Wetland Biologist (TPS3) - Two Positions
State of Washington, Lacey, WA, United States
About WSDOT
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal agency that plans, designs, builds, and operates an integrated transportation system to safely and efficiently move people and goods throughout the state. WSDOT maintains over 20,000 lane miles of highway, 4,100 bridges, leads an award‑winning Active Transportation Plan, manages the world’s longest floating bridge, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation.
The Opportunity
WSDOT is seeking two Wetland Biologists (Transportation Planning Specialist 3) to join the Environmental & Hydraulic Services (EHS) Office in Lacey, WA. The role supports WSDOT’s mission by ensuring environmental restoration and construction impacts are managed in compliance with agency policies and legal requirements. As a professional wetland biologist, you will provide technical expertise in the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of highway facilities, ensuring projects meet environmental standards while protecting and restoring wetland resources across Washington State.
What to Expect
Field investigations occur along roadways, at construction sites, or within right‑of‑way in inclement weather. On‑site presence is required at least once per week.
Responsibilities
Planning and conducting field and office wetland studies for transportation project sites, including delineating wetlands and performing functional assessments.
Preparing technical reports documenting site inventories, project effects, and recommendations to minimize environmental impacts.
Assessing project impacts and developing compensatory mitigation and environmental minimization proposals.
Coordinating mitigation proposals and designs with WSDOT Project Offices, EHS staff, and federal, state, and local agencies.
Conducting biological inventories and preparing environmental reports and Endangered Species Act (ESA) documentation.
Developing support documents for permit applications and reviewing environmental documents for accuracy and compliance with regulations and policies.
Monitoring construction and post‑construction activities to ensure wetland impacts are minimized and mitigation sites are built according to approved plans and permits.
Providing technical guidance and coordinating with the Headquarters Environmental Services Office on mitigation monitoring and adaptive management activities.
Qualifications
Biological and Environmental Knowledge:
Demonstrated knowledge of biology, ecology, botany, environmental science, and Pacific Northwest ecosystems (including forests, wetlands, wildlife, and fisheries). This knowledge supports environmental review, analysis, and decision‑making.
Wetland Delineation, Rating and Soil Identification:
Experience conducting wetland delineations under U.S. Army Corps of Engineers standards and applying wetland rating methodologies consistent with Washington State Department of Ecology guidance; identifying hydric soils using established field indicators, or the ability to obtain these competencies within six (6) months of employment.
Regulatory Knowledge and Application:
Ability to apply a working knowledge of environmental laws, regulations, and policies to ensure compliance in environmental review and field‑based activities.
Scientific Analysis and Field Methods:
Experience using scientific methodologies to conduct field studies, collect and analyze environmental data, and accurately document existing site conditions.
Communication and Relationship Management:
Builds and maintains effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders and communicates clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, to convey technical information.
Growth Mindset:
Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
Service‑Oriented:
Takes action to meet the needs of others.
Valid driver’s license and ability to operate state‑owned vehicles.
Ability to travel within the region to conduct fieldwork.
Ability to traverse steep and uneven terrain.
Preferred Qualifications
Wetland Science Expertise and Certification:
Advanced knowledge of wetland science and management consistent with professional certification standards established by the Society of Wetland Scientists, or the ability to obtain such credentials.
Endangered Species Act Compliance and Documentation:
Experience evaluating impacts to species and habitats protected under the Endangered Species Act, including developing and reviewing Section 7 consultation documentation.
GIS and Field Data Collection:
Experience using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), such as ArcPro, and applying field‑based techniques, including electrofishing, to collect, analyze, and interpret environmental and biological data.
Project Management and Contract Analysis:
Experience managing complex projects using standardized project management methodologies and reviewing contract documents for coherence, completeness, constructability, and accuracy to support successful project delivery.
Important Notes
The recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options; onsite in‑person presence is required at least once per week.
Travel within the region is required to conduct fieldwork.
In addition to base salary, employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type, duties, or location of the position.
Benefits
Work‑life balance with flexible schedule options, including telework.
Paid leave – 12 paid holidays plus up to 25 paid vacation days per year for full‑time employees.
Tuition assistance – tuition reimbursement programs, government discounts at participating colleges, and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness.
Comprehensive benefits package including health care options, state retirement programs, and more.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
WSDOT is an equal‑opportunity employer. We value creating an environment where all employees are respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas. All persons, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability, are encouraged to apply.
