Posting number: 2026-06506
Department: Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
Job classification: WMS BAND 1
Posting type: Open & Promotional
Categories: Environmental Services, Management, Natural Resources, Project Management, Program Management, Wildlife
Title – Assistant Regional Habitat Program Manager (ARHPM) – South Central Region 3
Classification - WMS Band 1
Job Status - Full-Time/Permanent
WDFW Program – Habitat Program
Duty Station – Ellensburg, Washington (Kittitas County) is the current duty station, however, depending on the successful candidate, Yakima, Washington (Yakima County) may be considered.
South Central Region 3 Counties Served - Benton, Franklin, Kittitas, and Yakima counties.
Remote Employment – This position may include telework options up to 2 days per week, at the discretion of the supervisor.
Posting Timeframe -This recruitment is scheduled to be re-posted until September 7, 2026. Application review is ongoing, and applicants are encouraged to submit their materials as soon as possible, this recruitment may be closed at any time.
Re-Opened Recruitment - This recruitment has been re-opened to increase the applicant pool. If you applied previously your application is still under consideration and you do not need to reapply.
Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!
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Photo Caption: Views that Keep you Going – Photo Credit: Kevin Alayo
Help shape the future of fish and wildlife habitat conservation in Washington!
As the Assistant Regional Habitat Program Manager (ARHPM), you will lead a team of habitat professionals responsible for implementing regulatory programs and advancing habitat conservation throughout South Central Region 3.
This is an opportunity to oversee complex and high-profile projects, work collaboratively with partners to achieve sustainable conservation, and provide tactical leadership on hydraulic permitting, land use planning, forest practices, mitigation, and restoration.
In this role, you will help ensure consistent implementation of agency policies, collaborate with Tribal governments, local governments, state and federal agencies, and stakeholders, and contribute to regional and statewide strategies that protect and restore fish and wildlife habitats for future generations.
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Photo Caption: Deadwood Lakes – Photo Credit: Joe Tucker
What to Expect -
As our Assistant Regional Habitat Program Manager (ARHPM), you will shape habitat conservation outcomes through tactical leadership and management, internal and external collaboration, and influence in shaping new policies and guidance. Key responsibilities include:
Management:
District Policy Lead and Liaison:
Program Strategic Planning:
Working Conditions:
Work Setting, including hazards:
Work is performed in an office and outdoor environment. May encounter adverse weather and sea conditions, noise, odors, repetitive movements of hands, finger manipulations, long periods of squatting, walking, boating, climbing in and out of boats, carrying, kneeling, rarely lifting heavy objects such as electrofishers (up to 40 lbs. unassisted), standing in confined spaces, slippery surfaces, biting and stinging insects/vegetation, and the use of knives.
Fieldwork may also include uneven terrain, biting and pinching animals, possible encounters with wildlife, and at times working independently, in remote locations during the day and at night.
This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments, walking over rough terrain for short distances (<1 mile) regularly or occasionally over long distances (several miles).
Schedule: Typically, Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. with occasional evening meetings and may be called out on weekends, holidays, or after hours for emergency permitting. A flexible work schedule may be considered and is subject to supervisory approval.
Travel Requirements: Frequent travel throughout Region 3and occasional trips to Olympia and other state-wide locations occur which may include overnight travel (about 1-2 nights a month, on average). May be required to operate agency vehicles to transport staff and equipment.
Tools and Equipment: Laptop, agency issued cell phone, Garmin InReach, first aid kit, waders, muck boots, rain jacket/element appropriate clothing. PPE identified in Job Hazard Analysis, including but not limited to: agency approved hard hat, roadside safety vest, personal flotation device, and eye protection.
Customer Relations: Agency staff, other government agencies, tribal, private stakeholders, restoration partners, funders, and the public.
Qualifications:
Closely related qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-by-year basis.
Required Qualifications:
A Bachelor’s degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, environmental science, or a related field.
AND all of the following (may be gained concurrently):
Certifications/Licenses:
Valid unrestricted Driver’s License.
Please note:
Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess one or more of the following:
Your application should include the following:
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
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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:
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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 kaila.daudt@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2026-06506.
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With its great natural beauty, Clark County, Washington, always has attracted people and settlements. Framed by the scenic Cascade Range to the east and the majestic Columbia River to the south and west, the area is a picturesque place to work, play and live.
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