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’s Environmental Office has a fantastic opportunity for a professional who has a passion for environmental issues and responsible project delivery. In this position, you will be able to apply your current environmental policy and biology experience and training as well as develop both the breadth and depth of your professional knowledge through hands on training and collaboration with WSDOT staff, Federal, State, and Local agencies, Tribal governments, and the public. 

  

 The primary undertaking of this position will be to provide environmental support to fish passage and habitat restoration projects: from early concepts through project completion and monitoring. Your involvement and initiative will be supporting the natural ecology of our region and the livelihood of the public. With this in mind, WSDOT is searching for someone wants to make a truly rewarding contribution. This is a unique hybrid role where you will spend about half your time as a biologist and the other half completing environmental documentation and permitting. 

 

 What to Expect

 

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you will:

• Aid in the preparation of environmental documentation and environmental permit applications needed in support of design/construction projects
• Train and take part in the processing of environmental documentation and permit needs for various fish passage and transportation related projects
• Coordinate schedule milestones and completion dates to various business partners.
• Assist in the development of scope, schedule, and budget of processes and projects
• Collect, interpret, and report field data, to include wetland and ordinary high water mark delineations, and Endangered Species Act (ESA) documentation. 
• Monitors assigned projects to ensure environmental compliance during construction and makes professional recommendations based on field reviews. 
• Attend meetings, trainings, and conferences as needed for professional development and coordinates with other environmental professionals within WSDOT for continued professional development. 

 

Qualifications

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

• Bachelor’s Degree involving major study in natural resources, biology, ecology, environmental sciences, or a related field and 1 year of professional experience involving field biology and the application of environmental regulations
• A graduate degree in one of the above fields will substitute for the one year of required experience
• Knowledge of forest ecology, wetlands, wildlife, and fisheries
• Firm grasp of scientific methodologies to analyze and record existing environmental conditions through field studies
• Knowledge of National Environmental Policy Act, Washington State Environmental Policy Act, Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, environmental permitting processes and regulations
• Exceptional relationship management skills: ability to create effective working relationships
• Excellent presentation skills
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• A valid driver’s license

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have: 

• Experience in community engagement and public outreach
• Experience delineating wetlands, identifying native and non-native plants, and/or identifying and working with juvenile salmonids found in Washington
• Experience evaluating ESA listed fish and wildlife species and habitats including developing and reviewing Section 7 consultation documents
• Experience and ability using ArcMap GIS 

 

Important Notes 

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• By issuance of proclamation, the Governor of Washington State 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. 
• The salary listed for this position includes a legislative approved 5% premium for workers in King County.

 

Why WSDOT 

• 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 hybrid telework for eligible positions.  
• Paid Leave – In addition to 11 paid holidays, full-time employees earn a minimum 14 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. 

 

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. 

 

Please click the “APPLY” button to proceed. Note that you will be prompted to either sign in, or create an account. This step is required in order to submit an application to this opportunity.

 

WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, as well as 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.

 

 

Contact us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, Cori Shull, at ShullCo@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference #11772 in the subject line.