Restoration Biologist - Fish And Wildlife Biologist 2 - Permanent - *03759-24

Salary: $4,282.00 - $5,756.00 Monthly
Location : Kittitas County - Ellensburg, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number: 2024-03759
Department: Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
Opening Date: 03/25/2024
Closing Date: 4/4/2024 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
FULL-TIME/PERMANENT
RESTORATION BIOLOGIST
FISH AND WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST 2
Habitat ProgramEllensburg, Washington - Kittitas County
As a journey level biologist, independently conduct professional biological studies or research to provide analysis and assess data related to Fish and Wildlife recovery projects for the Teanaway Community Forest (TCF)
Envision yourself enhancing community support, tracking habitat restoration project statuses, seeking capital and grant funds, andcollecting data around project implementation.
Teanaway Valley Unit - Credit: WDFW
Picture yourself,
Restoring the Teanaway Community Forest (TCF) to fulfill its potential as a source of water in the region, vital habitat for a variety of Fish and Wildlife, a sustainable working forest for grazing and forestry, and providing outdoor recreation.
In this dynamic role,
Conduct biological surveys for focal species such as Northern-spotted owls, fish species, mammals, and monitor stream temperatures, flow, and habitat metrics.
You thrive on building collaboration and teamwork,
Coordinate project work plans with Department of Natural Resources (DNR) staff, Yakama Nation biologists, Fish Program biologists, Mid-Columbia River Regional Fish Enhancement Group, Federal, State, local, and tribal governments.
We are seeking a candidate,
Who models WDFW values: Accountability, Service, Professionalism, Integrity, Respect, and Empathy (ASPIRE).
Duties
Some of what our Restoration Biologist will enjoy doing,
Organize, carry out, and participate in restoration activities primarily on Teanaway Community Forest (TCF) lands in Kittitas County:

• Implement field projects designed to restore, improve, or create Fish and Wildlife habitats.
• Conduct fish, wildlife, or habitat monitoring, restoration management (effectiveness of aquatic and, riparian restoration, wetland restoration, vegetation, forest practices) and determine the extent of sampling necessary for prescribed standards of accuracy.
• Perform independent office and/or field investigations. Routinely work with Geographic Information System (GIS) and use it in most aspects of work.
• Identify, and apply for necessary permits and grant funds to implement aquatic restoration projects in the Teanaway Community Forest (TCF).
• Restore wet meadows and wetlands by identifying, prioritizing, and implementing appropriate restoration projects.
• Monitor water quality and quantity using standardized methods to track changes in water temperature and flow at the watershed and project scale to document efficacy of restoration work.

Provide technical assistance for forest land use proposals and development plans to assess potential impacts on fish, wildlife, and habitat to achieve conservation goals:

• Coordinate with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and WDFW Foresters to prepare forest practices to avoid impacts to resources and provide agency comments as needed.
• Provide information on native species histories and habitat requirements, terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem functions, and promote conservation of Fish and Wildlife resources to stakeholders.

Collaborate with stakeholders and Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in securing capital funds and grants for restoration work the Teanaway Community Forest (TCF):

• Assist with fish passage and aquatic restoration projects on the Teanaway Community Forest (TCF) by coordinating with local entities such as the Mid-Columbia Regional Fishery Enhancement Group, in applying for state and federal resources agency grants for restoration.
• Assist the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Restoration Planner in planning, developing, and implementing capital restoration project proposals for the Teanaway Community Forest (TCF).
• Collaborate with WDFW and DNR foresters and managers to seek capital funds to proper maintain grazing/fencing infrastructure on the Teanaway Community Forest (TCF).

Perform other duties as assigned:

• Vehicle maintenance appointments for work vehicles.
• Outreach and education event participation
• Filing, data management, GIS, and database administrative management

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work Setting, including hazards:
  • Work is performed in an office and outdoor environment.
  • Office hazards include working under fluorescent light, repetitively entering data into a computer and looking at a computer monitor for long periods of time.
  • Operate field equipment (hand tools, GPS, maps, clinometer, range finder, compass) and vehicle in off-road driving conditions.
  • Work in remote shrubsteppe, forest, and aquatic environments. These activities can consist of 8 - 10 hour days, for several days in a row.
  • Walk over rough terrain for moderate distances (less than 2 miles) 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.
• 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 50-75% of the time doing project site visits, field work, 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, cell phone, GPS units, waders, Garmin InReach, gloves, reflective safety vest, rain gear, computer, and state-assigned work vehicle.

Customer Interactions:

• Interacts with agency staff, other government agencies, tribal, private stakeholders, and public.
• Interact, and speak clearly and effectively with private property owners, agency land managers, other agencies technical staff.

Qualifications
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• A Bachelor's degree in fisheries management/biology, wildlife management/biology, natural resource or other life environmental science.

AND

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

Please Note:

• A Master's degree or Ph.D, degree in an applicable science will substitute for one (1) year of the required experience.
• Closely related qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-by-year basis.

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 and native species pertinent to the east-slope Cascades
• Knowledge of and experience in restoration practices and principles for forest, and aquatic ecosystems
• Experience working in Geographic Information System (GIS) software.
• Experience with regulatory processes in Washington. Experience or awareness of the Hydraulic Code, Forest Practices Act, Growth Management Act (GMA), State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), and Shoreline Management Act (SMA) preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to build professional rapports 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 you meet the qualifications of this position (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:
Medical/Dental/Vision for employee & dependent(s), Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), Vacation, Sick, and other Leave*, 11 Paid Holidays per year*, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Tuition Waiver, Long Term Disability & Life Insurance, Deferred Compensation Programs, Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP), Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA), Employee Assistance Program, Commute Trip Reduction Incentives (Download PDF reader), Combined Fund Drive, SmartHealth.
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 at 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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