Habitat Biologist - Fish & Wildlife Biologist

Working Title- Habitat Biologist

Classification- Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2

Job Status- Full-Time/Permanent

WDFW Program- Habitat Program – Region 1

Duty Station- Walla Walla, Washington – Walla Walla County

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

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

• Help administer the Hydraulic Project Approval process in accordance with Chapter 77.55.RCW, 77.57.RCW, and Chapter 220-110-WAC (Hydraulic Code Rules).
• Review and provision low complexity permits under the Hydraulic Project Approval (HPA) process in accordance with Hydraulic Code Rules. The incumbent works cooperatively in prescribing appropriate resource protection requirements for the protection of fish life.
• Review and issue low complexity HPA’s in accordance with the Revised Code of Washington, Washington Administrative Code, agency policy, and procedures manual.
• Develop effective working relationships with emphasis on clear communication and a cooperative approach to resolving issues related to fish habitat conservation.
• Recommend alternative project designs and/or techniques, BMP’s, and measures to avoid, reduce or eliminate impacts to fish life.
• Conduct construction site inspections during and after construction.

Assist Habitat Biologists with providing technical assistance to local governments implementing their fish and wildlife regulations under the Growth Management Act (GMA) and Shoreline Management Act (SMA).

• Provide assistance with writing comments to local government planning staff during the land use decision-making process as part of the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA).
• Foster open collaborative partnerships with City and County planners to incorporate best available science into decision-making.
• Assist City and County planners and the public in using and interpreting Priority Habitats and Species (PHS) mapping.
• Provide review and comment to local jurisdictions on Habitat Management Plans for small and medium-scale projects in accordance with local Critical Areas Ordinances.
• Coordinate with the local jurisdiction to assist landowners to comply with local land use ordinances.

Assist Habitat Biologists working on DNR Forest Practices reviews.

• Assist regional Fish and Wildlife Biologist 3’s with the review of plans, permits and actions permitted by the Washington Dept. of Natural Resources, and other agencies involved in forest management activities. Promote a strong sense of collaboration and teamwork.
• Provide assistance with DNR Concurrence Reviews for impacts to fish habitat.
• Provide assistance in Water Type Modification Interdisciplinary teams, applying advice on fish habitat conditions.

Assist Habitat Biologists with providing technical assistance for salmon recovery projects.

• Assist regional Fish and Wildlife Biologist 3’s with habitat restoration groups on various habitat restoration proposals.
• Provide information on fish life histories and habitat requirements, terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem functions, and promote conservation of fish and wildlife resources to stakeholders.
• Provide technical assistance to restoration groups, governmental agencies, tribes, and other WDFW programs.

Working Conditions: Work is performed in an office and outdoor environment. Physical capacity to work in remote forested and aquatic environments, conducting fish and wildlife surveys and other related tasks. These activities can consist of 8-to-10 hour days, for several days in a row. This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.

Capable of walking over rough terrain for short distances for short distances (= 1 mile) regularly or occasionally over long distances (several miles).

Schedule: Typically, Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. These hours are flexible to accommodate seasonal workload or additional duties as assigned by the regional program manager. Willingness and ability to work extended hours as necessary to complete assignments.

Travel requirements: In…