fish & Wildlife Biologist 3 - Permanent - 2026-02812

Full Job Description

Title- Habitat Biologist

Classification- Fish & Wildlife Biologist 3

Job Status- Full-Time / Permanent

WDFW Program- Habitat Program – Region 4
Duty Station- North Bend, Washington – King County

Hybrid/Telework- The selected candidate may be able to telework remotely up to 2 days per week at the discretion of the supervisor.

Please note: This position is eligible for an additional 5% pay differential when the duty station is in King County.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Hydraulic Project Approval (HPA) compliance – Photo Credit: WDFW

As a senior-level Biologist, this position plays a vital role in implementing the Hydraulic Project Approval (HPA) permitting process and reviewing environmental documents related to Forest Practices, Growth and Shoreline Management Acts, and State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA)/National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documents.

This role provides technical assistance to support the conservation and management of fish, wildlife, and their habitats.

By applying best available science and adaptive management strategies, this position works to protect and restore ecosystems for long-term sustainability.

Through cross-disciplinary collaboration and community partnerships, it integrates ecological, social, and economic perspectives to drive effective conservation efforts.

What to Expect-

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Habitat Biologist will,

Administer the Hydraulic Project Approval (HPA) 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 project technical assistance to applicants.
• Recommend Best Management Practices (BMPs) and mitigation measures to minimize or eliminate impacts on fish life, including alternative project designs and/or techniques.
• Coordinate project proposal reviews with other agency personnel, including biologists, scientists, and environmental engineers, to ensure compliance with agency policies and impacts on fish and wildlife habitat.
• Issue, process, condition, or deny standard, expedited and emergency HPA’s in accordance with the Revised Code of Washington (RCW), Washington Administrative Code (WAC), agency policy, and procedures manual.
• Conduct project compliance and monitoring field review during and after construction.
• Assist WDFW Compliance Inspectors or Enforcement in identifying and resolving Hydraulic Code violations, including serving as an expert witness in court cases involving HPA non-compliance or appeals.

Provide Biological Expertise to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for Forest Practice Activities:

• 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.
• Assist with the review and development of wildlife plans associated with FPAs.

Review and Comment on County/City Critical Areas Ordinances and Shoreline Master Program Updates and Implementation Activities:

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.
• Assist City and County planners and the public in using and interpreting Priority Habitats and Species (PHS) management recommendations and mapping.
• Review and provide feedback on Habitat Management Plans in accordance with local Critical Areas Ordinances, coordinating with the local jurisdictions to assist landowners to comply with local land use ordinances.

Serve as a Habitat Restoration and Enhancement Expert for Priority Habitat and Ecosystem Recovery Projects within Assigned Coverage Area:

• Lead habitat restoration and enhancement efforts, ensuring projects align with regional priorities and program objectives.
• Assist with permitting, coordinate WDFW expertise, and provide technical assistance to the public, governmental agencies, tribes, and other WDFW programs.
• Provide information on fish life histories, habitat requirements, and terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem functions and values, and promoting conservation of fish and wildlife resources to stakeholders.
• Participate in the salmon recovery Lead Entity process by serving on technical committees, providing technical guidance, conducting field reviews, and ranking projects for Salmon Recovery Funding Board (SRFB) funding.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work Setting, including hazards:

• Work is performed in an office and outdoor environment.

Field duties include hiking and wading in streams, often in rough weather conditions, and walking over uneven terrain for short distances (less than 1 mile) regularly or occasionally over long distances (several miles).

Work in remote forested and aquatic environments. 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:

Full-time, 40 hours per week. The standard work schedule includes the potential for occasional evening or weekend work as needed. Schedules may vary based on business needs, time of year, and/or weather conditions. Work hours may exceed the standard 8am to 5pm workday.

Travel Requirements:

Periods of overnight travel may be required.

Tools and Equipment:

Boots, GPS, maps, clinometer, range finder, compass, electroshocking equipment, waders, rain gear, computer, phone, and state-assigned work vehicle.

Customer Interactions:

Engage with agency staff, other governmental agencies, tribal, private stakeholders, special interest groups, and the public.

Keep management informed of controversial or politically sensitive issues in the region.

Consult with supervisors and management before acting or representing the Department on sensitive matters to ensure WDFW management can guide decisions and responses.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Qualifications:

Option 1 – All of the following:

• A bachelor’s degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, environmental science, or related field.
• 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: Two (2) years as a Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2.

Please Note:

• A master’s degree in the applicable science may be substituted for 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.
• Closely related qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-by-year basis.

Certifications/Licenses:

Valid driver’s license.

In addition to the options above, the following competencies are required:

• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to take interest in and understand others' perspectives; easily recognize when others have important information, perspectives, or ideas; demonstrate appropriate assertiveness; and be committed to the service of the public, mission, and team.

Preferred Qualifications:

In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all 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), and Shoreline Management Act (SMA).
• Capacity and willingness to engage in crucial conversations with agency staff and stakeholders to execute the duties of this position.
• Provide leadership and ideas that continuously improve program processes and be adaptive to changes in the work environment.
• Ability to accept and participate in supervisory direction, including seeking and accepting constructive feedback on performance and making improvements.

Include the items below with your application materials:

• 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.

Additional 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: 2026-1234 – 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 #2026-02812.

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