Hydropower Mitigation Specialist - Fish & Wildlife Biologist 4 - 2 Positions - Perm - 2026-08498

State of Washington

Olympia (WA)

Hybrid

USD 90,000 - 120,000

Full time

19 hours ago

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Job summary

State of Washington's Department of Fish and Wildlife is seeking Hydropower Mitigation Specialists to support the Habitat Program – Energy. Two full-time positions are based in Olympia and Ephrata, with a hybrid schedule requiring one day onsite and up to four days telework, and occasional travel up to 15%.

You will lead FERC hydropower licensing processes, assess dam impacts on fish, wildlife and habitat, coordinate mitigation measures, and provide technical expertise to ensure compliance with

Job description

Description
Working Title- Hydropower Mitigation Specialist
Classification- Fish & Wildlife Biologist 4
Number of Vacancies- Two (2) Positions
Job Status- Full-Time/Permanent
WDFW Program- Habitat Program – Energy

Duty Station
One (1) position is located in Olympia, WA – Thurston County.
One (1) position is located in Ephrata, WA – Grant County.
Hybrid/Telework- This position offers a hybrid work schedule, with at least 1 day per week onsite at the assigned duty station and up to 4 days of telework. The selected candidate must be available to work onsite for in-person meetings and to meet business needs.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!
Photo Caption – Bonneville Dam – Photo Credit: WDFW
Ensure responsible licensing, implementation, operation, and mitigation of hydropower dams.
Prepare and coordinate WDFW’s involvement in evaluating hydroelectric dams and their impact on habitat.
With sustainability and conservation in mind, these positions support a coordinated and strategic approach for the negotiation of fish and wildlife protection, mitigation, and enhancements.
You are excited to support the agency’s mission by protecting, restoring, and guiding management of habitat as it applies to the ecological integrity of critical habitat and ecological systems.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, this position will:
Serve as the project lead and actively participate in Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) hydropower licensing processes.

Research and assess hydropower project impacts to fish, wildlife, and their habitat.
Serve as agency lead on assigned projects, evaluate techniques and mitigation needs to offer solutions to preserve, protect, perpetuate, or enhance the resource.
Draft, solicit, review, and submit written comments for assigned projects.
identify priority resource goals and objectives for developing measures for the protection, mitigation, and enhancement of affected resources.
Timely submit WDFW comments to the FERC on licensing projects.
Provide WDFW comments to meet SEPA/NEPA/EIS timelines.
Participate in and represent WDFW in FERC, utility, and other workgroup meetings, committees, and forums.
Draft, solicit, review, and submit written comments with each project’s associated technical work groups.
Interpret and analyze technical documents and issues and review for adequacy.

Coordinate, track, and provide biological and technical expertise on projects impacting fish, wildlife, and habitat associated with the implementation of the terms and conditions of federal hydropower licenses.

Coordinate with and serve as the point-of-contact for working groups and WDFW staff and management to ensure appropriate fish, wildlife, and habitat protections and mitigation measures and to meet requirements of licenses and agreements. This will include coordinating with internal subject matter and technical experts to ensure the WDFW team has the appropriate expertise to engage on the varied subjects covered by licenses and agreements.
Collaborate with tribes and environmental groups, utilities, and governmental agencies.
Provide analysis and expertise, as requested, on projects related to fish, wildlife, and habitat.

Working Conditions

Work setting: Office/home office setting that includes out-of-office meetings and occasional field visits. Visits to hydropower facilities may include industrial conditions with loud noises and require hardhats, ear protection, and eye protection. Common hazards include slips, trips, and falls. Field work may include hazards such as heat exposure, cold weather conditions, and uneven terrain. 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.
Schedule: This position is full-time, working 40 hours per week. The standard work schedule includes the potential for occasional evening or weekend work as needed. Alternative schedules may be considered based on business needs.
Travel requirements: Travel occurs up to 15% of the time.
Customer Interactions: This position will interact with hydropower project proponents, tribal and non-governmental Organization (NGO) staff, other state and federal agency staff, and others.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Qualifications

Option 1

Nine (9) years of professional experience in fish, wildlife, or habitat management or research, wildlife management or wildlife research, or habitat management or habitat research.

And ALL Of The Following

Four (4) years of professional experience in fish, wildlife, or habitat management or research.
Experience in/with the following:

Federal and state laws related to endangered species, hydropower operations and permitting; and stream/river hydraulics and habitats (including those supporting anadromous fish).
Lake and stream management; principles and procedures of wildlife, fish and habitat management and biological research.
Methods of biological fish, wildlife, or habitat data collection, analysis, interpretation and presentation.

Option 2

An Associate’s degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science.

