Regional Habitat Program Manager - Region 3 - WMS Band 2

Working Title – Regional Habitat Program Manager
Classification – WMS Band 2
Job Status – Full-Time/Permanent 
WDFW Program – Habitat Program 
South Central - Region 3 – Kittitas, Yakima, Benton, Franklin, and Walla Walla Counties.
Duty Station – Yakima, Washington – Yakima County 
Remote Employment – This position may include telework options up to 2 days per week, at the discretion of the hiring manager.
Posting Timeframe -This recruitment is scheduled to be posted until August 14, 2025.  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!

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.
• Assure appropriate and optimum use of the unit’s resources and enhance the effectiveness of employees through timely appraisals and professional development opportunities.
• Coordinate with other governmental agencies and landowners to influence their land use decisions for the protection of fish and wildlife.
• 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 and objectives.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work Setting, including hazards: 75% of the time is spent in an office setting and attending meetings.  25% of the time is spent in the field, occasionally in adverse 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.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s Degree in a natural resource science or a related field.

AND

• Five (5) years of experience supervising professional staff.
  • Supervisory experience must consist of progressive management experience with managerial skills for managing a group of professional 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.

Certifications/Licenses: 

• Valid Driver’s License. 

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

Experience: 

• Demonstrated ability to manage sensitive species habitat needs and impact assessment.
• 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.
• Principles of 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: 

• 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.