Biologist / Environmental Permit Coordinator
The Opportunity:
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is seeking a motivated project delivery-focused individual to fill the role of Biologist/Environmental Permit Coordinator. This position will serve as an interdisciplinary technical and regulatory specialist, and will primarily be responsible to conduct advanced transportation studies related to biological and aquatic resources. The successful candidate will also serve as the environmental representative for projects to support scoping, design, construction, and post-construction efforts to meet NEPA, SEPA, ESA, Clean Water Act environmental reviews and permitting requirements. Our top candidate must have advanced collaboration and communication skills as this position communicates with many project partners including: Tribal Governments, the Landscape Architecture Office, Real Estate Services Office, Project Engineering Design & Construction Offices and Federal, State, and Local Agencies.
Please note this position may be used to fill multiple vacancies.
At WSDOT, we value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace.
To learn more, please watch the following video: Why WSDOT?
This position will perform the following work:
- Independently prepare, plan, conduct, document, and report results of scientific studies of aquatic and terrestrial systems, wetlands, plants, and animal communities in compliance with federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations.
- Identify and evaluate environmental effects of highway features, construction methods, and operating procedures of transportation facilities.
- Work with WSDOT project teams to recommend strategies for avoiding and minimizing impacts to protected habitats and species.
- Develop and review scope, schedule and budget for assigned deliverables.
- Complete NEPA/SEPA environmental review and permitting, which may include completing or facilitating the completion of environmental analysis and documentation required to complete environmental review, and permitting.
- Review project design plans and contracts for consistency with environmental permit conditions and environmental commitments.
- Perform field work in support of project construction and post-construction, as needed.
- Assist construction offices with regulatory and environmental compliance problem-solving and provide environmental technical assistance.
- Attend meetings, trainings, and conferences as needed for professional development and coordinates with other environmental professionals within WSDOT for continued professional development.
Note: This position includes an approved in-training plan; therefore, it may be filled at the Transportation Planning Specialist 2 or 3 level. The salary levels for each are stated below and include the 5% location increase:
Transportation Planning Specialist 2 - $57,960 - $77,904 annually
Transportation Planning Specialist 3 - $63,972 - $86,028 annually
Successful candidates at the TPS3 level are required to have at least one of the following:
- A Bachelor's degree involving major study in environmental science, biology, ecology, natural or physical sciences, water quality/toxicology, environmental planning, or closely related field, and at least three (3) years professional experience conducting biological field studies, analysis, and writing biological reports to support NEPA, SEPA, ESA, and Clean Water Act environmental review and permitting related to transportation projects or a closely related field.
- A Master's degree in one of the above fields and at least two (2) years of experience as described above.
- One year of professional work experience as described above as a Transportation Planning Specialist 2, or equivalent classification in city or county agencies, and equivalent education in one of the major studies outlined above.
In addition to one of the above, candidates are also required to have:
- Valid, unrestricted Washington State Driver's license.
- Working knowledge of NEPA/SEPA and environmental permitting processes and federal, state, and local environmental regulations.
- Working knowledge of wetlands, wildlife and fisheries technical issues, and how they relate to the work WSDOT performs.
- Ability to traverse irregular and steep terrains during all types of weather conditions, and ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
- Ability to research and interpret environmental regulations and permit requirements as they pertain to WSDOT construction activity.
- Ability to read and understand construction drawings and specifications.
- Excellent communication and problem solving skills in a collaborative environment.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team and independently.
- Applied Electrofishing Principles and Practices (BIO 407B) Certification from WDFW, USFWS, and NOAA or the ability to obtain within 6 months of employment.
- Completion of a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers approved Wetland Delineation Training Course and a Washington State Department of Ecology certified course on the 2014 revision of the WA State Wetland Rating System in Western WA or the ability to pass course within 6 months of employment.
- The ability to perform complex mathematical calculations, use electronics such as a computer to evaluate data, prepare reports, databases, and word documents.
Preferred qualifications include:
- Community Engagement/Public Outreach experience (with regulatory agencies, Tribes, or community groups) in conjunction with environmental or transportation project delivery work.
- Certified Erosion and Sediment Control Lead (CESCL) certification.
- Environmental compliance inspection experience.
- Experience using Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
- Consultant management experience (scope, schedule, budget, etc.)
- Contract development, review and administration experience.
How to apply:
Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically.
To be considered for this position, please attach the following to your online application:
- A chronological Resume outlining your experience to date;
- A Cover Letter detailing your qualifications, and why you believe you are the best person for this role, and
- A minimum of three (3) professional references who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, knowledge base, and job-related competencies.
Applications that do not have the above documents attached will not be considered.
Contact us:
For inquiries about this position, please contact Josefina Mutascu at mutascj@wsdot.wa.gov. Please reference recruitment number 19DOT-NWR-11542.
WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. 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. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed recruiter. WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system. For more information, please visit https://www.uscis.gov/.