Assistant Habitat Biologist - Fish And Wildlife Biologist 2 - Permanent - *04320-24

Salary: $4,282.00 - $5,756.00 Monthly
Location : Clark County - Ridgefield, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number: 2024-04320
Department: Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
Opening Date: 04/04/2024
Closing Date: 4/15/2024 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
FULL-TIME/PERMANENT
ASSISTANT HABITAT BIOLOGIST
FISH AND WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST 2 (BIO 2)
Habitat ProgramRidgefield, Washington - Clark County
Be at the forefront of conservation efforts, working to manage, protect, and restore ecosystems for the long-term benefit of both people and Wildlife.
Provide critical technical support for local jurisdictions on Critical Areas Ordinance and Shoreline Master Plans to reviewing low complexity permits under the Hydraulic Project Approval (HPA) process, every day presents an opportunity to make a difference.
Hydraulic Project Approval (HPA) Compliance - Credit: WDFW
Picture yourself,
Assisting with writing comments to local government planning staff during the land use decision-making process as part of the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA).
This is an opportunity,
To review permit applications and conduct field reviews to provide project assistance to applicants.
You thrive on building collaboration and teamwork,
Foster open, collaborative partnerships with City and County planners to incorporate best available science into decision-making.
We are seeking a candidate,
Who models WDFW values: Accountability, Service, Professionalism, Integrity, Respect, and Empathy (ASPIRE).
Duties
Some of what our Assistant Habitat Biologist will enjoy doing,
Help 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 and issue low complexity Hydraulic Project Approval (HPA) 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.
• To review permit applications and conduct field reviews to provide project assistance to applicants.
• Recommend alternative project designs and/or techniques, BMP's, and measures to avoid, reduce or eliminate impacts to fish life.

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):

• 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 Conservation 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 Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Forest Practices reviews:

• 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:

• Provide information on fish life histories and habitat requirements, terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem functions, and promote conservation of Fish and Wildlife resources to stakeholders.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work Setting, including hazards:
  • Work is performed in an office and outdoor environment.
  • Fieldwork requires knowledge of operation of field equipment and knowledge of electroshocking equipment and procedures may be required.
  • Operate vehicle in off-road driving conditions and work in remote forested and aquatic environments, conducting fish surveys and other related tasks. These activities can consist of 8 - 10 hour days, for several days in a row.
  • Walk over rough terrain for short distances (less than 1 mile) regularly or occasionally over long distances (several miles).

Schedule:

• Typically, Monday - Friday 8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. These hours are flexible to accommodate seasonal workload or additional duties as assigned by the regional program manager.
• Incumbent may request and work a flexible work schedule, subject to supervisory approval.
• Willingness and ability to work extended hours as necessary to complete assignments.

Travel Requirements:

• In the field 25-50% of the time doing project site visits or traveling to meetings throughout the state.
• Periods of overnight travel may be required, and work hours may exceed the standard 8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. workday.
• May include extended travel and evening or overnight trips.

Tools and Equipment:

• Boots, GPS, clinometer, waders, rain gear, state-assigned work vehicle.

Customer Interactions:

• Interacts with agency staff, other government agencies, tribal, private stakeholders, and the public.

Qualifications
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• A Bachelor's Degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science.

AND

• One (1) year of professional experience in a natural resource agency working with diverse stakeholder groups to achieve conservation goals.

OR

• One (1) year of general experience working in one (1) or more of the following: Fish management or fish research. Wildlife management or wildlife research. Habitat management or habitat research.

OR

• One (1) year as a Fish and Wildlife Biologist 1).

Please Note:

• Closely related qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-by-year basis.
• A Master's Degree in the applicable science will substitute for one year of the required experience

Certifications/Licenses:

• Valid Driver's License.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
In addition to those required qualifications, our ideal applicant will also have some or all of the following:

• Knowledge of ecological processes pertinent to the Northwest including natural history of Washington salmonids.
• Experience with regulatory processes in Washington.
• Experience or awareness of the Hydraulic Code, Growth Management Act (GMA), State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), and Shoreline Management Act (SMA) preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to build professional rapport and partnerships with the public, colleagues, tribes, and local, state, and federal agencies.

Supplemental Information
Please note: Failure to follow the instructions below may lead to disqualification.
Experience and education selected, listed, and detailed in the Supplemental Questions must be verifiable in the application.
In order to successfully apply for this position, you MUST complete your profile at www.careers.wa.gov and attach the following to your profile before completing the online application:

• A cover letter describing how your qualifications prepared you for this position, and why you are interested in this role.(Generic cover letter will not be accepted).
• A current resume.
• Three professional references.

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
JOIN THE WDFW TEAM:
Learn about our agencyand the perksof working for WDFW!
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has some of the most talented people in the natural resource field. We celebrate and value diversity, appreciating that a workforce composed of those from different backgrounds and experiences creates an inclusive environment, strengthens positive relationships with the local community, and brings new perspectives and approaches to fulfilling the agency's mission. We value demonstrated skill in living WDFW values of Accountability, Service, Professionalism, Integrity, Respect, and Empathy (ASPIRE).
WDFW employees may be eligible for the following: Benefits
Medical/Dental/Vision for employee & dependent(s), Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), Vacation, Sick, and other Leave types.
Eleven (11) Paid Holidays per year and one (1) personal holiday if the employee is scheduled to be, or has been, continuously employed by the State of Washington for at least four (4) months.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Tuition Waiver, Long Term Disability & Life Insurance, Deferred Compensation Programs, Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP), Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA), and an Employee Assistance Program.
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.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer
VETERAN PREFERENCE NOTICE:
To take advantage of veteran preference, please do the following:

• Email a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22 or USDVA signed verification of service letter to Elizabeth.Bullard@dfw.wa.gov.
• Subject line must include recruitment number, position, and Vet (for example: #10155 Biologist 1 - Veteran)
• Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.

MILITARY SPOUSE PREFERENCE NOTICE:
To take advantage of military spouse preference, please do the following:

• Notify us of your military spouse status by email at Elizabeth.Bullard@dfw.wa.gov.
• Subject line must include recruitment number, position, and MS (for example: #10155 Biologist 1 - MS)
• Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.

Note: Please blackout any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers.
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.
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.
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.
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Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
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The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic...