Description
Working Title- SGCN Strategic Habitat Protection Lead
Classification- Environmental Planner 5
Job Status- Full-Time/Permanent
WDFW Program- Wildlife Program – Diversity Division
Duty Station- *Olympia, Washington – Thurston County
*While this position may offer a telework option, the successful candidate must be available to report to the duty station as needed.
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 – Pika – Photo Credit: WDFW
Are you passionate about protecting wildlife that need the most help?
With long-term conservation in mind, you will develop and implement strategies that advance the voluntary protection of habitats in support of conservation and recovery of Species of Greatest Conservation Need.
You thrive on building collaboration and teamwork, engaging and collaborating with both the internal cross-programmatic expertise of the Department and external partners, Tribes, and the public.
WHAT TO EXPECT -
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, this position will:
Coordinate with partners to develop habitat protection strategies and cultivate opportunities.
- Lead coordination with internal and external partners to develop habitat protection strategies that effectively conserve Species of Greatest Conservation Need, with a particular emphasis on those SGCN within the Wildlife Diversity Division portfolio such as songbirds, raptors, small mammals, butterflies, amphibians, and reptiles.
- Implement strategies by identifying, prioritizing, and cultivating habitat protection opportunities with willing sellers.
- Coordinate with partners to identify project leads, landowner points of contact, and intended future owners of real estate interests that have best chance of desired conservation outcome.
- Work with partners to ensure protection strategies are aimed at the goals of priority collaboratives such as the Joint Base Lewis-McChord Sentinel Landscape and Washington Shrubsteppe Restoration and Resiliency Initiative, as well as implementation of the Washington Habitat Connectivity Action Plan.
Shepard priority project opportunities through WDFW process to select conservation lands for acquisition (i.e., Lands 20/20).
- Facilitate internal and external conversations to gather and consolidate information and rationale to complete robust and well-vetted internal real estate interest acquisition applications that addresses: purpose and need; project urgency; consistency with WDFW plans; recreational, scientific and educational opportunities; economic impacts/roles of the proposed acquisition; financial and regulatory influences of the project; target species, habitat, and ecological characteristics; management and restoration needs and initial priorities, ongoing stewardship and management costs; cultural resources, and demonstrated partnerships and local support.
Develop and deliver habitat protection grant applications.
- Write and orally deliver grant applications for approved Lands 20/20 projects.
- Identify and pursue new/additional sources of funding for land protection.
Internal cross-program coordination.
- Establish and maintain strong relationships with Lands and Real Estate colleagues, Regional Directors, Managers, and Staff; and Game, Landowner Services, and Wildlife Diversity Division colleagues to ensure cross-programmatic needs, processes and communication are integrated.
Working Conditions:
Work setting: Work is performed primarily in an office environment, with exposure to hazards mostly limited to those commonly found in government office environments. Office hazards include working under fluorescent light, repetitively entering data into computer, looking at computer monitor for long periods of time, sitting or standing for long periods of time. Time may be spent outdoors engaged in wildlife and habitat conservation activities on the ground or on the water. This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments. Must be willing to work in inclement weather, over difficult terrain, including slippery rocks, steep banks, and sticky mud and have a willingness to perform in a safe and efficient manner.
Schedule: Full-time, working 40 hours per week. The standard work schedule includes the potential for occasional evening or weekend work as needed. Schedules may vary based on business needs, time of year, and/or weather conditions.
Travel requirements: Local or regional travel is required to meet with regional staff, attend committee meetings, evaluate properties, conduct general business, or attend or provide training.
Customer Interactions: Infrequent contact with members of the public, including some contact with those who may be angry, distraught, or frustrated. Frequent contact with partners (state, federal, tribal, and NGO). Responsible for legislative, contentious issue resolution and leaders of major stakeholder interaction. Provide policy and technical direction to internal and external program and agency professional staff involving complex or controversial studies or projects. May have policy level negotiation, interaction or discussion with other agencies at both the state and federal level.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required Qualifications:
A Bachelor’s degree with major study in natural resource or land use planning or wildlife policy or science, wildlife management or conservation biology or closely related field. (Please note: Closely related qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-by-year basis.)
And
Five (5) years of professional experience in wildlife conservation or habitat protection to include two years of experience in/with:
- Conservation real estate property investigation and transaction.
- Conservation plan implementation.
And
Experience with:
- Facilitating resolution of pertinent management issues arising from planning activities that are complex or sensitive, involve multiple programs, and dealing with major environmental issues.
- Researching, evaluating and drawing conclusions from data and analyses; supporting recommendations with facts and analysis; interpreting and applying rules, laws, policies and procedures.
- Conveying complex ideas and facts orally and in writing using language the audience will best understand.
- Developing positive, productive, respectful working relationships with partners and co-workers.
License: Valid driver’s license.
Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:
Master’s degree or above with major emphasis in landscape conservation planning/reserve design, or land use planning, land use or environmental law, public administration with an environmental emphasis, or conservation biology, conservation policy, wildlife science, natural resource, environmental, or closely related field.
Direct experience with:
- Orchestrating complex conservation real estate acquisition strategies including multiple partners and funding sources.
- Species and habitat conservation planning.
- Habitat Conservation Plan development and implementation.
- Grant-writing.
- Tribal consultation (state and federal).
- Navigating complex and diverse relationships with potentially competing interests.
- Multi-party coordination and facilitation, including successfully navigating strategic conversations of politically complex projects.
- Coordinating and leading groups, creating a cooperative and productive environment in which to resolve problems or develop and implement plans.
- 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 (3) 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 Cheri.Potter@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 Cheri.Potter@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2026-05158.
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