Wetland Biologist (TPS3) - Two Positions

Description About WSDOT The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal agency with a global reputation for excellence. Our dedicated workforce plans, designs, builds, and operates an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 20,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT 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 currently seeking two Wetland Biologists (Transportation Planning Specialist 3) to join the Environmental & Hydraulic Services (EHS) Office in Lacey, WA. This position supports WSDOT's mission to provide safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation options by ensuring environmental restoration and construction impacts are managed in compliance with agency policies and legal requirements. As a professional wetland biologist within the EHS Biology Unit, this role provides technical expertise in support of the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of highway facilities. This position plays a key role in ensuring transportation projects are delivered in compliance with environmental standards while protecting and restoring wetland resources across Washington State. What to Expect Field investigations vary by project needs, and will occur along roadways, at construction sites, or within right-of-way in inclement weather. Onsite in person presence is required at least once per week. Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Wetland Biologist will: Independently plan and conduct field and office wetland studies for transportation project sites, including delineating wetlands and performing functional assessments. Prepare technical reports documenting site inventories, project effects, and recommendations to minimize environmental impacts. Assess project impacts and develop compensatory mitigation and environmental minimization proposals. Coordinate mitigation proposals and designs with WSDOT Project Offices, EHS staff, and federal, state, and local agencies. Conduct biological inventories and prepares environmental reports and Endangered Species Act (ESA) documentation. Develop support documents for permit applications and reviews environmental documents for accuracy and compliance with regulations and policies. Monitor construction and post-construction activities to ensure wetland impacts are minimized and mitigation sites are built according to approved plans and permits. Provide technical guidance and coordinate with Headquarters Environmental Services Office on mitigation monitoring and adaptive management activities. Qualifications To be considered for this opportunity, the following competencies are required:

Biological and Environmental Knowledge:

Demonstrated knowledge of natural resource disciplines such as biology, ecology, botany, environmental science, and Pacific Northwest ecosystems (including forests, wetlands, wildlife, and fisheries) to support environmental review, analysis, and decision-making.

Wetland Delineation, Rating and Soil Identification:

Experience conducting wetland delineations in accordance with 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 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. In addition to the competencies above, the following are also required: A valid driver's license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles. Ability to travel within the region to conduct fieldwork. Ability to traverse steep and uneven terrain. It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

Wetland Science Expertise and Certification:

Advanced knowledge of wetland science and management consistent with professional certification standards established by the Society of Wetland Scientists and training programs, 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 of Section 7 consultation documentation to ensure regulatory compliance.

GIS and Field Data Collection:

Experience using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), such as ArcPro, and applies 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 reviews contract documents for coherence, completeness, constructability, and accuracy to support successful project delivery. Important Notes This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs. This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options; however, 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. For union-represented positions, more information on other forms of compensation can be found in the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements. Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in Chapter 357-28 of the Washington Administrative Code. WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov. Why WSDOT Work-Life Balance

• We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals' lifestyle. As such, there are a number of flexible schedule options available, including telework options for eligible positions. Paid Leave
• In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees may earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year! Tuition Assistance
• Permanent employees have several options for assistance with education expenses, including tuition reimbursement programs, government discounts at participating colleges throughout the state, and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness. Plan For Your Future
• WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options.

Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information. Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT? How to Apply Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine salary. Therefore, it is very important that the "Work Experience" portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible. In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application: An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date. An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role. Contact details for a minimum three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. This information can be entered in the "References" section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment. Please click the "APPLY" button to proceed. Note that you will be prompted to either sign in or create an account. This step is required in order to submit an application to this opportunity. WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. All persons, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/ or gender identity, are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter. WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov . Contact Us For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at Daisha.

Jordan@wsdot.wa.gov . Please be sure to reference 26DOT-OR-32965m in the subject line.