And ALL Of The Following

Seven (7) years of professional experience in fish, wildlife, or habitat management or research.
Experience in/with the following:

Federal and state laws related to endangered species, hydropower operations and permitting; and stream/river hydraulics and habitats (including those supporting anadromous fish).
Lake and stream management; principles and procedures of wildlife, fish and habitat management and biological research.
Methods of biological fish, wildlife, or habitat data collection, analysis, interpretation and presentation.

Option 3

Four (4) years as a Fish & Wildlife Biologist 3.

Option 4

A bachelor’s degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science.

And ALL Of The Following

Five (5) years of professional experience in fish, wildlife, or habitat management or research.
Experience in/with the following:

Federal and state laws related to endangered species, hydropower operations and permitting; and stream/river hydraulics and habitats (including those supporting anadromous fish).
Lake and stream management; principles and procedures of wildlife, fish and habitat management and biological research.
Methods of biological fish, wildlife, or habitat data collection, analysis, interpretation and presentation.

Option 5

A Master’s degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science.

And ALL Of The Following

Four (4) years of professional experience in fish, wildlife, or habitat management or research.
Experience in/with the following:

Federal and state laws related to endangered species, hydropower operations and permitting; and stream/river hydraulics and habitats (including those supporting anadromous fish).
Lake and stream management; principles and procedures of wildlife, fish and habitat management and biological research.
Methods of biological fish, wildlife, or habitat data collection, analysis, interpretation and presentation.

Option 6

A Ph.D. in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science.

And ALL Of The Following

Three (3) years of professional experience in fish, wildlife, or habitat management or research, wildlife management or wildlife research, or habitat management or habitat research.
Experience in/with the following:

Federal and state laws related to endangered species, hydropower operations and permitting; and stream/river hydraulics and habitats (including those supporting anadromous fish).
Lake and stream management; principles and procedures of wildlife, fish and habitat management and biological research.
Methods of biological fish, wildlife, or habitat data collection, analysis, interpretation and presentation.

License: Valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications

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

A Master’s degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science, AND five (5) years of professional experience in fish, wildlife, or habitat management or research, wildlife management or wildlife research, or habitat management or habitat research.
Experience negotiating for environmental outcomes.
Experience evaluating the impacts of dams on fishery resources.
Ability to identify and articulate problem statements associated with hydropower operations or the implementation of terms and conditions/mitigation.
Knowledge and understanding of recent scientific advances in evaluating direct and indirect impacts of dams on aquatic resources.
Demonstrated project management and coordination skills.
Demonstrated written and oral presentation skills.
Ability to develop and defend natural resource policy positions using both biological and legal frameworks.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION In addition to pay and other special employee programs, there are other benefits that WDFW employees may be eligible for.
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 #2026-08498.
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More than Just a Paycheck! Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves about more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read About Our Benefits The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre‑tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement And Deferred Compensation State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre‑time salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social Security All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays Full‑time and part‑time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full‑time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part‑time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro‑rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full‑time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave.
Sick Leave
Full‑time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full‑time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part‑time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full‑time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full‑time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full‑time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part‑time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro‑rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full‑time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump‑sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 01-07-2026
01
Are you currently an employee of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife? This includes permanent, non-permanent, intern, project, and career seasonal.

02
Do you have a valid driver's license?

Yes, I have a current valid driver's license.
No, I do not have a current valid driver's license.

03
Please select the location(s) for which you are applying. Select all that apply.

Olympia, Washington – Thurston County.
Ephrata, Washington – Grant County.

04
Please select the option below that best describes the highest level of education you have completed.

High School Diploma/GED.
Some College.
Vocational Degree or Certificate.
Associate's Degree.
Bachelor's Degree.
Master's Degree.
Ph.D.
None of the above.

05
What is your major area of study? If you possess multiple degrees, please list each degree and major. (If this does not apply to you, please put N/A.) This includes both vocational and college education.
06
In the text box below, please confirm the location(s) for which you are applying. (For example, you may enter " Olympia" or "Both locations.")
07
How many years of experience do you have a Fish & Wildlife Biologist 3?

I do not have this experience.
I have less than 4 years of this experience.
I have 4 years or more of this experience.

08
Please briefly describe your experience as a Fish & Wildlife Biologist 3, OR your professional experience in fish, wildlife, or habitat management or research. If you do not have this experience, enter "N/A" in the box below. Do not write "See application/resume/cover letter" as those are not valid responses.
09
Please briefly describe your experience in/with federal and state laws related to endangered species, hydropower operations and permitting; and stream/river hydraulics and habitats (including those supporting anadromous fish). If you do not have this experience, enter "N/A" in the box below. Do not write "See application/resume/cover letter" as those are not valid responses.
10
Please briefly describe your experience in/with experience evaluating the impacts of dams on fishery resources. If you do not have this experience, enter "N/A" in the box below. Do not write "See application/resume/cover letter" as those are not valid responses.
11
Do you have knowledge and an understanding of recent scientific advances in evaluating direct and indirect impacts of dams on aquatic resources?