Habitat Acquisitions and Partnerships Lead - Environmental Planner 5 - Permanent - 2026-06607

State of Washington•Multiple Locations Statewide, WA

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

This position provides the highest level of expertise for wildlife conservation, offering both technical and policy direction. The role involves coordinating with internal and external partners to develop strategies that effectively conserve habitat for Species of Greatest Conservation Need, with a particular emphasis on those SGCN within the Diversity Division portfolio. The position will implement conservation priorities by identifying and cultivating habitat protection opportunities with willing sellers, and coordinating with partners to select project leads, landowner points of contact, and intended future owners of real estate interests that have the best chance of desired conservation outcome. The role will shepherd habitat conservation opportunities through the WDFW process to select lands for acquisition (i.e., Lands 20/20). This includes facilitating internal and external conversations to gather and consolidate conservation real estate information and rationale to complete robust and well-vetted internal land acquisition applications. Additionally, the position will develop and deliver habitat protection grant applications, identify and pursue new/additional sources of funding for land protection, and coordinate internally with various WDFW programs and externally with Real Estate Services Section on conservation real estate transactions.

Requirements

A Bachelor’s degree with major study in ecology, natural resources, land use planning, habitat conservation, wildlife management, conservation biology, or closely related field. And Five (5) years of professional experience in habitat conservation or restoration. And Two (2) years of direct experience (can be gained concurrently) leading or facilitating ALL of the following: Conservation real estate property investigation and transaction. Conservation plan implementation. And Valid driver’s license.
Nine (9) years of professional experience in habitat conservation or restoration. And Two (2) years of direct experience (can be gained concurrently) leading or facilitating ALL of the following: Conservation real estate property investigation and transaction. Conservation plan implementation. And Valid driver’s license.
Facilitating resolution of pertinent management issues arising from planning and conservation real estate activities that are complex or sensitive, involve multiple programs, and deal with major environmental issues.
Researching, evaluating and drawing conclusions from data and analyses; supporting recommendations with facts and analysis; interpreting and applying rules, laws, policies, and procedures.
Conveying complex ideas and facts orally and in writing using language the audience will best understand.
Developing positive, productive, respectful working relationships with partners and co-workers.
Valid driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

Orchestrating complex conservation real estate acquisition strategies that include multiple partners and funding sources.
Endangered Species Act Habitat Conservation Plan development and implementation.
Grant-writing.
Tribal consultation (state and federal).
Navigating complex and diverse relationships with potentially competing interests.
Multi-party coordination and facilitation including successfully navigating strategic Conversations of politically complex projects.
Coordinating and leading groups, creating a cooperative and productive environment in which to resolve problems or develop and implement plans.
Effectively organizing multiple assignments, sometimes of a complex nature or involving competing priorities, to produce work products that are accurate, thorough, and on time.
Using data and information with a clear and rational thought process to assess and understand issues, evaluate options, form accurate conclusions, and make decisions.
Integrating various ideas, intentions, and information to form effective goals, objectives, timelines, action plans, and solutions.
Developing and delivering complex habitat conservation presentations to partners and the public.

Responsibilities

Coordinate with partners to develop habitat protection strategies, cultivate and lead conservation real estate transaction opportunities.
Lead coordination with internal and external partners to develop strategies that effectively conserve habitat for Species of Greatest Conservation Need, with a particular emphasis on those SGCN within the Diversity Division portfolio.
Implement conservation priorities by identifying and cultivating habitat protection opportunities with willing sellers.
Coordinate with partners to select project leads, landowner points of contact, and intended future owners of real estate interests that have best chance of desired conservation outcome.
Shepard habitat conservation opportunities through WDFW process to select lands for acquisition (i.e., Lands 20/20).
Facilitate internal and external conversations to gather and consolidate conservation real estate information and rationale to complete robust and well-vetted internal land acquisition applications that address: purpose and need; project urgency; consistency with WDFW plans; recreational impacts scientific and educational opportunities; economic impacts/roles of the proposed acquisition; financial and regulatory influences of the project; target species, habitat, and ecological characteristics; management and restoration needs and initial priorities, ongoing stewardship and adaptive management costs; cultural resources, and demonstrated partnerships and local support.
Develop and deliver habitat protection grant applications.
Write and orally deliver grant applications.
Identify and pursue new/additional sources of funding for land protection.
Establish and maintain strong relationships with Regional Directors, Managers, and Staff; and Game, Landowner Services, Lands, and Diversity Division colleagues to ensure cross-programmatic needs, processes, and communication are integrated.
Directly coordinate with Real Estate Services Section on conservation real estate transactions, effectively transitioning projects when appropriate.