Lead Biologist (TPS 4)



Lead Biologist (TPS 4)

Salary

$72,727.00 - $97,788.00 Annually

Location

King County - Shoreline, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Job Number

21DOT-NWR-11172

Department

Dept. of Transportation

Division

Northwest Region

Opening Date

08/19/2021

Closing Date

9/12/2021 11:59 PM Pacific

Description



About WSDOT

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is the steward of an integrated, multimodal transportation system that helps to ensure that 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 excited to announce this unique opportunity as to serve as our Lead Biologist within our Northwest Region (NWR) Headquarters located in Shoreline, a few minutes north of Seattle. As the region’s Lead Biologist, this position will work as a member of the region Environmental Programs to oversee the production of biological and aquatic resource impact assessments, as well as mitigation deliverables and services required to support compliance with federal, state, and local environmental regulations. This position supports WSDOT’s and the NWR’s mission by serving as a lead technical and regulatory specialist for Biology issues throughout the region, planning and conducting advanced transportation studies and support for biological and aquatic resource issues within the region. If you are interested in joining an energetic and diverse team of environmental professionals while taking on this rewarding challenge, we invite you to apply for this exciting and highly successful program, to promote and facilitate an environmentally responsible transportation program throughout the region and state of Washington.  
 
What to Expect

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

  • Develop and facilitate the implementation of WSDOT Northwest Region’s biological policies and processes to support compliance with federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations. 
  • Facilitate the resolution of technical biology issues within the region. 
  • Completes biology deliverables by providing technical reviews of deliverables, including consultant reports, and provides biology services to internal and external customers to meet project and program needs. 
  • Actively participate in Endangered Species Act (ESA) consultations/negotiations with the National Marine and Fisheries Service and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. 
  • Proactively identify and resolve biology policy and procedural issues, coordinating and synchronizing biology deliverables and services with others in the NWR Environmental, NWR Region Landscape Architecture, and/or WSDOT Headquarters to develop effective solutions. 
  • Collaboratively participate in the development of the agency’s statewide biology policies, procedures, and standards to ensure successful project delivery. 
  • Maintain advanced knowledge of biological sciences and resources, stay current on federal, state, and local regulations, and will utilize advanced techniques in decision making. 
  • Provide direction, oversight, and technical review of biology analysis and documentation. 
  • Perform project field reviews, provide guidance or coaching to biologists, occasionally assist with wetland delineations and direct fish exclusion work.
  • Represent WSDOT on interagency task forces and committees as a technical lead, actively participate in statewide bio-roundtable and other biology related meetings, provide guidance on wetland mitigation planning and deliverables, and wetland credit tracking and development. 

 

Qualifications

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

  • Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences or closely related field AND four (4) years of recent professional work experience (within the past five years) as a biologist conducting fieldwork, analysis, and report writing for delineating and characterizing wetlands, vegetation, fish, and wildlife. OR
  • Master’s degree in biological sciences or closely related field AND three (3) years of recent professional work experience (within the past five years) as a biologist conducting fieldwork, analysis, and report writing for delineating and characterizing wetlands, vegetation, fish, and wildlife.
  • Current Driver’s License
  • Four (4) years of recent professional experience (within the past five years) in federal, state, local environmental laws, regulations, policies, procedures affecting transportation or other large infrastructure projects. 
  • Four (4) years of recent professional experience (within the past five years) involving Endangered Species Act Section 7 consultation, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and other federal and state laws and regulations related to fish and wildlife. 
  • Advanced knowledge of wetlands, wildlife, and fisheries technical issues related to transportation scoping, design, construction, monitoring, and maintenance. 
  • Knowledge of NEPA/SEPA Environmental processes, environmental permitting and regulations, specifically in areas of aquatic resources, noise, cultural resources, and other regulatory approvals. 
  • Extensive knowledge of fish, wildlife and threatened and endangered species life history and ecology. 
  • Extensive knowledge of biological studies, documentation, policies, and processes that support WSDOT compliance with federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations (including the Clean Water Act, National Environmental Policy Act, Endangered Species Act, Section 7 consultation, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Marine Mammal Protection Act, Washington State Hydraulic Code, State Environmental Policy Act, Shoreline Management Act, and Critical Areas Regulations).
  • Qualified WSDOT Biological Assessment (BA) Author or the ability to obtain within one year of employment. 
  • Currently possess the following credentials and certifications or the ability to obtain within six months of employment: 
    1. WDFW, USFWS, and NOAA Applied Electrofishing Principles and Practices (BIO 407B) Certification.
    2. Credentials as a directing biologist for the purposes of fish handling.
    3. WSDOT ESO qualifications to support marine mammal and Marbled Murrelet monitoring.  

