Description
About WSDOT
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal organization with a global reputation for excellence! Our dedicated workforce is responsible to plan, design, build, and operate an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 18,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT manages the world's longest floating bridge, executes an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds a record for the world's widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!
The Opportunity
WSDOT is currently seeking a Transportation Planning Specialist 3 to join the Environmental & Hydraulic (EHS) Office’s Biology Unit. This role supports the agency’s mission by ensuring that highway projects are designed, constructed, and maintained in compliance with agency policies, procedures, and practices. This position is a professional biologist/ecologist providing services and technical expertise to WSDOT in the areas of wetland mitigation and fish and wildlife sciences. This role ensures the environmental restoration and construction impacts to the environment meet agency policies and legal obligations.
This position supports the agency’s strategic plan and goal areas of 1) Workforce Development, by contributing to a workplace that supports and promotes training and development for professional growth and upward mobility; 2) Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, by creating, influencing, and fostering a physically and psychologically safe workplace where all employees feel that they belong; and 3) Resilience, by ensuring, through adherence to WSDOT policies, that work functions performed are administered to the expected quality, safety, and stewardship standards to support Washington’s long-term resilience.
What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Environmental Biologist will:
- Independently plan and conduct field and office environmental studies at sites planned for transportation facilities.
- Delineate wetlands, perform functional assessments, and prepare technical reports containing site inventory information, analysis of project effects, and recommendations for minimizing adverse effects; identify and evaluate soil conditions on site to distinguish wetland boundaries and appropriate management techniques; and research vegetation management techniques to utilize in the field.
- Develop biological assessments and other documentation to accomplish consultation pursuant to the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
- Enter data into various electronic databases, workbooks, and calendars for restoration crew daily work activities and herbicide application records; summarize qualitative data collected to create work plans for vegetation control and restoration activities.
- Review environmental documents to assure biological sections are accurate and mitigation measures comply with all applicable regulations, procedures, and/or policies.
- Review highway project plans and contract provisions for compliance with environmental permits and documentation provisions.
- Assess project impacts and develop effective compensatory project minimization and environmental mitigation proposals.
- Independently plan and conduct field and office fisheries-related studies at sites planned for transportation facilities.
Field investigations are performed outdoors, in inclement weather, and requires traversing rough, steep, and uneven terrain.
QualificationsTo be considered for this opportunity, one of the following are
required:
- One (1) year as a Transportation Planning Specialist 2, Transportation Engineer 2, or equivalent classification in city or county agencies.
OR - Five (5) years of professional employment in biology, wildlife biology, fisheries biology, and/or wetland biology/ecology. (NOTE: A bachelor’s degree involving major study in natural resources, biology, ecology, botany, environmental sciences, or a closely related field of study counts for two (2) years of the necessary experience. A master’s degree in the fields listed above counts for three (3) years of the necessary experience.)
In addition to the above, the following are also
required:
- Working knowledge of current environmental laws, regulations, and policies; familiarity with forest ecology, wetlands, wildlife, and fisheries in the Pacific Northwest.
- Firm grasp of scientific methodologies to analyze and record existing environmental conditions through field studies.
- Exceptional relationship management skills and ability to create effective working relationships.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to travel to and from work as well as visit various work sites as needed, safely and in a timely manner.
- Completion of US Army Corps of Engineers approved wetland delineation training or obtain within six (6) months of employment.
- Completion of Washington State Department of Ecology wetland rating training or obtain within six (6) months of employment.
- Completion of WSDOT BA Training within six (6) months of employment.
- Training on field indicators for hydric soils or ability to complete within six (6) months of employment.
- Ability to transport, move, and manipulate various types of equipment weighing up to 25 pounds during field investigations.
- Ability to traverse rough, steep, and uneven terrain.
It is
preferredthat qualified candidates also have:
- Certification as a Professional Wetland Scientist from the Society of Wetland Scientists
- Completion of the University of Washington Wetland Science & Management Certificate program, or similar program.
- Experience evaluating Endangered Species Act listed fish and wildlife species and habitats including developing and reviewing Section 7 consultation documents.
- Experience and ability using ArcMap GIS system.
- Experience using electrofishing equipment.
- Possession of an unrestricted valid driver’s license to operate vehicles in Washington State.
Important Notes - This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
- This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
- Travel is an expectation of the position and may be required on a regular, sporadic, or as needed basis. Travel is typically to perform site/field visits, attend an off-site meeting, meet with stakeholders, or attend training.
- 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.
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 telework options for eligible positions.
- Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees mayearn 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.
Check out this video to learn more:
Why WSDOT? How to ApplyApplications 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 of 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. All persons, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/ or gender identity, 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, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov. Contact UsFor inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, Alyssa Nastasi, at
alyssa.nastasi@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference
24DOT-OR-32965 in the subject line.