Habitat Biologist - Fish and Wildlife Biologist Two

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.

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Photo Caption: Hydraulic Project Approval – Photo Credit: WDFW

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 (FPAs) 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.

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.
• 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.

• Typically, Monday – Friday 8:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.
• May work weekends, holidays or other after hours for emergency permitting. Occasional evening…