SGCN Strategic Habitat Protection Lead - Environmental Planner 5 - Permanent (4)

Salary: $6,906.00 - $9,292.00 Monthly
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2026-05158
Department: Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
Opening Date: 06/18/2026
Closing Date: 7/2/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Description
Working Title- SGCN Strategic Habitat Protection Lead

Classification- Environmental Planner 5

Job Status- Full-Time/Permanent

WDFW Program- Wildlife Program - 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.
The salary listed above does not include the 2% pay increase that goes into effect on July 1, 2026.
Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!
Photo Caption - Pika - Photo Credit: WDFW
Areyou passionate about protecting wildlife that need the most help?
With long-term conservation in mind, you will develop and implement strategies that advance the voluntary protection of habitats in support of conservation and recovery of Species of Greatest Conservation Need.
You thrive on building collaboration and teamwork, engaging and collaborating with both the internal cross-programmatic expertise of the Department and external partners, Tribes, and the public.
WHAT TO EXPECT -

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, this position will:
Coordinate with partners to develop habitat protection strategies and cultivate opportunities.

• Lead coordination with internal and external partners to develop habitat protection strategies that effectively conserve Species of Greatest Conservation Need, with a particular emphasis on those SGCN within the Wildlife Diversity Division portfolio such as songbirds, raptors, small mammals, butterflies, amphibians, and reptiles.
• Implement strategies by identifying, prioritizing, and cultivating habitat protection opportunities with willing sellers.
• Coordinate with partners to identify project leads, landowner points of contact, and intended future owners of real estate interests that have best chance of desired conservation outcome.
• Work with partners to ensure protection strategies are aimed at the goals of priority collaboratives such as the and , as well as implementation of the

Shepard priority project opportunities through WDFW process to select conservation lands for acquisition (i.e., ).

• Facilitate internal and external conversations to gather and consolidate information and rationale to complete robust and well-vetted internal real estate interest acquisition applications that addresses: purpose and need; project urgency; consistency with WDFW plans; recreational, 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 management costs; cultural resources, and demonstrated partnerships and local support.

Develop and deliver habitat protection grant applications.

• Write and orally deliver grant applications for approved Lands 20/20 projects.
• Identify and pursue new/additional sources of funding for land protection.

Internal cross-program coordination.

• Establish and maintain strong relationships with Lands and Real Estate colleagues, Regional Directors, Managers, and Staff; and Game, Landowner Services, and Wildlife Diversity Division colleagues to ensure cross-programmatic needs, processes and communication are integrated.

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. 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. 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 or regional travel is required to meet with regional staff, attend committee meetings, 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 legislative, 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:
A Bachelor's degree with major study in natural resource or land use planning or wildlife policy or science, wildlife management or conservation biology or closely related field. (Please note: Closely related qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-by-year basis.)
And
Five (5) years of professional experience in wildlife conservation or habitat protection to include two years of experience in/with:

• Conservation real estate property investigation and transaction.
• Conservation plan implementation.

And
Experience with:

• Facilitating resolution of pertinent management issues arising from planning activities that are complex or sensitive, involve multiple programs, and dealing 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.

License: Valid driver's license.
Preferred Qualifications:

In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:
Master's degree or above with major emphasis in landscape conservation planning/reserve design, or land use planning, land use or environmental law, public administration with an environmental emphasis, or conservation biology, conservation policy, wildlife science, natural resource, environmental, or closely related field.
Direct experience with:

• Orchestrating complex conservation real estate acquisition strategies including multiple partners and funding sources.
• Species and habitat conservation planning.
• Habitat Conservation 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.

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 and other , there are other 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:
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 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
• 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 , 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
Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to and reference job #2026-05158.
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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 around 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-tax 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 and 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 (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 (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 , 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

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.

• Yes
• No

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 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.

04

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.
05

Which option best describes your professional experience in wildlife conservation or habitat protection?

• I do not have this experience.
• I have less than 5 years of this experience.
• I have between 5 years and 6 years of this experience.
• I have between 6 years and 7 years of this experience.
• I have between 7 years and 8 years of this experience.
• I have between 8 years and 9 years of this experience.
• I have 9 years or more of this experience.

06

Please list where you gained your professional experience in wildlife conservation or habitat protection. Include the name of the organization(s) where you worked and dates of employment. FOR EXAMPLE: WDFW, Environmental Planner, 2020 - present. 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.
07

Which option best describes your professional experience in/with conservation real estate property investigation and transaction, and/or conservation plan implementation?

• I do not have this experience.
• I have less than 2 years of this experience.
• I have 2 years or more of this experience.

08

Please list where you gained your professional experience in/with conservation real estate property investigation and transaction, and/or conservation plan implementation. Include the name of the organization(s) where you worked and dates of employment. FOR EXAMPLE: WDFW, Environmental Planner, 2020 - present. 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

Select the options below in which you possess experience. Select all that apply.

• Facilitating resolution of pertinent management issues arising from planning activities that are complex or sensitive, involve multiple programs, and dealing 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.

10

Select the options below in which you possess direct experience. Select all that apply.

• Orchestrating complex conservation real estate acquisition strategies including multiple partners and funding sources.
• Species and habitat conservation planning.
• Habitat Conservation 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.

11

How did you hear about this job posting? (Select all that apply).

• American Fisheries Society (AFS)
• Careers.wa.gov
• Community Based Organization
• Community/Technical College
• Conservation Job Board
• El Informador
• Facebook
• Four W's Fishing Team, LLC - Willard Franklin III, LinkedIn
• Handshake
• Hiring Event/Workshop
• Hydraulic Institute (HI)
• Indeed.com
• Job Board
• Job Fair
• LinkedIn
• Mount Hood Community College (MHCC)
• Newspaper
• Other
• Other State Agency
• Other Website
• Professional Association
• Society of American Foresters (SAF)
• Texas A&M
• University Job Board
• UW College of the Environment
• WDFW Employee
• WDFW Recruiter
• WDFW Website
• Word of Mouth
• WorkSource
• X (formerly Twitter)

12

Tell us more - kindly share which website, organization, person, or other source led you to this job posting.
Required Question