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The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal agency that plans, designs, builds, and operates an integrated transportation system to safely and efficiently move people and goods throughout the state. WSDOT maintains over 20,000 lane miles of highway, 4,100 bridges, leads an award‑winning Active Transportation Plan, manages the world’s longest floating bridge, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation.
The Opportunity
WSDOT is seeking two Wetland Biologists (Transportation Planning Specialist 3) to join the Environmental & Hydraulic Services (EHS) Office in Lacey, WA. The role supports WSDOT’s mission by ensuring environmental restoration and construction impacts are managed in compliance with agency policies and legal requirements. As a professional wetland biologist, you will provide technical expertise in the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of highway facilities, ensuring projects meet environmental standards while protecting and restoring wetland resources across Washington State.
What to Expect
Field investigations occur along roadways, at construction sites, or within right‑of‑way in inclement weather. On‑site presence is required at least once per week.
Responsibilities
Planning and conducting field and office wetland studies for transportation project sites, including delineating wetlands and performing functional assessments.
Preparing technical reports documenting site inventories, project effects, and recommendations to minimize environmental impacts.
Assessing project impacts and developing compensatory mitigation and environmental minimization proposals.
Coordinating mitigation proposals and designs with WSDOT Project Offices, EHS staff, and federal, state, and local agencies.
Conducting biological inventories and preparing environmental reports and Endangered Species Act (ESA) documentation.
Developing support documents for permit applications and reviewing environmental documents for accuracy and compliance with regulations and policies.
Monitoring construction and post‑construction activities to ensure wetland impacts are minimized and mitigation sites are built according to approved plans and permits.
Providing technical guidance and coordinating with the Headquarters Environmental Services Office on mitigation monitoring and adaptive management activities.
Qualifications
Biological and Environmental Knowledge:
Demonstrated knowledge of biology, ecology, botany, environmental science, and Pacific Northwest ecosystems (including forests, wetlands, wildlife, and fisheries). This knowledge supports environmental review, analysis, and decision‑making.
Wetland Delineation, Rating and Soil Identification:
Experience conducting wetland delineations under U.S. Army Corps of Engineers standards and applying wetland rating methodologies consistent with Washington State Department of Ecology guidance; identifying hydric soils using established field indicators, or the ability to obtain these competencies within six (6) months of employment.
Regulatory Knowledge and Application:
Ability to apply a working knowledge of environmental laws, regulations, and policies to ensure compliance in environmental review and field‑based activities.
Scientific Analysis and Field Methods:
Experience using scientific methodologies to conduct field studies, collect and analyze environmental data, and accurately document existing site conditions.
Communication and Relationship Management:
Builds and maintains effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders and communicates clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, to convey technical information.
Growth Mindset:
Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
Service‑Oriented:
Takes action to meet the needs of others.
Valid driver’s license and ability to operate state‑owned vehicles.
Ability to travel within the region to conduct fieldwork.
Ability to traverse steep and uneven terrain.
Preferred Qualifications
Wetland Science Expertise and Certification:
Advanced knowledge of wetland science and management consistent with professional certification standards established by the Society of Wetland Scientists, or the ability to obtain such credentials.
Endangered Species Act Compliance and Documentation:
Experience evaluating impacts to species and habitats protected under the Endangered Species Act, including developing and reviewing Section 7 consultation documentation.
GIS and Field Data Collection:
Experience using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), such as ArcPro, and applying field‑based techniques, including electrofishing, to collect, analyze, and interpret environmental and biological data.
Project Management and Contract Analysis:
Experience managing complex projects using standardized project management methodologies and reviewing contract documents for coherence, completeness, constructability, and accuracy to support successful project delivery.
Important Notes
The recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options; onsite in‑person presence is required at least once per week.
Travel within the region is required to conduct fieldwork.
In addition to base salary, employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type, duties, or location of the position.
Benefits
Work‑life balance with flexible schedule options, including telework.
Paid leave – 12 paid holidays plus up to 25 paid vacation days per year for full‑time employees.
Tuition assistance – tuition reimbursement programs, government discounts at participating colleges, and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness.
Comprehensive benefits package including health care options, state retirement programs, and more.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
WSDOT is an equal‑opportunity employer. We value creating an environment where all employees are respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas. All persons, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability, are encouraged to apply.
#J-18808-Ljbffr