Assistant Regional Habitat Program Manager - Environmental Planner 4 - Permanent - 2026-02253

Title- Assistant Regional Habitat Program Manager (ARHPM)

Classification- Environmental Planner 4

Job Status- Full-Time / Permanent

WDFW Program- HabitatProgram – Region 3

Duty Station- *Ellensburg, Washington – Kittitas County

Hybrid/Telework- The selected candidate may be able to telework/work remotely up to two (2) days per week at the discretion of the supervisor.

*Depending on the successful candidate's location preference, they may also choose to report to the WDFW region 3 office in Yakima

This recruitment has been re-opened and extended. If you applied previously, your application is still under consideration, and you do not need to re-apply.

Posting Timeframe- This recruitment is scheduled to be posted until June 9, 2026. The first review of applications will take place on May 26, 2026. 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!

This position provides leadership, direction, guidance and performance management to a team consisting of senior and journeyman level Habitat Biologists and technicians. The ARHPM is responsible for the team’s success in working with various federal state, local, and tribal agencies; conservation, environmental and stakeholder organizations; as well as private entities or individuals. 

The overall goal of the team is to influence decisions and activities in relation to fish and wildlife habitat through regulation, technical assistance and relationship building in Land Use Planning, Restoration, Forest Practices, Energy/Major Projects and the Hydraulic Project Approval (HPA) permitting process. The ARHPM is also to ensure that this influence is done in an open collaborative manner with an emphasis on customer service. 

The position plays a key role in Program level strategic planning and regional-district tactical implementation of agency/program policies or initiatives. The position provides Program leadership by working as part of the Program Mid-Management Team to recommend and/or develop statewide policy, initiatives and direction in direct consultation with the Program Senior Management Team. 

The ARHPM is the senior planner responsible for strategic planning needs within the District(s) they supervise in relation to implementing new policies, new policy direction, and significant program initiatives. Strategic planning on the District level is conducted with consultation and direction from the Regional Habitat Program Manager (RHPM) and in coordination with other members of the District Team.

What to Expect-

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

Provide Supervision:

• Provide guidance, direction, and information to staff regarding Program/Agency policies, procedures and directions in a clear and timely manner. 
• Conduct regular team meetings to communicate information (at least quarterly) and provide method for timely communication between team meetings. 
• Work with staff to develop strategic approach to accomplishing goals, addressing issues and successfully implementing assignments. 
• In collaboration with Division staff develop and provide training for regionally based professional staff. 
• Provide mentoring to staff to promote and support professional development. 
• Work with individual staff and the regional team to provide guidance and direction regarding workload control and prioritization. 
• Provide performance management to staff. 
• Direct, guide, and provide information to staff for successful implementation of hydraulic code, as well as engagement in engagement in aquatic and terrestrial restoration activities, land use planning, FERC\Major Project activities and forest practices.

Serve as District Policy Lead and Liaison:

• Assist Senior and Executive Management in identifying new policies, new direction of existing policies and significant initiatives.
• Actively engage the Senior Management Team (SMT) to identify issues that are common across regions and/or the state and look to utilize this resource to find broad solutions and support for engagement from the Senior Management Team which could include: 
• Communicate and/or present strategic analysis information to the Regional Habitat Program Manager (RHPM) for coordination with the Program Leadership Team or Executive Management and assist in development of strategic and tactical steps to accomplish agency and partner goals that are consistent with the Agency mission.
• As District Liaison, assist the RHPM to actively engage local, state or federal agencies and other external entities important to the success of the identified strategic direction. 
• As District Liaison, assist the RHPM in engaging Tribal governments. Assist the RHPM in conducting regular meetings with tribes with the goal of building and maintaining a successful relationship.
• Identify key entities within the district and take steps to build and maintain relationships to gain knowledge of their needs, goals and objectives concerning key policies or significant initiatives and to help make them be more aware of our goals and objectives. 
• Build relationships within the Department to gain knowledge of their needs, goals and objectives and to communicate our goal of promoting teamwork that will help both be more successful.

Provide Program Strategic Planning:

• Actively engage with the Program Leadership Team (PLT) to assist in Program or Agency level short-term and long-term strategic planning.
• Work with RHPM and other ARHPM’s in region to develop and bring regional perspective to Program/Agency strategic planning.
• The ARHPM is responsible for the implementation of appropriate aspects of the strategic plan within the District that they supervise.
• The ARHPM, with RHPM, is responsible for communicating and encouraging support for the strategic direction identified by the Program and/or Agency in the District.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work Setting, including hazards: 

• Work is performed in an office and outdoor environment. Office work includes reading, writing, phone and computer use. 
• Will operate vehicles in off-road conditions.
• Position requires working in remote terrestrial and aquatic environments.
• This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.
• Position requires walking over rough terrain for short distances (<1 mile) regularly or occasionally over long distances (several miles).

Schedule: Monday through Friday 8 AM – 5 PM. Although schedule may vary with work seasonally and travel requirements. Occasional evening meetings are required. Incumbent may work a flexible work schedule subject to supervisory approval

Travel Requirements: In the field with supervised staff up to 40%. Travel to meetings throughout the state. Periods of overnight travel may exceed the standard 8 AM to 5 PM workday.   

Tools and Equipment: Boots, GPS, waders, rain gear, computer, phone, and state-assigned work vehicle.

Customer Interactions: Regular interaction with agency staff, other governmental agencies, tribal, private stakeholders, special interests, and the public. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Qualifications: 

Option 1 – All of the following (experience may be gained concurrently):

• A bachelor’s degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, environmental science, or related field.
• Five (5) years in any environmental or natural resource field.
• One (1) year of leadership or supervisor experience.

Option 2 – All of the following (experience may be gained concurrently):

• One (1) year of experience as an Environmental Planner 3.
• One (1) year of leadership or supervisor experience.

Please Note: 

• Closely related qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-by-year basis. 
• A master’s degree in the applicable science may substitute for one (1) year of required experience. 
• A Ph.D. in the applicable science may substitute for two (2) years of the required experience.

Licenses: Valid driver’s license

Preferred Qualifications:

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

Supervision - Five (5) years of demonstrated skill supervising, leading, and coaching people. 

Facilitation and negotiation - Demonstrated ability to apply negotiation and conflict resolution skills in contentious work settings. Leadership reaching consensus and de-escalating conflict. 

Regulations - General understanding of various regulatory processes, including the Hydraulic Code, Growth Management Act (GMA), State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), and Shoreline Management Act (SMA). Demonstrated ability to work within the regulatory environment including reviewing, issuing, monitoring or complying with federal, state or local environmental permits.

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 (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 Ashley.Lee@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: 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 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 Ashley.Lee@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2026-02253.

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