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The Opportunity:
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has an opportunity for an exceptional biologist who has a passion for environmental issues. This Biology Program Manager will supervise the Olympic Region Biology team and serve as the Region subject matter expert supporting highway project design, construction and operations. The selected candidate will be responsible for planning, organizing and directing the work activities of the team to support project scoping, environmental documentation, acquisition of environmental permits and environmental compliance. In this role, you will be able to apply your current environmental science and biology experience to develop both the breadth and depth of your professional knowledge through hands on collaboration with WSDOT environmental staff, federal, state, and local agencies, tribal governments, and the public.

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:

  • Serve as lead technical and regulatory subject matter expert for biological issues.
  • Plan, organize and direct the work of the Region Biology team in support of project delivery.
  • Prepare and review technical studies and assessments to assess natural resource matters associated with planning, project development, construction and operation of highway facilities.
  • Conduct work planning including development of program plans, workload analysis, budget preparation and project delivery dates.
  • Recruit, train and mentor Biology team members.
  • Coordinate Region Biology Program activities with other WSDOT Regions, HQ and FHWA to achieve mutual goals and comply with agency directives and policies.
  • Serve as designated Region approval authority for Endangered Species Act.
  • Negotiate and coordinate with federal, state and local resource agency staff to assess highway project impacts and develop effective mitigation plans required to acquire environmental permits and approvals.
  • Other duties as assigned.

An ideal candidate for this position will have:

  • A Bachelor’s Degree in natural resource science, planning, or environmental studies.
  • Four (4) years of professional experience involving analysis and evaluation of transportation environmental issues and challenges.
  • Experience with environmental documentation and permits as they relate to transportation projects.
  • Experience with transportation project design and highway construction practices.
  • Experience in biology disciplines including wetlands, fisheries and wildlife science.
  • Demonstrated experience effectively leading and supervising staff with a heavy workload, stressful situations in a schedule driven project delivery environment.
  • Perform work outdoors in inclement weather in a field environment to investigate project locations; traverse uneven, unstable, slippery and steep terrain
  • Valid drivers’ license with the ability to travel field sites, meetings, and trainings.

From the hiring manager’s perspective, the following qualifications are preferred:

  • Demonstrated proficiency and working knowledge of environmental laws, regulations and policies.
  • Demonstrated proficiency utilizing GIS to analyze and present geographic information and data.
  • Exceptional written and oral communication skills.
  • WSDOT Biological Assessment Preparation qualification training.
  • Thorough working knowledge of agency policies, standards of practice and procedures.

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, and attach a cover letter and resume.

Contact us: 
For inquiries about this position, please contact Rachel Giese at 360-905-2223 or email to gieser@wsdot.wa.gov.  Please reference recruitment number 18DOT-OR-30795.

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/