Habitat Acquisitions and Partnerships Lead – Environmental Planner 5 – Permanent – 2026-06607

Working Title– Habitat Acquisitions and Partnerships Lead
Classification- Environmental Planner 5
Job Status– Full-Time/Permanent
WDFW Program– Wildlife Program – Wildlife Diversity Division
**Duty Station– *Olympia, Washington – Thurston County
*While this position may offer a telework option, the successful candidate must be available to report to the duty station as needed.

**Olympia, Washington is the current duty station, however, depending on the successful candidate an alternate duty station in one of the following locations may be considered:

• Ephrata, Washington – Grant County
• Ridgefield, Washington – Clark County
• Spokane, Washington – Spokane County
• Stanwood, Washington – Snohomish County
• Yakima, Washington – Yakima County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Are you experienced in orchestrating complex conservation real estate acquisitions?

With your experience, you will provide the highest level of expertise for wildlife conservation, providing both technical and policy direction.

You are excited to engage and collaborate with DFW staff across all programs, tribes, and many others to work together and protect wildlife habitat.

WHAT TO EXPECT –
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, this position:

Coordinate with partners to develop habitat protection strategies, cultivate and lead conservation real estate transaction opportunities.

• Lead coordination with internal and external partners to develop strategies that effectively conserve habitat for Species of Greatest jobshiringnearme.org Need, with a particular emphasis on those SGCN within the Diversity Division portfolio.
• Implement conservation priorities by identifying and cultivating habitat protection opportunities with willing sellers. Coordinate with partners to select project leads, landowner points of contact, and intended future owners of real estate interests that have best chance of desired conservation outcome.

Shepard habitat conservation opportunities through WDFW process to select lands for acquisition (i.e., Lands 20/20).

• Facilitate internal and external conversations to gather and consolidate conservation real estate information and rationale to complete robust and well-vetted internal land acquisition applications that address: purpose and need; project urgency; consistency with WDFW plans; recreational impacts scientific and educational opportunities; economic impacts/roles of the proposed acquisition; financial and regulatory influences of the project; target species, habitat, and ecological characteristics; management and restoration needs and initial priorities, ongoing stewardship and adaptive management costs; cultural resources, and demonstrated partnerships and local support.

Develop and deliver habitat protection grant applications.

• Write and orally deliver grant applications. Grant opportunities include USFWS traditional and HCP Section 6 land acquisition and WWRP applications.
• Identify and pursue new/additional sources of funding for land protection.

Internal cross-program coordination.

• Establish and maintain strong relationships with Regional Directors, Managers, and Staff; and Game, Landowner Services, Lands, and Diversity Division colleagues to ensure cross-programmatic needs, processes, and communication are integrated.
• Directly coordinate with Real Estate Services Section on conservation real estate transactions, effectively transitioning projects when appropriate.

Working Conditions:

Work setting: Work is performed primarily in an office environment, with exposure to hazards mostly limited to those commonly found in government office environments. Time may be spent outdoors engaged in wildlife and habitat conservation activities on the ground or on the water. This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments. Must be willing to work in inclement weather, over difficult terrain, including slippery rocks, steep banks, and sticky mud and have a willingness to perform in a safe and efficient manner.

Schedule: full-time, working 40 hours per week. The standard work schedule includes the potential for occasional evening or weekend work as needed. Schedules may vary based on business needs, time of year, and/or weather conditions.

Travel requirements: Local, regional, or statewide travel is required to meet with regional staff and partners, attend meetings and field visits, evaluate properties, conduct general business, or attend or provide training.

Customer Interactions: Infrequent contact with members of the public, including some contact with those who may be angry, distraught, or frustrated. Frequent contact with partners (state, federal, tribal, and NGO). Responsible for contentious issue resolution and leaders of major stakeholder interaction. Provide policy and technical direction to internal and external program and agency professional staff involving complex or controversial studies or projects. May have policy level negotiation, interaction or discussion with other agencies at both the state and federal level.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Qualifications:

OPTION 1:

A Bachelor’s degree with major study in ecology, natural resources, land use planning, habitat conservation, wildlife management, conservation biology, or closely related field.

And

Five (5) years of professional experience in habitat conservation or restoration.

And

Two (2) years of direct experience (can be gained concurrently) leading or facilitating ALL of the following:

• jobshiringnearme.org real estate property investigation and transaction.
• jobshiringnearme.org plan implementation.

And

Valid driver’s license.

OPTION 2:

Nine (9) years of professional experience in habitat conservation or restoration.

And

Two (2) years of direct experience (can be gained concurrently) leading or facilitating ALL of the following:

• jobshiringnearme.org real estate property investigation and transaction.
• jobshiringnearme.org plan implementation.

And

Valid driver’s license.

In addition to one of the options above, the incumbent must have experience in/with the following:

• Facilitating resolution of pertinent management issues arising from planning and conservation real estate activities that are complex or sensitive, involve multiple programs, and deal with major environmental issues.
• Researching, evaluating and drawing conclusions from data and analyses; supporting recommendations with facts and analysis; interpreting and applying rules, laws, policies, and procedures.
• Conveying complex ideas and facts orally and in writing using language the audience will best understand.
• Developing positive, productive, respectful working relationships with partners and co-workers.

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

Direct experience with:

• Orchestrating complex conservation real estate acquisition strategies that include multiple partners and funding sources.
• Endangered Species Act Habitat jobshiringnearme.org Plan development and implementation.
• Grant-writing.
• Tribal consultation (state and federal).
• Navigating complex and diverse relationships with potentially competing interests.
• Multi-party coordination and facilitation including successfully navigating strategic Conversations of politically complex projects.
• Coordinating and leading groups, creating a cooperative and productive environment in which to resolve problems or develop and implement plans.

Ability to:

• Effectively organizing multiple assignments, sometimes of a complex nature or involving competing priorities, to produce work products that are accurate, thorough, and on time.
• Using data and information with a clear and rational thought process to assess and understand issues, evaluate options, form accurate conclusions, and make decisions.
• Integrating various ideas, intentions, and information to form effective goals, objectives, timelines, action plans, and solutions.
• Developing and delivering complex habitat conservation presentations to partners and the public.

Your Application must 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 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 #2026-06607.

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