Area Habitat Biologist - Fish & Wildlife Biologist 3 - Permanent - 2026-04421

State of Washington•Clark County – Ridgefield, WA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

As a senior-level Biologist, this position provides internal and external technical assistance in their assigned area to support organizational efforts for healthy, diverse, and sustainable fish and wildlife populations and their habitat. Reporting to the Assistant Regional Habitat Program Manager, this position implements the Hydraulic Project Approval (HPA) permitting process and reviews and comments on environmental documents including Forest Practices, Growth and Shoreline Management Acts, and State Environmental Policy Act/National Environmental Policy Act documents. In this role you will embrace new knowledge and best available science to adaptively manage changing and complex conditions, working across disciplines to solve problems and work collaboratively with our conservation and community partners to incorporate multifaceted scientific perspectives into decision-making.

Requirements

Option 1: A Bachelor’s degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, environmental science, or a related field AND Three (3) years of professional experience in fish management/research, wildlife management/research, or habitat management/research.
Option 2: A Bachelor’s degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, environmental science, or a related field AND Two (2) years of experience as a Fish and Wildlife Biologist 2.
Two (2) years of professional experience in communication, conflict resolution, or facilitation of diverse perspectives, including teamwork in service-oriented settings.
One (1) year of professional experience influencing key stakeholders and building functioning relationships that shape decision-making.
One (1) year of professional experience applying laws or policies, providing technical expertise to diverse stakeholders, or managing politically sensitive or high-conflict situations with objectivity, professionalism, and diplomacy.
A Valid Driver’s License.
Closely related qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-by-year basis.
A Master’s degree in the applicable field of study may substitute for one (1) year of the required professional experience in fish management or research, wildlife management or research, or habitat management or research.
A PhD. in the applicable field of study may substitute for two (2) years of the required professional experience in fish management or research, wildlife management or research, or habitat management or research.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of ecological processes pertinent to the Pacific Northwest.
General understanding of regulatory processes, including: The Hydraulic Code Growth Management Act (GMA) State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) Shoreline Management Act (SMA)
Demonstrated organization and time management skills.

Responsibilities

Provide biological expertise to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for Forest Practice activities: Collaborate with state and federal forest management agencies when reviewing Forest Practice Applications (FPAs) for impacts to fish and wildlife habitats. 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. Assist with the review and development of wildlife plans associated with FPAs.
Administer the Hydraulic Project Approval (HPA) 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 project technical assistance to applicants. Recommend Best Management Practices and measures to avoid, reduce, or eliminate impacts to fish life, including alternative project designs and/or techniques. Coordinate project proposal reviews with other agency personnel, including biologists, scientists, and environmental engineers, to ensure compliance with agency policies and impacts to fish and wildlife habitats. Issue, process, condition, or deny standard, expedited, and emergency HPAs in accordance with the Revised Code of Washington (RCW), Washington Administrative Code (WAC), agency policy, and procedures manual.
Review and comment on County/City Critical Areas Ordinances and Shoreline Master Program updates and implementation activities: As authorized under the Growth Management Act (GMA) and Shoreline Management Act (SMA). Foster open, 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). Assist City and County planners and the public in using and interpreting Priority Habitats and Species (PHS) management recommendations and mapping. Review and provide comments to local jurisdictions on Habitat Management Plans in accordance with local Critical Areas Ordinances, coordinating with local jurisdiction to assist landowners to comply with local land use ordinances.
Serve as a habitat restoration and enhancement expert for priority habitat and ecosystem recovery projects within the assigned coverage area: Support habitat restoration and enhancement efforts for the assigned coverage area. Assist in permitting, coordinate WDFW expertise, ensure consistency with WDFW strategic goals and objectives, and provide technical assistance to the public, governmental agencies, tribes, and other WDFW programs. Provide information on fish life histories and habitat requirements, terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem functions and values, and promote conservation of fish and wildlife resources to stakeholders. Participate in salmon recovery Lead Entity process by serving on technical committees, providing technical assistance, conducting field reviews, and ranking projects for Salmon Recovery Funding Board (SRFB) funding.