Salary: $5,531.00 - $7,443.00 Monthly
Location : Clark County - Ridgefield, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2026-04421
Department: Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
Opening Date: 05/28/2026
Closing Date: 6/14/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
Title- AreaHabitat 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 !
Photo Caption: HPA Compliance - Photo Credit: 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:
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 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).
Serve as a habitat restoration and enhancement expert for priority habitat and ecosystem recovery projects within the assigned coverage area:
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:
Please note:
Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:
Your application must include the following:
Supplemental Information
In addition to and other , there are other 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:
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 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:
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 [click to reveal phone number]360-902-2278 or email [click to reveal email address] 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 [click to reveal phone number](855) 524-5627 or .
Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to and reference job #2026-04421.
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More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 01-07-2026
01
Are you currently an employee of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife? This includes permanent, non-permanent, intern, project, and career seasonal.
02
Do you have a valid driver's license?
03
Please select the option below that best describes the highest level of education you have completed.
04
What is your major area of study? If you possess multiple degrees, please list each degree and major. (If this does not apply to you, please put N/A.) This includes both vocational and college education.
05
Select the option below that best describes your professional experience in fish management/research, wildlife management/research, or habitat management/research.
06
Please briefly describe your professional experience in fish management/research, wildlife management/research, or habitat management/research. ("See Resume" is not a valid response, if you do not have this experience, put N/A).
07
Do you have two (2) years of professional experience in communication, conflict resolution, or facilitation of diverse perspectives, including teamwork in service-oriented settings?
08
Please briefly describe your professional experience in communication, conflict resolution, or facilitation of diverse perspectives. Please specify at which employer(s) this experience was gained. ("See Resume" is not a valid response. If you do not have this experience, put N/A).
09
Do you have one (1) year of professional experience influencing key stakeholders and building functioning relationships that shape decision-making?
10
Please briefly describe your professional experience influencing key stakeholders and building functioning relationships that shape decision-making. Include at which employer(s) this experience was gained. ("See Resume" is not a valid response. If you do not have this experience, put N/A).
11
Do you have 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?
12
Please briefly describe your 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. Please specify at which employer(s) this experience was gained. ("See Resume" is not a valid response. If you do not have this experience, put N/A).
13
Please select the option(s) below if you have a general understanding of the following regulatory processes. Select all that apply.
14
How did you hear about this job posting? (Select all that apply).
15
Tell us more - kindly share which website, organization, person, or other source led you to this job posting.
Required Question
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