Habitat Biologist - Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2 - Permanent - 2026-03566

State of Washington
Snohomish, WA



Title- Habitat Biologist

Classification-Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2

Job Status- Full-Time/Permanent
WDFW Program-
Habitat Program
Duty Station-
Stanwood, Washington – Snohomish 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.


Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!


Photo Caption: Above the tree line – Photo Credit: Bryon Meyer


Join the WDFW team and help manage, protect, and restore ecosystems for the long-term benefit of both people and wildlife.


In this role, you will provide critical technical support to local jurisdictions on Critical Areas Ordinance and Shoreline Master Plans, review low complexity permits under the Hydraulic Project Approval (HPA) process, and more.


This is an opportunity to collaborate with 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 Habitat Biologist will,

Assist Habitat Biologists by providing technical assistance to local governments implementing their fish and wildlife regulations under the Growth Management Act (GMA) and Shoreline Management Act (SMA):

  • Write comments to local government planning staff during the land use decision-making process, as part of the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA).
  • Foster open, collaborative partnerships with City and County planners to incorporate best available science into decision-making.
  • Assist City and County planners and the public in using and interpreting Priority Habitats and Species (PHS) mapping.
  • Review and provide comments to local jurisdictions on Habitat Management Plans for small and medium-scale projects, in accordance with local Critical Areas Ordinances.

Help administer the Hydraulic Project Approval (HPA) process in accordance with Chapter 77.55.RCW, 77.57.RCW, and Chapter 220-110-WAC (Hydraulic Code Rules):

  • Review and issue low complexity HPAs in accordance with the Revised Code of Washington, Washington Administrative Code, agency policy, and procedures manual.
  • Review permit applications and conduct field reviews to provide project assistance to applicants.

Provide assistance to Habitat Biologists as needed:

  • Provide information on fish life histories and habitat requirements, terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem functions, and promote conservation of fish and wildlife resources to stakeholders.
  • Provide assistance with Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Concurrence Reviews for impacts to fish habitat.


Working Conditions:


Work Setting, including hazards:Work is performed in both office and outdoor environments. Fieldwork includes working in remote forested and aquatic environments. Activities, such as conducting fish 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). Occasionally walk over rough terrain for long distances (several miles). Operate a vehicle in off-road driving conditions. 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, 8:00am – 5:00pm. Hours are flexible to accommodate seasonal workload or additional duties as assigned by the regional program manager. A flexible work schedule may be requested, subject to supervisory approval. May work extended hours to complete assignments.


Travel Requirements:In the field 25-50% for project site visits or traveling to meetings throughout the region. Periods of overnight travel may be required, and work hours may exceed the standard workday. May include extended travel and evening or overnight trips.


Tools and Equipment:Field equipment (such as GPS, clinometer, compass), personal protective equipment, and a state-assigned work vehicle.


Customer Interactions:Interact with agency staff, other governmental agencies, tribal, private stakeholders, and members of the public.



Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:


A Bachelor’s degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science


AND one (1) of the following:

  • One (1) year of professional experience in a natural resource agency working with diverse stakeholder groups to achieve conservation goals.
  • One (1) year of professional experience in fish management/research, wildlife management/research, or habitat management/research.
  • One (1) year of experience as a Fish and Wildlife Biologist 1.


Please note:

  • Closely related qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-by-year basis.
  • A Master’s degree or higher in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science may substitute for the required experience.


Certifications/Licenses:

Valid Driver’s License.



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 Northwest including natural history of Washington salmonids.
  • Experience with regulatory processes in Washington, such as the Hydraulic Code, timber harvests and forest practices, Growth Management Act (GMA), State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), and Shoreline Management Act (SMA).
  • Demonstrated ability to build professional rapport and partnerships with the public, colleagues, tribes, and local, state, and federal agencies.


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.

In addition topayand otherspecial employee programs, there are otherbenefitsthat 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 orsupport@neogov.com.


Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out todanielle.gustafson@dfw.wa.govand reference job #2026-03566.


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