The Opportunity: The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is seeking to fill the position of Wetland Biologist for their Wetland Program in the Biology Branch of the HQ Environmental Services Office. The incumbent will provide technical expertise and services related to wetland policy.

At WSDOT, we honor diversity in the workplace and support one another with respect and trust. If you would like to join our team-oriented environment and enjoy a continuously changing environment, and a great deal of career stability and growth, definitely consider a career opportunity with WSDOT.

This position will perform the following work:

• Provides policy support to the program manager by independently researching and evaluating the effects of public laws and policies related to assessing effects of transportation projects on plant communities, rare plants, and wetlands.
• Prepares and maintains guidance materials related to wetland policies and practices.
• Leads the effort to close out regulatory permits related to mitigation sites statewide.
• Provides field work assistance to the program’s field staff as necessary.
• Plans and coordinates delivery of program training classes in the area of wetland science and management for WSDOT professional scientists, planners, engineers, summer wetland interns, and maintenance and operation staff.
• Prepares instructional materials for use in training classes.
• Enters data, updates, maintains wetland mitigation database and completes GIS/GPS mapping for the program.
• Reviews environmental documents to assure wetland sections are accurate and mitigation measures are in compliance with policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Attends professional workshops, training sessions, seminars, and meetings sponsored by governmental agencies, universities, and professional organizations.
• Reviews professional literature to maintain and enrich professional background to provide assistance and training to the department in subject area.

An ideal candidate for this position will have:

• A Bachelor or Master Degree in ecology, botany, biology, environmental science, natural resource science or related field.
• Successful completion of a wetland delineation training course.
• Successful completion of a Washington wetland rating class.
• Knowledge of and experience conducting scientific and technical studies of wetlands, riparian areas, and other aquatic systems, including wetland delineations, wetland ratings, and wetland functional assessments.
• 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.
• Ability to effectively communicate complex information to diverse groups.

Note: This position is covered by a union shop provision. Therefore, as a condition of employment, you are required to become a member of the PTE, Local 17, or arrange to pay that union a representational fee. The union shop requirement shall be effective on the first day of the month following the employee’s initial 30 days in this classification.

How to Apply: Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Please select the large “apply” button at the top of this announcement. You may need to set up an account profile. To be considered for this position you will need to answer the supplemental questions, as part of the supplemental questions you will need to provide a letter of interest. Your letter of interest should describe how your experience, training and education make you a viable and competitive candidate for this position.

Contact us: For inquiries about this position, please contact Erik Lunke at 360-705-7747 or email to lunkee@wsdot.wa.gov.  Please reference recruitment number 18DOT-HQ-01075.

The Washington State Department of Transportation is an equal opportunity employer. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, and disabled and Vietnam era veterans are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may call or email the recruiter.