Salary: $4,738.00 – $6,368.00 Monthly
Job Type: Full Time – Non-Permanent
Closing: 9/14/2021 11:59 PM Pacific
 

See full details at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/wsdot/jobs/3217318/assistant-habitat-connectivity-biologist-transportation-planning-specialist-2

About WSDOT
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is the steward of an integrated, multimodal transportation system that helps to ensure people and goods move safely and efficiently throughout the state. In addition to building, maintaining, and operating the state highway system, WSDOT operates the largest ferry system in the nation, manages the world’s longest floating bridge, and recently completed the world’s widest tunneling project. 
 
The Opportunity
WSDOT Environmental Services Office (ESO) is currently seeking a Transportation Planning Specialist 2 to serve as the temporary Assistant Habitat Connectivity Biologist for the Headquarters location in Olympia, WA. This position serves as the project assistant in a multi-pronged approach to integrating habitat connectivity principles into all aspects of the state’s stewardship of the transportation system. This includes serving as a lead for wildlife camera monitoring studies and providing direction and assistance to interns assigned to the monitoring effort. The Transportation Planning Specialist also maintains the Wildlife Carcass Removal Database, develops web site content, and assists in developing materials to enable WSDOT staff to integrate habitat connectivity principles, procedures, and designs in WSDOT practices. This position serves as part of the agency’s wildlife Biology team, providing biological expertise and support to highway improvement projects including assistance to fish exclusion activities and preparation and review of environmental assessments.
 
What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Assistant Habitat Connectivity Biologist will:

  • Serves as a project lead for remote camera installation, maintenance, and data management. 
  • Communicates the results of camera monitoring and the implications for crossing structure design to internal and external audiences. 
  • Participates in assigned landscape planning and habitat conservation efforts. 
  • Provides technical support to the WSDOT Environmental Services Office for delivery of the habitat connectivity program.  
  • Provides input to agency guidance intended to assist designers with infrastructure that benefits wildlife, increasing the permeability of state highways to wildlife and minimizing wildlife-vehicle collisions. Develops Habitat Connectivity content for agency web pages.
  • Provides assistance to WSDOT regions and modes on wildlife issues and information requests. 
  • Performs field reconnaissance of sites being considered for wildlife permeability improvements.
  • Provides support for Endangered Species Act consultations and the preparation of Programmatic Biological Assessments.

Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:

  • Bachelor of Science or graduate degree in fisheries, wildlife science, biology, zoology or environmental studies.
  • One (1) year of professional experience as a wildlife biologist or ecologist. A master’s degree in wildlife biology, ecology, zoology, or environmental studies can be substituted for one year of professional experience.
  • Expert knowledge of Pacific northwest wildlife species, their distribution, ecology, life history and habitat associations.
  • Competence communicating in English orally and in writing.
  • Washington State Driver’s License.

 
It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

  • One (1) year of experience or graduate level study in landscape ecology, habitat connectivity or environmental applications of Geographic Information Systems.
  • Education or experience with applying Geographic Information Systems to natural resource data management or mapping.
  • Education or experience communicating technical information to diverse audiences.

Important Notes 

  • This is a non-permanent opportunity, expected to last 12 months.
  • Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, this position will be remote in a telework capacity part time. Once the restrictions are lifted, WSDOT supports a flexible work schedule with partial telework opportunities, depending on business needs and prior supervisor approval.
  • By issuance of proclamation, the Governor of Washington State mandates that all employees who work for executive cabinet agencies (which includes the Department of Transportation) must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by no later than October 18, 2021. This is a condition of employment with WSDOT. Exemption may be granted for religious or medical purposes.  

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. 
  • Paid Leave – In addition to 10 paid holidays, full-time employees earn a minimum 14 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. 
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 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. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, as well as people of all sexual orientations and gender identities 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. For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov 
 
Contact us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, Amanda Strebeck, at strebal@wsdot.wa.gov . Please be sure to reference TPS 2 Assistant Habitat Connectivity Biologist in the subject line.