Salary: $71,520.00 – $96,156.00 Annually
Location: Thurston County – Tumwater, WA
Job Type: Full Time – Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Department: Dept. of Transportation
Job Number: 23DOT-HQ-00679
Closing: 2/14/2023 11:59 PM Pacific

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 is currently seeking a Wetland Assessment Lead to serve as a professional wetland biologist in the Environmental Services Office’s (ESO) Wetland Program. This position provides technical expertise and services related to wetland assessment and policy. The top candidate will conduct wetland delineations on mitigation sites including identifying Pacific Northwest plants; identifying and describing wetland soils; and collecting and analyzing hydrology data. The incumbent will need to operate at high level of independence and be able to plan and lead teams of wetland biologists conducting complex scientific studies.

What to Expect
This position performs field investigations for extended periods. Therefore, travel may be required with overnight stays up to three times per month.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you/the Wetland Assessment Lead will:

  • Independently plan and lead teams of wetland biologists conducting complex scientific studies including wetland, ordinary high-water mark, and high tide delineations, wetland ratings, ditch determinations, functional assessments, regulatory buffers, and rare plant surveys for transportation projects and compensatory mitigation sites statewide.
  • Prepare, review, and evaluate wetland and stream assessment reports, and rare plant survey reports to ensure project compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. 
  • Serve as WSDOT subject matter expert on plant identification.
  • Assist wetland monitoring internship with Plant ID instruction. 
  • Provide support for wetland monitoring activities including collecting and analyzing data, writing technical reports, and leading field crews.
  • Develop agency guidance and processes, in coordination with the Wetland Program Manager, on the Clean Water Act and other wetland assessment related regulations. 
  • Develop and refine tools and processes for streamlining agency efforts to achieve environmental compliance and project delivery. 
  • Develop and deliver trainings and meeting presentations to statewide agency and consultant staff on technical wetland assessment and documentation topics including introduction to wetlands, plant identification, rare plants, mapping techniques, and law and policy updates.

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

  • A Bachelor’s degree in ecology, botany, biology, environmental science, natural resource science or related field AND four (4) years of professional experience in wetland biology and ecology OR 
  • A Master’s degree in one of the above fields AND three (3) years of professional experience in wetland biology and ecology.

-AND-

  • Knowledge of and experience conducting scientific and technical studies of wetlands, riparian areas, and other aquatic systems, including wetland delineations, wetland ratings, wetland functional assessments, and ordinary high-water mark and high tide line identification. 
  • Strong skills in plant identification and proficiency in using technical keys to identify plants to species. 
  • Knowledge of federal, state, and local government regulations pertaining to wetlands, streams, and other waters of the state. 
  • Experience conducting surveys for rare plants. 
  • The ability to communicate complex policy, standards and technical information effectively using verbal, written and visual communication skills. 
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and ArcGIS. 
  • Strong aptitude for multitasking and strategic prioritization. 
  • Read, interpret, and write responses of a technical nature. 
  • A valid driver’s license 
  • Ability to travel overnight. 
  • Successful completion of a Washington wetland rating class. 
  • Successful completion of a wetland delineation course.

Important Notes 

  • This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
  • This position requires work in harsh and inclement weather conditions for up to ten hours a day. 
  • This position performs field investigations for extended periods, 1 to 4 days per week. 
  • This position will occasionally require lifting, moving, and manipulating items weighing up to 50 pounds. 
  • This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
  • 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. 
  • Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 357-16-197 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 

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. 

Apply here: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/3880817/wetland-assessment-lead-tps4

Why WSDOT

  • Work-Life Balance – We offer flexible work schedules that allow you time for your life outside of this excellent opportunity.
  • Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees can 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.

Contact us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, O. Dietrich, at DietriO@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 23DOT-HQ-00679 in the subject line. 

Apply here: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/3880817/wetland-assessment-lead-tps4

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