Description

Working Title – Regional Habitat Program Manager

Classification – WMS Band 2

Job Status – Full-Time/Permanent  

WDFW Program – Habitat Program 

North Central - Region 2 – Adams, Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan Counties. 

Duty Station – Ephrata, Washington – Grant County 

Remote Employment – Approved for hybrid flexibility up to 2 days per week, at the discretion of the hiring manager.

Posting Timeframe - This recruitment is scheduled to be posted until January 5, 2025.  The first review of applications will take place on December 4, 2024. Application review is ongoing, submit your application materials as soon as possible, this recruitment may be closed at any time.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

As our Regional Habitat Program Manager (RHPM), you will lead, guide, and support a talented and diverse team of professionals, fostering an environment where they can succeed and thrive. 

This is an opportunity to oversee critical regional activities, including Forest Habitats, Aquatic Systems, Priority Habitat and Species, Growth and Shoreline Management, Regulatory Services, Renewable Energy, Salmon Recovery, Watershed Management, and overall program administration.

In this role, you’ll be responsible for developing long-range plans to protect fish and wildlife resources, advancing agency goals, and fostering collaborative relationships with a broad range of stakeholders.

This leadership position is essential to advancing habitat management initiatives and making a meaningful impact on regional conservation efforts.

What to Expect-

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Regional Habitat Program Manager will, 

• Plan, lead, organize and manage the work performed by the regional habitat team.  
• Create and foster a growing culture of safety in the regional program through active support, engagement with safety teams, leading through example, and providing consistent exposure to safety related topics and issues relative to the regional team.  
• Plan for and actively manage the budget allocated to the Region.  
• Coach and direct staff working in partnership with various county, state and federal fish and wildlife protection regulations and agreements to achieve protection and restoration needs consistent with statewide best practices.  
• Participate in the negotiations for developing mitigation agreements for unavoidable adverse impacts resulting from major development projects in the region.  
• Oversee the regional implementation of WDFW’s authority under: RCW 77.55, which includes issuance of Hydraulic Project Approvals.  Oversee implementation of WDFW authority under RCW 77.57 – fish passage, and approval of compliance actions under both statutes.  
• Develop long-range plans and set priorities within the region for the achievement of the Agency’s goals, objectives, and Strategic Plan. 

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work Setting, including hazards: 75% of time is spent in an office setting and attending meetings.  25% of the time is spent in the field, occasionally in rough weather conditions, traveling throughout the region, and participating in evening meetings.

Schedule: Typically, Monday – Friday – 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 

Travel Requirements: Periods of overnight travel may be required, and work hours may exceed the standard workday.

Requirements

Required Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s Degree in a natural resource science or a related field.
  AND
• Five (5) years of experience supervising professional staff.  Consisting of progressive management experience with managerial skills for managing a group of professional level staff.

Competencies: 

• Proven ability to manage programs, policies, and procedures.
• Demonstrated effective negotiation skills.
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
• Proven ability to clearly communicate with management, regulatory bodies, and employees. 

Please Note: Closely related qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-by-year basis.

Preferred Qualifications:

In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:

Experience: 

• Five (5) years of experience supervising professional staff.
• Demonstrated proficiency of managing complex regulatory environments.
• Demonstrated proficiency in managing a complex budget.

Knowledge of: 

• State and federal statutes and administrative rules, including knowledge of the Hydraulic Code and Growth Management Act and their implementation in relation to protection of fish and wildlife resources.
• Marine, fresh water and terrestrial ecology and natural resource management.
• Principles of stream dynamics and aquatic resource needs and impact analysis from development.
• Technical knowledge of biology and life history of fish and wildlife species in Washington State.

Competencies: 

• Ability to take interest in and understand others' perspectives.
• Easily recognize when others have important information, perspectives, or ideas.
• Demonstrate appropriate assertiveness and be committed to the service of the public, mission, and team.
• Effectively analyze, develop, and manage program and contract budgets.
• Evaluate problems and develop recommendations to improve organizational and/or procedural efficiency.
• Interpret agency rules and regulations.
• Ability to maintain a positive attitude and create collaborative relationships with a high level of emotional intelligence.
   

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.