Environmental Biologist 1 description image

Environmental Biologist 1

Salary: $39.42 – $50.11 Hourly
Location: Tacoma, WA
Job Type: Career Service – Full Time
Job Number: 24-00967
Department: Planning and Public Works
Division: PPW OCE (ENG)
Opening Date: 10/22/2024
Closing Date: 11/11/2024 11:59 PM Pacific
 
 
 
 
 

Position Summary

Why It’s a Great Opportunity:
In this role with the Office of the County Engineer (OCE), you will be providing technical support for project leadership while focusing on environmental permitting for transportation improvement projects. Your work will include office work such as preparation of permit applications, mitigation and monitoring plans, technical support, and participation in project design teams. In the field you will be conducting wetland/stream mitigation site monitoring, reporting, and maintenance, organize and work with wetland/stream maintenance field crews to perform vegetation management, support construction staff with implementation of best practices, and conduct wetland and stream field delineations, and ensure permitting per local, state, and federal requirements. This position supports the growth of Pierce County’s transportation needs while ensuring that our natural resources are protected as well.
 
Why It’s a Great Department: 
PPW is a diverse and fast-moving department filled with motivated professionals working to ensure Pierce County is positioned to handle growth while building, operating, and maintaining reliable infrastructure to support livable communities. PPW is responsible for a broad and complex portfolio of services that provides unique opportunities to collaborate, innovate, and inspire. We are responsible for the County road and levee systems, sewer systems, airports, ferries, building permits, environmental review, sustainability, community planning, and code enforcement – just to name a few!
  
Learn more about Planning and Public Works here. 
 
Pierce County Projects you’ll be working on:

How to be Successful in the Role: 
Your success in this role will come from effectively communicating across many different audiences to include other teams, departments, and the public for permitting and inquiries. You will also be writing and providing effective reports on delineations, mitigation plans, project development, and project findings. These skills will enable your success in a rewarding high impact career.
 
Your Future in this Role: 
Throughout the onboarding process you will meet with the Managers, Supervisors, and other teams regularly to discuss expectations, set goals, identify priorities, gain familiarity with current policies, procedures, and strategic measures. Pierce County offers professional development through the Leadership Certification program, robust online learning, and other training opportunities throughout your career to ensure your success. This position has multiple career growth and promotional opportunities in Pierce County to build on a great career.
 
Core Daily Responsibilities:
  • Conduct site visits to determine or verify the presence of wetlands and identify the wetland categories.
  • Prepare, review, and analyze wetland delineation reports, including problem or disturbed area sites.
  • Verify and conduct wetland delineations, including delineations conducted on problem or disturbed area sites.
  • Analyze the proposed County road projects in relation to its impact on the wetlands.
  • Prepare and review proposed non-compensatory mitigation plans in relation to their ability to protect wetlands from project-related impacts.
  • Provide input and direction to consultants on preparation of wetland delineations, wetland delineation reports or non-compensatory wetland mitigation reports.
A classification description with a more detailed list of essential functions can be found here.

 

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: 

  • Additional education or experience which clearly indicates the ability to perform the essential functions of the position may substitute equally on a year of year basis for the recruiting requirements.
  • A resume and cover letter are required for this position. 
  • Graduation from a four-year college or university with a degree in botany, biology, environmental studies, fisheries, soil science, wildlife biology or related field AND 
  • Two years of related work experience, including a minimum of one year experience delineating wetlands using the Unified Federal Manual, preparing wetland reports, and mitigation plans is required. 
As a condition of employment, the applicant will need to authorize and complete a background check. Information received from the background check is reviewed case-by-case and will not necessarily remove an applicant from consideration.
 
Telecommuting Requirement:   
The work associated with this position can be performed with a mix of telecommuting and onsite work/meetings, as influenced by business needs. Employees will have access to a shared workspace at a Pierce County facility and will be required to be in the office full time during the 6-month probation.  Upon completion of probation, a minimum of one day per week in the office is required. Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their Pierce County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements. 

 

Supplemental Information

To be considered for this opportunity please:

  • Complete and submit a detailed online Pierce County Employment Application by selecting “APPLY” above or go to:   www.piercecountywa.org/jobs. 
  • If you have a question about this opportunity, please email the Recruitment Team at PCHRRecruit@piercecountywa.gov and specify the Job Number and Title. 
  • If you do not have internet access, you may visit your local public library or any WorkSource location and use their computers.
  • Individuals needing accommodation in the application, testing process or need this job announcement in an alternative format may call Human Resources at (253) 798-7480, at least two days prior to the need.  
This is a competitive selection process. Your application will be reviewed and evaluated for the quality and quantity of education/experience in the areas listed. Applicants whose qualifications most closely correspond to the County’s needs will be eligible for further consideration. Notification of application status normally occurs 2 to 3 weeks after the closing date. Short notice may be given to applicants to participate in further selection processes which may include assessments, phone screen, and interviews.
 
At Pierce County, diversity, equity, and inclusion means commitment, not a single step. We strive to foster an inclusive environment that supports equitable access to opportunities throughout your career. We want to recruit, develop, and maintain a talented workforce from various backgrounds, cultures, lifestyles, and perspectives, committed to our vision. Employees of the County have local, direct, and visible impact in our diverse community. Will you join us in keeping Pierce County a great place people are proud to call home?

 

We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

Agency
Pierce County
Address
Pierce County Human Resources
2401 S 35th St, Rm 121
Tacoma, Washington, 98409
Phone
(253) 798-7480
For Sheriff’s Department positions: 253-798-6250
Website
http://www.piercecountywa.gov/jobs