Wetland Permitting Specialist – Environmental Planner 3 – Permanent – *13771-24

Working Title– Wetland Permitting Specialist

Classification– Environmental Planner 3

Job Status– Full-Time/Permanent

WDFW Program– Capital and Asset Management Program – Environmental Permitting

Duty Station– *Olympia, Washington – Thurston County

* Although this is a hybrid opportunity, the successful incumbent must reside within the State of Washington and must be available to report to the duty station located in Olympia, Washington as needed.  The selected candidate may be able to telework/work remotely up to 4 days per week at the discretion of the supervisor.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Embrace this role to perform project work that includes conducting wetland delineations and reverifications, writing wetland reports, contributing project specific wetland information and guidance to the environmental permitting team, and any additional wetland science needs.

In this dynamic role, you will ensure environmental permitting and compliance of WDFW construction projects statewide by working with the wetland team to provide wetland data and documents necessary to obtain environmental permits needed for construction projects.

We are seeking a candidate to collaborate with the supervisor and wetland team in the planning of wetland delineation activities and the completion of fieldwork throughout the state.

WHAT TO EXPECT

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

Guides wetland delineations, mapping, rating, report writing, and mitigation requirements for CAMP projects.

• Develops, plans, and coordinates activities associated with wetland delineation preparation. Research, analyze, and record data about the project site.
• Performs fieldwork for wetland delineations throughout the state. Use an Arrow GPS unit and iPad with Field Maps. Analyze soils, vegetation, and hydrology on site.
• Completes data forms and wetland rating forms during and after field activities.
• Drafts, prepares, and submits wetland delineation reports and mitigation plans for the preparation of permit application packages.
• Determines eligibility of consultants to perform work for the agency and recommends the selection of those qualified for state planning.

Assist lead permitting staff in environmental tasks in work areas.

• Performs seining, sampling, and removal of aquatic species from active construction areas.
• Performs water quality sampling including pH, turbidity, and dissolved oxygen, or other site samples. This includes cataloging and maintaining accurate records.
• Assist with other aspects of environmental permit compliance as needed.

Preparation of additional supporting permit documents for policy and regulatory compliance.

• Serves as a technical liaison while coordinating with planning personnel in other state departments and WDFW planners to determine site constraints, local requirements, and wetland delineation requirements for projects.
• Preparation of Biological Assessments and Evaluations, Habitat Management Plans, Mitigation Plans, and other biological documents required for permitting.
• Maintains knowledge of current environmental regulations.

Working Conditions:

Work setting: Duties are performed in an office setting, construction sites, and field sites including in-water work. Walk in uneven terrain including slippery footing, mud, steep slopes, and other challenging field conditions for extended periods; inclement weather conditions; must be able to climb ladders, work from boats, and elevated locations; must be able to negotiate water. As work is often done near water sometimes with heavy construction equipment present, adhering to safety protocol and PPE use is paramount. Must be able to negotiate water in emergency situations.

Schedule: Typically, Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.  Workload may require additional hours and the incumbent may be expected to adjust their work schedule to meet business needs. A flexible work schedule and remote work will be considered at the incumbent’s request, subject to supervisory approval.

Travel requirements: Travel throughout the state for fieldwork will be required. Long field days and overnight stays are likely. Travel may occur on weekends in rare circumstances.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Qualifications:

An Associate’s degree with an emphasis/specialty in wetland science, natural resource science, water resource management, environmental science or policy, or related field. 

And

Four (4) years of professional experience in wetland science, habitat management or research, natural resource planning, federal, state, and local permitting, or equivalent field.

  OR

A Bachelor’s degree in wetland science, natural resource science, water resource management, environmental science or policy, or equivalent field.

And  

Two (2) years of professional experience in wetland science, habitat management or research, natural resource planning, federal, state, and local permitting, or equivalent field.

Please note:  Closely related qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-by-year basis. A Master’s degree in wetland science, habitat management or research, environmental science or policy, natural resource planning, or equivalent field may substitute for one (1) year of experience.

License:  Valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications:

In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:

Knowledge Competencies (practical or theoretical understanding of subjects):

• Western and Eastern WA wetland plant identification.
• Western and Eastern WA Wetland Rating.
• Data processing/analysis using Esri ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, and Field Maps.
• Vegetative surveys/monitoring.
• Hydric soil identification.
• OHWM identification and delineation.
• Aquatic species protection methodology and implementation.

Skill and Ability Competencies (natural or learned capacities to performs acts): 

• Scientific/technical report writing and review.
• Code, law, and regulation research and interpretation.
• Field work techniques and safety.
• Field data collection, entry, and analysis.

Your application should include the following:

• A completed online application.
• An up-to-date resume (chronological preferred) showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
• A cover letter detailing your interest in the position, your relevant skills and experience, and why you are the ideal candidate.
• At least three (3) professional references with current contact information.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:

In addition to pay and other special employee programs, there are other benefits that WDFW employees may be eligible for. Click the “Benefits” tab at the top of this announcement to learn more.

Important Note: 

All new employees must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9 Form) on their first day of work. If hired for this or any position at WDFW, you will be required to provide documentation proving you are eligible to work in the United States. For a list of acceptable documents, please use the following link:  https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents

Union – WAFWP:

This position is in the bargaining unit represented by the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Professionals and is subject to the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the State of Washington, Department of Fish & Wildlife, and the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Professionals.

Veteran and Military Spouse Preference Notice: 

Per RCW 73.16.010 Veterans and qualifying spouses who meet the minimum qualifications of a position are eligible for preference during the initial application review stage. To receive this benefit, please do the following: 

• Notify us of your veteran or military spouse status by email at Cheri.Potter@dfw.wa.gov.
• Veterans only – Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or USDVA signed verification of service letter.
  • Please redact any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers.
• Subject line must include recruitment number, position, and spouse/veteran (example: 2024-1234 – Biologist 1 – Veteran)
• Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer

As part of WDFW’s efforts to advance respectful and inclusive work environments, the Agency expects inclusivity as part of our professional interactions and communications.   Therefore, we want to ensure that all individuals feel welcome, are treated fairly and respectfully.  All staff are empowered to fully contribute to serving their work unit, Agency, and the citizens of Washington.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife is an equal opportunity employer.  We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity.  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.

Request an accommodation: Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format please contact Jayme Chase by phone 360-902-2278 or email Jayme.Chase@dfw.wa.gov, or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 800-833-6388.

Technical Difficulties: If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or support@neogov.com. 

Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to Cheri.Potter@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2024-13771.

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