Habitat Biologist - Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2 - Permanent - 2026-03566
Salary: $4,653.00 - $6,259.00 Monthly
Location : Snohomish County - Other, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2026-03566
Department: Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
Opening Date: 04/28/2026
Closing Date: 5/8/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
Title- Habitat Biologist
Classification- Fish & Wildlife Biologist 2
Job Status- Full-Time/PermanentWDFW Program- Habitat ProgramDuty 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.
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the 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.
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:
- Notify us of your veteran or military spouse status by email at [click to reveal email address]
- 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 [click to reveal phone number] or email [click to reveal email address], 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] or .
Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to and reference job #2026-03566.
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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.
- Yes
- No
02
Do you have a valid driver's license?
- Yes, I have a current valid driver's license.
- No, I do not have a current valid driver's license.
03
Please select the option below that best describes the highest level of education you have completed.
- High School Diploma/GED.
- Some College.
- Vocational Degree or Certificate.
- Associate's Degree.
- Bachelor's Degree.
- Master's Degree.
- Ph.D.
- None of the above.
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 a natural resource agency working with diverse stakeholder groups to achieve conservation goals OR in fish management/research, wildlife management/research, or habitat management/research.
- I do not have this experience.
- I have less than 1 year of this experience.
- I have between 1 and 3 years of this experience.
- I have between 3 and 5 years of this experience.
- I have 5 years or more of this experience.
06
Please BRIEFLY list your professional experience in a natural resource agency working with diverse stakeholder groups to achieve conservation goals OR 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
Select the Washington regulatory processes below that you have experience with. (Select all that apply).
- Hydraulic Code
- Growth Management Act (GMA)
- State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA)
- Shoreline Management Act (SMA)
- None of the above.
08
Please BRIEFLY describe your experience or awareness of the Hydraulic Code, Growth Management Act (GMA), State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), and Shoreline Management Act (SMA). Please 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).
09
Please BRIEFLY describe any professional experience with, or knowledge you may have of, timber harvesting, Forest Practices Applications (FPA), natural resources management, or land use planning. ("See Resume" is not a valid response, if you do not have this experience, put N/A).
10
Do you have knowledge of ecological processes pertinent to the Northwest including natural history of Washington Salmonids?
- Yes
- No
11
How did you hear about this job posting? (Select all that apply).
- American Fisheries Society (AFS)
- Careers.wa.gov
- Community Based Organization
- Community/Technical College
- Conservation Job Board
- El Informador
- Four W's Fishing Team, LLC - Willard Franklin III, LinkedIn
- Handshake
- Hiring Event/Workshop
- Hydraulic Institute (HI)
- Indeed.com
- Job Board
- Job Fair
- Mount Hood Community College (MHCC)
- Newspaper
- Other
- Other State Agency
- Other Website
- Professional Association
- Society of American Foresters (SAF)
- Texas A&M
- University Job Board
- UW College of the Environment
- WDFW Employee
- WDFW Recruiter
- WDFW Website
- Word of Mouth
- WorkSource
- X (formerly Twitter)
12
Tell us more - kindly share which website, organization, person, or other source led you to this job posting.
Required Question