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 two Transportation Planning Specialists (TPS3) to serve as Wetland Monitoring Field Leads in Tumwater, WA. These positions are professional wetland biologists in the Wetland Program in the Biology Branch of the Headquarters Environmental Services Office, a functional organizational unit within WSDOT. The top candidates will serve as biologists in the wetland monitoring group providing technical expertise and services for wetland mitigation sites statewide.
 
What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Wetland Monitoring Field Lead will:

• Independently plan and conduct monitoring activities, collect and analyze data, and write reports for wetland mitigation sites statewide.
• Develop site-specific monitoring plans and select and modify methods for conducting studies of vegetation, hydrology, soils, wildlife, and wildlife habitat.
• Write field notes, draft reports, and inter-office memoranda communicating monitoring results to WSDOT’s headquarters and regional staff. 
• Write complete monitoring reports to document compliance with environmental permits for federal, state, and local regulatory agencies. 
• Lead and supervise a field monitoring team consisting of two to six college interns or state employees.
• Train college interns in wetland science and monitoring techniques.
• Conduct wetland delineations, wetland ratings and wetland functional assessments.
• Maintain technical proficiency and understanding of wetland science and monitoring techniques.

• Bachelor’s degree in ecology, botany, biology, environmental science, natural resource science or related field.
• Knowledge of and academic experience conducting scientific and technical studies of environmental resources.
• Strong skills in plant identification.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local government regulations pertaining to wetlands, streams, and other waters of the state.
• Ability to effectively communicate complex information to diverse groups.
• A valid driver’s license prior to start of work.

• Bachelor’s degree in ecology, botany, biology, environmental science, natural resource science or related field.
• Two (2) years of professional experience conducting scientific and technical studies of wetlands, aquatic systems, riparian areas, and other plant communities, including wetland delineations, wetland ratings, and wetland functional assessments.
• Strong skills in plant identification and proficiency with a dichotomous plant key.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local government regulations pertaining to wetlands, streams, and other waters of the state.
• Ability to effectively communicate complex information to diverse groups.
• A valid driver’s license prior to start of work.

• Successful completion of a wetland delineation training course.
• Successful completion of a Western WA Rating System training course.
• Two (2) years of professional experience in wetland biology and ecology.
• Experience with GIS and ESRI suite of programs.

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• In the field setting, this position is required to work in harsh or inclement weather outdoors for up to 10 hours per day to collect field data with exposure to biting insects, common plant toxins, construction equipment, noise, traffic, and other hazards. This includes moving field equipment over uneven or muddy terrain, working in shallow water, muddy environments, or uneven terrain including sites with tidal channels to collect field data. 
• This position may also be required to negotiate obstacles during field work, including downed logs, dense brush, shallow streams, tidal channels, and steep slopes and occasionally manipulate material and equipment weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Overnight travel may be required up to 5 times per month, in addition to daily travel to field sites during the field season. Some travel to other parts of the state to attend meetings or trainings may be required.
• These positions have been approved for in-training. The hiring manager is looking to hire at the Transportation Planning Specialist 3 level; however, the in-training plan will allow candidates to be considered as a Transportation Planning Specialist 2, if not currently qualified at the highest level. The salaries for each are listed below:
  1. Transportation Planning Specialist 2: $61,056 – $82,056
  2. Transportation Planning Specialist 3: $67,380 – $90,624
• 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. 
• WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.

• 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 telework options for eligible positions.  
• Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees may 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. 

• 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.