Yakima Basin Habitat Biologist II

Announcement #
2023-168
Issue Date:
04-20-23
Closing Date:
05-10-23
Yakima Basin Habitat Biologist II
Yakima Klickitat Fisheries Project (YKFP)
Department of Natural Resources
Hourly Wage: $26.39/Regular/Full-Time
Location: Ellensburg
Is responsible to work strategically with other entities to promote responsible stewardship of the Yakima watershed, with emphasis on projects that have the greatest benefit for treaty anadromous fish resources. Specific duties include coordination with Yakama Nation Bookkeepers, state, local, and federal agencies and other Yakama Nation DNR programs to ensure that budgets and performance reporting are accurate and up to date. This position will also coordinate habitat assessments, restoration design, permitting, implementation and monitoring. Field work in adverse weather conditions will be required at times.
Examples of Work Performed:

• Coordinate subcontracts on a wide variety of habitat restoration, protection and assessment contracts and projects with Yakama Nation bookkeepers.
• Drive to project sites and occasionally attend night meetings.
• Technical writing and interaction with landowners and developers will be a substantial portion of the work load.
• Work frequently with resource managers, including Conservation District employees, city and county representatives, tribal colleagues, state and federal agency biologists. By utilizing the diverse tools and skills that these people bring to a given project, the greatest amount of work will be accomplished for the benefit of treaty resources.
• Prepare and submit funding proposals to federal, state, and private organizations
• Direct restoration and monitoring activities within the project boundaries and assist with other YN projects.
• Assures that project activities are consistent with tribal and federal policies and regulations.
• Presents restoration and monitoring findings in professional forums.
• Develops and conducts educational seminars for public schools, agencies, conservation organizations, and agricultural producers.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of stream ecology, riverine mechanics, irrigation management, environmental regulations and salmonid habitat requirements.
• Knowledge of post-implementation effectiveness monitoring of restoration projects.
• Knowledge of federal natural resource management policies.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to manage several projects simultaneously.
• Ability to develop and deliver presentations and educational seminars to funding entities, professional organizations, public schools and agricultural producers.
• Ability to implement and coordinate a diverse array of field activities.
• Effective negotiation in contentious settings.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, fund and implement projects.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Resources Management or related field.
• Four years of experience working in fisheries and/or fish habitat management.
• Required to pass pre-employment drug test.
• Must possess a valid Washington State Driver's License with the ability to obtain a Yakama Nation Driving Permit.
• Enrolled Yakama Preference, but all qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.

Preferred Requirements:

• Master of Science degree in Natural Resources Management or related field.
• Two years of working experience in fisheries and/or fish habitat management.

NOTICE TO APPLICANTS: The Yakama Nation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
PRE-EMPLOYMENT DRUG TEST: Is required for Pre-Employment with the Yakama Nation. During employment, tribal employees are also subject to random testing (YN Personnel Policy Manual, Chapter 2.9.6, Section (a), (g), Alcohol and Drug-Free Workplace Policy).
TRAINEE: The Yakama Nation reserves the right to practice Indian Preference by selecting an Indian applicant as a trainee at a reduced pay rate than announced. A training plan is developed to assist employee to reach required qualification requirements and performance level. After completing training plan, work performance will be evaluated. Upon satisfying qualification requirements, employee will obtain entry level pay.
INDIAN PREFERENCE: In efforts to practice Self-Determination, the Yakama Nation grants Indian Preference for employment, promotions, and transfers to its employees and qualified applicants as appropriate. This may limit career opportunities for non-Indian applicants and candidates.
Preference for employment will be granted to qualified individuals meeting minimal qualification criteria in the following order pursuant to the YN Personnel Policy Manual Section 2.1.3:

• 10-points= Enrolled member of Yakama Nation.
• 8-points= Indian (enrolled) spouse of an enrolled Yakama member.
• 6-points= Other Indian (member of a federally recognized tribe).
• 8-points= Indian (enrolled) descendant of enrolled Yakama member.
• 2-points= Non-Indian spouse of an enrolled Yakama member.
• 0-points= Non-Indian.

Personnel Policy Manual Section 2.1.4:

• Positions funded under non-638 federal funding: 8-points= Indian (member of a federally recognized tribe).

VETERAN PREFERENCE: Is pursuant to Section 402 of the Vietnam Era Veteran's Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974. For verification, must provide a copy of honorable DD-214.
Application points using the weighted point factor system: Disabled Veterans receive 10 points; All other Veteran's receive 5 points.
IMMIGRATION: If selected for employment with the Yakama Nation, you will be required to provide documentation stating you are authorized to work in the United States.
SELECTIVE SERVICE: All males born after December 31, 1959 must be registered with the Selective Service. To our knowledge, you may sign up at the U.S. Postal Service in your local area.
TO APPLY: Yakama Nation Human Resources, P. O. BOX 151, Toppenish WA 98948.
Phone: (509) 865-5121, X4387, X4833. Fax: (509) 865-8777 email: yn
If you are mailing or faxing application, please state Job Announcement No. on your cover sheet.
Questions, please call the YN Human Resource Office.