Title- Fish Passage & Water Infrastructure Engineer

Classification- Environmental Engineer 2

Job Status- Full-Time / Permanent 
WDFW Program- Capital and Asset Management Program (CAMP) – Engineering Division
Duty Station- Olympia, Washington – Thurston County

Hybrid/Telework- While this position may offer a telework option, the successful candidate must be available to report to the duty station as needed.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Fish passage restoration – Photo Credit: WDFW

Join our team as an Environmental Engineer and help support projects that directly advance WDFW’s mission to protect and preserve Washington’s fish, wildlife, and ecosystems. 

This position provides environmental engineering support for the restoration of existing facilities and the design and construction of new infrastructure that supports fish supplementation, water distribution, fish passage, wildlife viewing, recreational water access, and other department needs.

In this role, you will apply your engineering knowledge and technical skills to develop preliminary and final designs, cost estimates, feasibility studies, plans, and specifications. You will use civil, structural, hydraulic, and environmental engineering principles to design and support the construction of hydraulic structures and infrastructure projects that help improve habitat, enhance public access, and advance conservation efforts across Washington.

What to Expect:

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Fish Passage & Water Infrastructure Engineer will,

Design/Manage Engineering Projects:

• Under direction of a licensed Professional Engineer, prepare preliminary engineering designs, cost estimates, feasibility studies, final engineering designs, plans and specifications utilizing technical design and analysis skills in civil, structural, hydraulic and environmental engineering to support the Department’s mission.
• Review and approve detailed engineering plans and specifications, site plans, engineering reports and operation and maintenance of environmental systems.
• Provide engineering expertise to the review and evaluation of proposal or existing environmental permits and permit applications.

Manage Public Works (PW) Contracts and Architects/Engineers (A/E) Contracts:

• Administer and act as the Department’s representative for PW Contracts for construction and A/E contracts for design of Department capital construction projects.

Create and Manage Budgets:

• Develop and monitor project budgets.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work Setting, including hazards:

This position is approximately 70% office-based and 30% field-based. Field work may occur in all weather conditions, including extreme heat, rain, or snow. Work in rough terrain, along riverbanks, on slippery slopes, and across uneven surfaces. This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.

Schedule:

Typically, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Work hours may occasionally exceed the standard schedule, particularly during the construction season.

Travel Requirements:

Approximately 30% of travel is required. Travel may include trips to field locations.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Qualifications: 

Option 1 – All of the following:

• An Engineer-In-Training (EIT) Certificate.
• Bachelor’s degree in sanitary, water resource, civil, geotechnical, environmental, chemical, mechanical, electrical, structural, or a closely related engineering field.
• Two (2) years of engineering experience.

Option 2 – All of the following:

• An Engineer-In-Training (EIT) Certificate.
• Master’s degree in sanitary, water resource, civil, geotechnical, environmental, chemical, mechanical, electrical, structural, or a closely related engineering field.
• One (1) year of engineering experience.

Option 3 – All of the following:

• An Engineer-In-Training (EIT) Certificate.
• Six (6) years of professional engineering experience in sanitary, water resource, civil, geotechnical,  environmental, chemical, mechanical, electrical, structural, or a closely related engineering field.

Note: Please upload a copy of your current, valid Engineer-In-Training (EIT) Certificate with your application. Please omit or redact any personally identifiable information (e.g., Social Security number).

Qualifying engineering experience must include work in the following areas:

• Applying the principles and practices of engineering.
• Applying physical and biological sciences as related to engineering.
• Interpreting and applying laws and regulations governing environmental issues.
• Evaluating technical engineering data and computations.
• Developing designs involving engineering theory and judgment.
• Planning, promoting, and administering engineering projects.
• Writing engineering reports.

Certifications/Licenses:

• Valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications:

In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess one or more of the following:

• Knowledge of or experience with open and closed channel flow hydraulics, including hydraulic analysis and design of water conveyance systems.
• Experience applying project management principles, including managing project scope, schedules, and budgets

Your application should include the following:

• A completed online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
• An up-to-date resume.
• A cover letter detailing your interest in the position, your relevant skills and experience, and why you are the ideal candidate.
• At least three (3) professional references with current contact information.
• A copy of your current, valid Engineer-In-Training (EIT) Certificate. Please omit or redact any personally identifiable information (e.g., Social Security number).

In addition to pay and other special employee programs, there are other benefits that WDFW employees may be eligible for. Click the “Benefits” tab at the top of this announcement to learn more.

Important Note: 

All new employees must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9 Form) on their first day of work. If hired for this or any position at WDFW, you will be required to provide documentation proving you are eligible to work in the United States. For a list of acceptable documents, please use the following link:  https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents

Union- WFSE: 

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement between the State of Washington, Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).  This recruitment may be used to fill positions in addition to those listed.

Veteran and Military Spouse Preference Notice: 

Per RCW 73.16.010 Veterans and qualifying spouses who meet the minimum qualifications of a position are eligible for preference during the initial application review stage. To receive this benefit, please do the following: 

• Notify us of your veteran or military spouse status by email at Ashley.Lee@dfw.wa.gov.  
• Veterans only – Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22 or USDVA signed verification of service letter.
  • Please redact any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers.
• Subject line must include recruitment number, position, and spouse/veteran (example: 2026-1234 – Biologist 1 – Veteran)
• Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer

As part of WDFW’s efforts to advance respectful and inclusive work environments, the Agency expects inclusivity as part of our professional interactions and communications. Therefore, we want to ensure that all individuals feel welcome, are treated fairly and respectfully.  All staff are empowered to fully contribute to serving their work unit, Agency, and the citizens of Washington.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife is an equal opportunity employer.  We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity.  Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.

Request an accommodation: Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format please contact Jayme Chase by phone 360-902-2278 or email Jayme.Chase@dfw.wa.gov, or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 800-833-6388.

Technical Difficulties: If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or support@neogov.com. 

Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to Ashley.Lee@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2026-05841.

Follow us on social media:
LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

AL