Habitat Acquisitions and Partnerships Lead - Environmental Planner 5 - Permanent - 2026-06607

Working Title - Habitat Acquisitions and Partnerships Lead

Classification- Environmental Planner 5

Job Status- Full-Time/Permanent

WDFW Program- Wildlife Program – Wildlife Diversity Division

Duty Station- Olympia, Washington – Thurston County

While this position may offer a telework option, the successful candidate must be available to report to the duty station as needed.

Olympia, Washington is the current duty station, however, depending on the successful candidate an alternate duty station in one of the following locations may be considered:

• Ephrata, Washington – Grant County
• Ridgefield, Washington – Clark County
• Spokane, Washington – Spokane County
• Stanwood, Washington – Snohomish County
• Yakima, Washington – Yakima County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Photo Caption – Westside Prairie – Photo Credit:
Rod Gilbert

Are you experienced in orchestrating complex conservation real estate acquisitions?

With your experience, you will provide the highest level of expertise for wildlife conservation, providing both technical and policy direction.

You are excited to engage and collaborate with DFW staff across all programs, tribes, and many others to work together and protect wildlife habitat.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, this position:

Coordinate with partners to develop habitat protection strategies, cultivate and lead conservation real estate transaction opportunities.

• Lead coordination with internal and external partners to develop strategies that effectively conserve habitat for Species of Greatest Conservation Need, with a particular emphasis on those SGCN within the Diversity Division portfolio.
• Implement conservation priorities by identifying and cultivating habitat protection opportunities with willing sellers. Coordinate with partners to select project leads, landowner points of contact, and intended future owners of real estate interests that have best chance of desired conservation outcome.

Shepard habitat conservation opportunities through WDFW process to select lands for acquisition (i.e., Lands 20/20).

• Facilitate internal and external conversations to gather and consolidate conservation real estate information and rationale to complete robust and well-vetted internal land acquisition applications that address: purpose and need; project urgency; consistency with WDFW plans; recreational impacts scientific and educational opportunities; economic impacts/roles of the proposed acquisition; financial and regulatory influences of the project; target species, habitat, and ecological characteristics; management and restoration needs and initial priorities, ongoing stewardship and adaptive management costs;
  
  cultural resources, and demonstrated partnerships and local support.

Develop and deliver habitat protection grant applications.

• Write and orally deliver grant applications. Grant opportunities include USFWS traditional and HCP Section 6 land acquisition and WWRP applications.
• Identify and pursue new/additional sources of funding for land protection.

Internal cross-program coordination.

• Establish and maintain strong relationships with Regional Directors, Managers, and Staff; and Game, Landowner Services, Lands, and Diversity Division colleagues to ensure cross-programmatic needs, processes, and communication are integrated.
• Directly coordinate with Real Estate Services Section on conservation real estate transactions, effectively transitioning projects when appropriate.

Working Conditions:

Work setting: Work is performed primarily in an office environment, with exposure to hazards mostly limited to those commonly found in government office environments. Time may be spent outdoors engaged in wildlife and habitat conservation activities on the ground or on the water. This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.

Must be willing to work in inclement weather, over difficult terrain, including slippery rocks, steep banks, and sticky mud and have a willingness to perform in a safe and efficient manner.

Schedule: full-time, working 40 hours per…