 

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

  • Knowledge of Environmental processes and deliverables required for WSDOT projects, their predecessor/successor relationships in a project schedule, and their costs.
  • Previous experience working as a Lead Biologist working on transportation projects.

 

Important Notes 

  • 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 by no later than October 18, 2021. This is a condition of employment with WSDOT. Exemption may be granted for religious or medical purposes. 
  • The information provided on your application profile, any supplemental material attached to your application, and the responses to the supplemental questions will be used to determine qualifications for interview selection. Therefore, it is to your advantage that your application packet be completed in as much detail as possible. 
  • The listed salary includes the Legislative approved King County Premium. 
  • 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. 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.

 

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 to staff, including occasional telework for eligible positions.  
  • Paid Leave – In addition to 10 paid holidays, full-time employees earn a minimum 14 paid vacation days per year!
  • Plan For Your Future – WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options, and free dental coverage! Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information.
  • Tuition Assistance – Our 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.  

Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?

 

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 details your qualifications, and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
  • Contact information to be included in the “References” section of the online application for a minimum three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, knowledge base, and job-related competencies.

 

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.

 

WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system. For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov

 

Contact us: 

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, Eric Saniatan, at SaniatE@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 21DOT-NWR-11172 in the subject line. 

 

Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter.


More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note:  If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the
Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.


Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS).  New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs.  For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP).  This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.


As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165. 

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 12-31-2022

01
Do you have a current Driver's License?
  • Yes
  • No
02
Please select the response that best describes the highest level of education you have completed.
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Some college coursework
  • Associates Degree
  • Bachelors degree
  • Some graduate level coursework
  • Masters degree
  • Other technical or vocational degree
03
Please list any other academic and/or professional development course you have completed.
04
How many years of recent professional work experience (within the past five years) do you have as a biologist conducting fieldwork, analysis, and report writing for delineating and characterizing wetlands, vegetation, fish, and wildlife?
  • Less than 3 years of experience
  • 3 – 4 years of experience
  • 4 – 5 years of experience
  • More than 5 years of experience
  • No relevant experience.
05
Please describe your recent professional work experience (within the past five years) you have as a biologist conducting fieldwork, analysis, and report writing for delineating and characterizing wetlands, vegetation, fish, and wildlife. If you do not have said experience, please type N/A.
06
How many years of recent professional experience (within the past five years) do you have in federal, state, local environmental laws, regulations, policies, procedures affecting transportation or other large infrastructure projects?
  • Less than 4 years of experience
  • 4 – 5 years of experience
  • 5 – 6 years of experience
  • More than 6 years of experience
  • No relevant experience.
07
Please describe your professional work experience and extensive knowledge of biological studies, documentation, policies, and processes that support WSDOT compliance with federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulation related to fish and wildlife (including the Clean Water Act, National Environmental Policy Act, Endangered Species Act Section 7 consultation, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Marine Mammal Protection Act, Washington State Hydraulic Code, State Environmental Policy Act, Shoreline Management Act, and Critical Areas Regulations). If you do not have said experience, please type N/A.
08
Are you currently a Qualified WSDOT Biological Assessment (BA) Author or do you have the ability to obtain said qualification within one year of employment?
  • Yes
  • No
09
Do you currently possess the following credentials and certifications or do you have the ability to obtain said credentials and certifications within six months of employment: • WDFW, USFWS, and NOAA Applied Electrofishing Principles and Practices (BIO 407B) Certification. • Credentials as a directing biologist for the purposes of fish handling. • WSDOT ESO qualifications to support marine mammal and Marbled Murrelet monitoring.
  • Yes
  • No
10
By issuance of proclamation, the Governor of Washington State mandates that all WSDOT employees be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by no later than October 18, 2021. Exemption may be granted for religious or medical purposes. Are you willing to accept and comply with this condition of employment?
  • Yes
  • No
11
(WSDOT) How did you learn of this employment opportunity?
  • Indeed
  • LinkedIn
  • Direct Email Notification
  • Career Fair
  • Monster
  • WorkSource
  • Handshake
  • AASHTO
  • NACTO
  • COMTO
  • APWA
  • WSDOT Employment Site
  • Careers.wa.gov
  • governmentjobs.com
  • Other (specify below)
12
(WSDOT) If you selected 'Other' on the previous question, please specify how you learned of this employment opportunity in the space provided:

Required Question

Agency
State of Washington
Address
View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504
Phone
View Posting for Agency Contact