Hydraulic Project Inspector - Fish & Wildlife Biologist 3 - Permanent - *05395-25

Title- Hydraulic Project Inspector

Classification- Fish and Wildlife Biologist 3

Job Status- Full-Time/Permanent                                                                                            
 WDFW Program- Habitat Program – Compliance Division
 Duty Station- Mill Creek, Washington – Snohomish County

Hybrid/Telework- This position is approved to work remotely up to three (3) days per week, at the discretion of the supervisor. 

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Photo Caption: Steelhead – Photo Credit: Dec Hogan

Under the Hydraulic Code (Chapters 77.55 RCW and 220-660 WAC), all hydraulic projects must receive agency approval, in the form of a Hydraulic Project Approval (HPA) permit, before construction to ensure they are conducted in a way that protects fish life and habitat. 

As a Compliance Inspector, you’ll monitor both permitted and unpermitted projects, support voluntary compliance through education and technical assistance, and use enforcement tools when needed to prevent and correct harm to fish life and habitat. Working independently within your assigned region, you'll build strong relationships with WDFW teams, local partners, and stakeholders while staying in close communication with leadership on emerging, sensitive, or high-profile issues.This is a dynamic, field-focused position where environmental stewardship, community engagement, and regulatory expertise intersect. Agency values of accountability, service, professionalism, integrity, respect, and empathy are essential to position success. 

What to Expect-

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Compliance Inspector will,

Conduct inspections to ensure hydraulic projects are constructed in a manner that protects fish life:

• Conduct on-site inspections to ensure compliance with the requirements of the HPA permit and the hydraulic code. 
• Evaluate damage to fish resources for non-compliance with permit provisions.
• Provide education and technical assistance to project proponents to help them understand the measures necessary to protect fish life and remedy non-compliant conditions.
• Identify and issue the appropriate enforcement action using a range of increasingly strict civil enforcement tools; monitor enforcement actions to ensure that corrections are made; and recommend elevation as needed if compliance is not obtained.
• Work collaboratively with other regulatory agencies and Tribes to address impacts from non-compliant work.

Complete administrative duties:

• Contact, work with, and maintain relationships with habitat biologists, fish biologists, environmental engineers, fish and wildlife officers, and others engaged in the administration of state, federal, and local laws and regulations.
• Prepare administrative enforcement actions for Management review, approval, and signature.
• Compile evidence and prepare necessary documents for enforcement action and legal process.
• Track, manage, and organize information and documentation following standard protocols, including the use of the central Aquatic Protection Permitting System (APPS).

Investigate complaints of unpermitted work that affects fish life:

• Help fish and wildlife officers investigate complaints from the public, public agencies, or others; help secure written statements and other material required to document unpermitted work, and collaborate with the officers and management to determine appropriate enforcement tools.
• Assess damage to fish resources from violations of the Hydraulic Code.
• Work collaboratively with other regulatory agencies and Tribes to address impacts from unpermitted work.

Working Conditions: 

Work setting, including hazards: Work is performed in an office and an outdoor environment. Fieldwork includes working in busy construction sites. Must be able to drive a vehicle to conduct field review of work sites. Physical capacity to work in remote forested and aquatic environments, conducting compliance surveys and other related tasks. These activities can consist of 8 to 10-hour days, for several days in a row. Capable of walking over rough terrain for short distances (>1 mile) regularly or occasionally over long distances (several miles). This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.

Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. These hours are flexible to accommodate seasonal workload or additional duties as assigned by the supervisor. The position will also require working occasionally on nights, weekends, and holidays as needed to meet job needs. This can also include travel for several days, primarily to training workshops.

Travel: In the field 70%, traveling throughout the region. Periods of overnight travel may be required, and work hours may exceed the standard 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM workday.

Tools and Equipment: Survey equipment, GPS, clinometer, digital camera, video camera, computer, and state-assigned work vehicle.

Customer Interactions: The position has regular interactions with permittees, landowners, contractors, WDFW personnel, other local, state, and federal government personnel, consultants, private non-profit agency representatives, and tribal representatives.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications: 

Option 1: A bachelor’s degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, environmental science, or related field and three (3) years of professional experience fish management/research, or habitat management/research, or a related field.

Option 2: A bachelor’s degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, environmental science, or related field and two (2) years of experience as a Fish and Wildlife Biologist 2. 

Please Note: 

• Professional equivalent experience in land use code enforcement, fish management/research, or habitat management/research may substitute, year for year, for the education requirement.   
• A Master’s degree may substitute for one year, or a Ph.D. may substitute for two years of the required experience.

Licenses: Valid driver’s license

Special requirements: The selected candidate must undergo a background check prior to being hired.

Additional competencies: 

Facilitation and conflict resolution skills – Being tactful and sensitive when dealing with people with strongly held opposing viewpoints and when addressing "politically sensitive" matters are essential qualities for this position. Exemplary social and verbal communication skills are needed to ensure requests and actions are professional, objective, and not perceived by others as adversarial or unprofessional.

Written Communication – Writing (reports, requests, orders, letters, memos, and emails) should be organized, clear, and concise; use principles of "plain talk", and be effective, yet tactful. Writing should be professionally written with the understanding that they are public record and as such may be read by others than the intended recipient(s).

Preferred Qualifications:

In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess one or more of the following:

Demonstrated ability to: 

• Build rapport and partner with the public, tribes, and local, state, and federal governmental agencies regarding issues of fish and habitat protection.
• Work within the regulatory environment.
• Apply negotiation and conflict resolution skills professionally and in a non-confrontational way.

Demonstrated skill in: 

• Writing and group presentations, and the ability to present complex or controversial information in a way that is understandable to the non-scientific community.
• Organization and time management to effectively prioritize workload based on impacts to fish and habitat.

Knowledge of: 

• The biology, life histories, and habitat requirements of fish species of Washington.
• Construction best management practices, basic engineering practices, and applicable State laws and regulations related to hydraulic projects.

Ability to: 

• Read and interpret construction plans and apply applicable rules and regulations. 
• Explain technical requirements to lay persons, meet and deal effectively with others. 
• Prepare clear and concise reports and explain applicable laws and regulations or hydraulic project approval provisions to the public.

Familiarity with: 

Your application should 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 RecruitmentTeam@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: 2024-1234 – 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 diana.humes@dfw.wa.gov

Follow us on social media: LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

dh