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 is currently seeking an energetic individual who has a passion for environmental issues to fill the Transportation Planning Specialist 3 vacancy within the Environmental Services Office located in Tumwater, WA. This position will serve as the Wetland Field Lead, responsible for independently planning and conducting monitoring activities, collecting, and analyzing data, and writing reports for wetland mitigation sites statewide. In this role you will manage and mentor a team of seasonal interns, while developing site-specific monitoring plans including selecting and modifying methods for conducting studies of vegetation, hydrology, soils, wildlife, and wildlife habitat. This position is a biologist in the wetland monitoring group and provides services and technical expertise to WSDOT facilities and stakeholders. Our top candidate will be someone who wants to make a truly rewarding contribution by supporting WSDOT’s mission.
 
What to Expect
This position is required to perform field investigations which could occur along roadways, at construction sites, or within right-of-way in inclement weather. Exposure to hazards may include exhaust, highspeed dense traffic, steep or uneven terrain, dense vegetation, and/or heavy construction equipment.
 
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Wetland Field Lead will:

• Write field notes, draft reports, and inter-office memoranda communicating monitoring results to WSDOT’s headquarters and regional staff. 
• Use monitoring data to provide specific recommendations concerning the development of mitigation projects statewide.
• Write complete monitoring reports to document compliance with environmental permits for federal, state, and local regulatory agencies.
• Independently plan and research electronic data collection solutions including hardware and software for wetland monitoring field work.
• Maintain electronic forms and data sheets for wetland hydrology, vegetation, delineation, ratings, and restoration documentation.
• Train staff and seasonal interns in new and existing methods and techniques related to electronic data collection tools and protocols.
• Independently research, develop, and implement processes to address data collection challenges, increase team productivity and maximize integration of data management tools.
• Lead and supervise a field monitoring team consisting of two to six college interns or state employees.
• Conduct wetland delineations, wetland ratings and wetland functional assessments at mitigation sites.

• Knowledge of and experience conducting scientific and technical studies of wetlands, aquatic systems, riparian areas, and other plant communities, including wetland delineations, wetland ratings, and wetland functional assessments.
• Strong skills in plant identification.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local government regulations pertaining to wetlands, streams, and other waters of the state.
• The ability to effectively communicate complex information to diverse groups.
• The ability to manipulate and transport materials and equipment up to 50 pounds.
• A valid driver’s license prior to start of work.

• A Bachelor’s Degree in ecology, botany, biology, environmental science, natural resource science or related field.
• Two (2) years of professional experience conducting scientific and technical studies of wetlands, aquatic systems, riparian areas, and other plant communities, including wetland delineations, wetland ratings, and wetland functional assessments.
• Strong skills in plant identification and proficiency with a dichotomous plant key.

• A Bachelor’s 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 Western WA Rating System training course.
• Two (2) years of professional experience in wetland biology and ecology.
• Knowledge of and proficiency with writing formulas in Excel and experience with Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) programming language.

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• Overnight travel may be required up to 5 times per month. Daily travel to field sites during the field season is required.
• The recruiting efforts for this position may be extended beyond the displayed closing date for as long and until a sufficient candidate pool has been established. However, the first review of applications will be conducted October 31, 2022. The Appointing Authority reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any time thereafter. It is to your benefit to submit your application as soon as possible.
• This position has been approved for in-training. The hiring manager is looking to hire at the Transportation Planning Specialist 3 level, however the in-training plan will allow candidates to be considered as a Transportation Planning Specialist 2,if not qualified at the highest  level. The salary for each level is included below: 
  • Transportation Planning Specialist 2: $58,704 – $78,900
  • Transportation Planning Specialist 3: $64,788 – $87,144 
• 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. This 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.   
• WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system. For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov

• 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 occasional telework for eligible positions.  
• Paid Leave – In addition to 12 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.

• 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. NOTE: This information may be entered in the “References” section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment.