Fish and Wildlife Biologist

Open: September 8, 2026 —
Closes: September 21, 2026

You will serve as a Fish and Wildlife Biologist within the Department of the Interior, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 1, Washington Fish and Wildlife office, Lacey, Washington. First time hires to the Federal government normally start at the step 1 rate.

Some of the major duties you will perform include but are not limited to the following:
Plans, evaluates, conducts a wide variety of complex ecological investigations or inspections involving complex land and water resource development projects, proposals and/or license applications/renewals to determine their impact upon fish and/or wildlife resources and habitats and to ensure that legal standards and other requirements are met and implemented in a manner most beneficial to fish and/or wildlife resources. Evaluates biological data and Federal program or project operational data to determine the effects of those programs or actions on threatened or endangered species through formal and informal consultation procedures, such as draft biological opinions required under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

Leads efforts in the development of review and processing of research/recovery permits and other recovery/ESA-related documents in coordination with Federal, Tribal, and state agencies, and with other parties, consistent with due dates and policies regarding permit reviews and permit issuance process in the Ecological Service's field offices. Submits recommendations to the supervisor on technical and policy matters regarding application of the ESA for sensitive issues including, but not limited to, the status of consultations and permits assigned to field office, to ensure documents have appropriate reviews and follow Service regulations, policy, guidance, and procedures.

Maintains and updates files on permits and consultations issued for activities associated with endangered, threatened, proposed, and candidate species and their habitats, including summaries of these data for inclusion in projects such as consultation or permit documents, listing or de-listing packages, and planning exercises.