About the positionThe Priority Habitat & Species (PHS) Near Shore Biologist position is a full-time, permanent role within the Habitat Program of the Ecosystem Services Division at the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). This position is based in Olympia, Washington, and may offer flexible or hybrid remote work options depending on operational needs. The primary responsibility of the PHS Near Shore Biologist is to serve as the technical lead on nearshore mapping and planning, contributing to the conservation and enhancement of resilient nearshore habitats in Washington state. In this role, the biologist will utilize their technical expertise to develop spatial data that assists land use planners and managers in identifying and protecting critical nearshore habitats. The position involves creating guidance documents that provide practical strategies for habitat protection and enhancement, as well as developing applications for nearshore conservation in both urban and rural contexts. The biologist will also engage with natural resource practitioners and WDFW staff to provide expert support and ensure that the department's goals are met. The ideal candidate will possess excellent spatial analysis skills and a strong understanding of nearshore management principles and habitat conservation as they relate to land use planning. The position requires a commitment to the values of WDFW, which include Accountability, Service, Professionalism, Integrity, Respect, and Empathy (ASPIRE).Responsibilities• Incorporate spatial data identifying priority Near Shore habitat locations in Washington state into the PHS framework. ,• Translate new or existing Near Shore data into a format appropriate to PHS applications. ,• Develop technical documentation of methods used to create spatial data. ,• Develop user guides for application of Near Shore data. ,• Develop management recommendations for protecting Near Shore habitat priorities in the land use and transportation planning context. ,• Identify appropriate existing spatial data identifying Near Shore habitat location and condition. ,• Evaluate and make recommendations about existing spatial data relative to the Best Available Science standard defined in Washington state code (WAC 365-195-915). ,• Maintain current knowledge of Near Shore science, modeling, policy, and practices within and outside Washington state. ,• Engage and collaborate with scientists and modelers developing, reviewing, or revising Near Shore models or technical prioritization efforts relevant to Near Shore habitats in Washington. ,• Provide technical assistance on the development and application of Near Shore habitat data in the context of land use planning and land management. ,• Communicate the value and importance of Near Shore habitat and the current state of Best Available Science on Near Shore. ,• Develop and provide training and outreach materials to facilitate understanding and implementation of management recommendations. ,• Represent the agency in a technical capacity on efforts to create new Near Shore data products and strategies. ,• Participate in research activities including data collection, evaluation, and analysis to identify priority locations for Near Shore habitat protection, restoration, and enhancement. ,• Produce or co-produce materials and written deliverables with a focus on Near Shore science. ,• Attend and present Near Shore data and concepts at meetings, conferences, and workshops. ,• Review ongoing, current Near Shore science and modeling to ensure that PHS data meet the Best Available Science standard.Requirements• A bachelor's degree or higher in biology, conservation biology, landscape ecology, fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science or management, environmental science, or related field. ,• Five (5) years of professional experience in fish, wildlife, or habitat management or research, or four years as a Fish & Wildlife Biologist 3. ,• Valid driver's license.Nice-to-haves• Demonstrated experience working in Near Shore habitat. ,• Relevant experience includes field research, spatial modeling or analysis, remote sensing, and/or natural resources management work experience within a university, local government, environmental or conservation organization, consulting firm, or state or federal natural resources agency. ,• Expert knowledge of landscape ecology, conservation biology, conservation planning, or similar discipline. ,• Expert knowledge of Near Shore science and modeling approaches. ,• Demonstrated ability to use GIS and execute basic spatial analytical tasks in a GIS framework including knowledge of ArcGIS desktop and ArcGIS Online software. ,• Demonstrated ability to understand and explain spatial data characteristics and applications. ,• Demonstrated ability to conduct spatial analysis and manage large databases. ,• Ability to synthesize complex spatial information and develop analyses in written and visual form. ,• Ability to perform complex geoprocessing and manipulate large datasets using scripts. ,• Knowledge of Python and SQL scripting. ,• Demonstrated ability to communicate complex scientific concepts to policy makers, planners, or other non-scientists.Benefits• Medical/Dental/Vision for employee & dependent(s) ,• Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) ,• Vacation, Sick, and other Leave types ,• Eleven (11) Paid Holidays per year and one (1) personal holiday ,• Public Service Loan Forgiveness ,• Tuition Waiver ,• Long Term Disability & Life Insurance ,• Deferred Compensation Programs ,• Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP) ,• Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA) ,• Employee Assistance Program