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

Title- Area Habitat Biologist
Classification- Fish & Wildlife Biologist 3
Job Status– Full-Time/Permanent
WDFW Program– Habitat Program
Duty Station– Ridgefield, Washington – Clark County
Hybrid/Telework- The selected candidate may be able to telework/work remotely up to 2 days per week at the discretion of the supervisor.
Posting Timeline-This recruitment has been extended and will be posted until June 14, 2026. If you applied previously, your application is still under consideration and you do not need to reapply. Application review is ongoing, submit your application materials as soon as possible, this recruitment may be closed at any time.

The salary listed above does not include the 2% pay increase that goes into effect on July 1, 2026.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

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.

What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Area Habitat Biologist will,

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.

Working Conditions:

Work Setting, including hazards: Work is performed in both office and outdoor environments. Fieldwork includes working in remote forested and aquatic environments, including during adverse weather and sea conditions. Activities, such as conducting fish and wildlife surveys, may consist of 8-to-10-hour days, for several days in a row. Regularly walk over rough terrain for short distances (one (1) mile or less) and occasionally walk over rough terrain for long distances (several miles). Operate an agency vehicle in off-road driving conditions, which may include transporting agency staff and equipment.

May encounter and work around noise, odors, repetitive movements of hands, finger manipulations, long periods of sitting, squatting, walking, boating, climbing in and out of boats, carrying, kneeling, occasional heavy lifting (such as backpack, field gear, and equipment weighing up to 40 pounds unassisted), standing in confined spaces, slippery surfaces, biting and stinging insects, and the use of knives.

This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.

Schedule: Typically, Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., but may work weekends, holidays, or other afterhours for emergency permitting. Occasional evening meetings are required for emergency permitting. Occasional evening meetings are also required. Percentages of office and field work vary seasonally and can reach as much as 80% field work during busy times of the year and less than 30% during other times of the year. A flexible work schedule may be requested, subject to supervisory approval.

Travel Requirements: Periods of overnight travel may be required, and work hours may exceed the standard 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. workday.

Tools and Equipment: GPS, computer, phone, state-assigned work vehicle, and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Customer Interactions: Interact with agency staff, other governmental agencies, tribal, private stakeholders, restoration partners, funders, and members of the public. May occasionally encounter members of the public who are not cooperative. Inform supervisor and management of controversial issues in the region so WDFW management can make appropriate decisions and actions in a timely manner.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

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.

For the options above, the following is also required and may be gained concurrently:

• 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.

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 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.

Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:

• 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.

Your application must include the following:

• A completed online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
• An up-to-date resume.
• A cover letter detailing your interest in the position, your relevant skills and experience, and why you are the ideal candidate.
• At least three professional references with current contact information.

Supplemental Information

In addition to pay and other special employee programs, there are other benefits that WDFW employees may be eligible for. Click the “Benefits” tab at the top of this announcement to learn more.

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

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.

Veteran and Military Spouse Preference Notice: 

Per RCW 73.16.010 Veterans and qualifying spouses who meet the minimum qualifications of a position are eligible for preference during the initial application review stage. To receive this benefit, please do the following: 

• Notify us of your veteran or military spouse status by email at danielle.gustafson@dfw.wa.gov.
• Veterans only – Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22 or USDVA signed verification of service letter.
  • Please redact any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers.
• Subject line must include recruitment number, position, and spouse/veteran (example: 2026-1234 – Biologist 1 – Veteran)
• Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer

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.

Request an accommodation: 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.

Technical Difficulties: 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. 

Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to danielle.gustafson@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2026-04421.

Know someone who would like to volunteer? WDFW-Get Involved-Volunteer!

Follow us on social media:
LinkedIn tendersglobal.net Facebook tendersglobal.net Instagram