For more information, please follow this link: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/3672177/biologist-environmental-permitting-specialist-tps3

Salary– $64,788.00 – $87,144.00 Annually

What to Expect

Exposure to hazards is limited to those commonly found in an office, with occasional site visits or fieldwork subject to standard hazards associated with highway construction sites. Position will negotiate obstacles during field work, including downed logs, dense brush, shallow streams, tidal channels, and steep slopes while managing equipment. 

 

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you will:

  • Independently prepare, plan, conduct, document, and report results of scientific studies of aquatic and terrestrial systems, wetlands, plants, and animal communities in compliance with all federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations consistent with WSDOT’s mission goals, policies, and procedures.
  • Prepare technical biological documents related to terrestrial and aquatic systems, wetlands, plants, and animal communities including wetland delineations, endangered species biological assessment, mitigation documents, and other biology documents.
  • Conduct biological surveys and studies including assessment of habitat and potential effects to threatened and endangered species. 
  • Perform and direct fish exclusion work. Accurately field identify freshwater and anadromous fish species common to western Washington at all life stages.
  • Utilize GIS to investigate, prepare, and present biological information.
  • Complete environmental review and permitting to ensure consistency and compliance with environmental laws, regulations, and agency policies and procedures.
  • Prepare environmental documentation including Environmental Review Summaries (ERS), Environmental Classification Summaries (ECS), SEPA checklists and permit applications.
  • Identify and evaluate environmental effects of highway features, construction methods, and operating procedures of transportation facilities.
  • Recommend strategies for avoiding and minimizing impacts to protected habitats and species.
  • Develop mitigation options, plans, and documents to address unavoidable project impacts to protected habitats and species.
  • Perform fieldwork in support of project document development, construction and post-construction.
  • Coordinate with federal, state, tribal and local agencies, as well as other stakeholders following WSDOT communication protocols.
  • Develop and review scope, schedule, and budget for assigned deliverables.
  • Review project design plans and contracts for consistency with environmental permit conditions and environmental commitments.
  • Assist construction offices with regulatory and environmental compliance problem-solving and provide environmental technical assistance.

 

Qualifications

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

  • A Bachelor’s degree with major of study in Biology, Ecology, Wildlife Conservation, Environmental Science, Environmental Resource Management, Fisheries, or closely related environmental field. (A Master’s degree in one of the above fields will substitute for one year of the required experience) 
  • Three (3) years professional experience analyzing environmental issues and problems such as conducting biological studies, developing environmental documentation, and completing environmental permitting, or one year as a Transportation Planning Specialist 2.
  • The ability to relocate tools, equipment, and materials weighing up to 30 pounds from one location to another.
  • A valid Driver’s license. 

 

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

  • One or more years of experience completing Endangered Species Act documentation (Biological Assessments and Programmatic forms).
  • Successful completion of WSDOT’s Biological Assessment Preparation training.
  • Experience identifying juvenile salmonids typically found in Washington. Trained and knowledgeable in WSDOT fish moving protocol.
  • Knowledge and experience in the NEPA/SEPA review process.
  • Experience preparing permit applications.
  • Experience delineating wetlands.
  • One or more years of experience identifying and evaluating the effects of construction and operation of transportation facilities on plant communities, fish, wildlife, threatened and endangered species and their habitats.

 

Important Notes 

  • This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.   
  • This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
  • 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. Compliance with this mandate is a condition of employment with WSDOT. Exemption may be granted for religious or medical purposes; however, accommodations will be subject to approval based on the essential functions required of the position.  
  • WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system. 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 occasional telework for eligible positions.  
  • Paid Leave – In addition to 11 paid holidays, full-time employees 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.