Fish Passage & Wildlife Biologist (TPS 4)

Thurston County, WA - USA

Yearly Salary: $ 78912 - 106104

Posted on: 8 hours ago

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

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 addition to maintaining over 18000 lane miles of state highway and 4100 bridges WSDOT manages the worlds longest floating bridge executes an award-winning Active Transportation Plan holds a record for the worlds widest tunneling project and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

The Opportunity

WSDOT is seeking an experienced Fish Passage & Wildlife Biologist to play a key role in advancing the agencys Fish Passage Barrier Correction Program one of the most significant habitat restoration efforts in the state. This position supports compliance with the 2013 U.S. District Court Injunction for Culvert Correction and directly contributes to salmon recovery and long-term ecosystem this role youll serve as WSDOTs fish passage subject matter expert providing biological leadership across the full project lifecycle from inventory and prioritization to design construction and monitoring. Youll evaluate habitat connectivity needs identify restoration opportunities and ensure fish passage solutions are integrated where they make the greatest ecological impact. Youll collaborate closely with WSDOTs Environmental Services Office Headquarters Hydraulics and regional teams and represent coordination with Tribes regulatory agencies and external partners. Your work will help align transportation projects with watershed-scale restoration efforts and regional salmon recovery priorities.

This is an opportunity to apply your technical expertise influence high-profile infrastructure projects and make a lasting difference for Washingtons fish and wildlifewhile working at the intersection of transportation science and environmental stewardship.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role the Fish Passage and Wildlife Biologist will:

Provide guidance and technical information on fish passage and habitat connectivity to WSDOT staff and contracted consultants.
Make recommendations on fish passage designs and help resolve issues.
Review and comment on consultant-prepared Preliminary Hydraulic Design (PHD) reports and the Final Hydraulic Design (FHD).
Review designs at 30/60/90 development and make recommendations on channel design.
Support WSDOT regions statewide to develop and construct fish passage projects.
Lead efforts to incorporate Habitat Connectivity principals procedures and designs in WSDOT fish passage projects when important and provide design guidance for fish passage crossings that are also high priorities for terrestrial wildlife connectivity.
Help prepare and review habitat connectivity memos for fish passage project sites.
Coordinate with Habitat Connectivity subject matter experts regarding habitat connectivity design elements for fish passage projects.
Track monitor and report on fish passage projects that implemented Habitat Connectivity memo recommendations to verify terrestrial connectivity crossings are effective.
Update WSDOTs Fish Passage Database to reflect which habitat connectivity actions were implemented at WSDOT fish passage projects for monitoring and reporting purposes.
Conduct site visits and gather supporting information to help verify fish passage culvert inventory species and habitat data to assist with culvert injunction implementation.

Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity the following are required:

Fish Passage Project Delivery: Demonstrated experience assessing fish passage barriers and contributing to the design and construction of fish passage projects using appropriate methods materials and construction practices.
Regulatory Knowledge Fish Passage Standards: Working knowledge of Washington State fish passage barrier correction standards rules and guidance with the ability to apply them to project planning design review and construction oversight.
Construction Plan Interpretation: Ability to read interpret and apply construction drawings specifications and design details to support project implementation and field decision-making.
Salmonid Ecology & Biology: Knowledge of salmonid life cycles habitat needs and biological considerations and the ability to integrate this understanding into fish passage and habitat restoration work.
Aquatic Habitat Assessment & Data Collection: Experience conducting aquatic habitat assessments applying standard field methods and collecting documenting and interpreting biological and environmental data.
Habitat Restoration & Barrier Correction Techniques: Knowledge of aquatic habitat restoration principles and fish passage barrier correction techniques including construction methods that support long-term ecological function.
Technical Communication & Presentation: Ability to clearly present technical information findings and recommendations to diverse audiences including technical staff stakeholders and non-technical groups.
Meeting Facilitation & Collaboration: Ability to effectively plan facilitate and manage meetings to support collaboration decision-making and progress toward project objectives.
Growth Mindset:Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
Service-Oriented:Takes action to meet the needs of others.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

Educational Foundation in Environmental Sciences: Demonstrated foundational knowledge in biology ecology ecological restoration fish and/or wildlife science environmental studies or a closely related field applied to environmental analysis project planning or restoration work.
Project Delivery Knowledge: Understanding of the WSDOT project delivery process and the ability to navigate or support projects through planning design permitting and construction phases.
Environmental Permitting & Compliance: Working understanding of federal state and local environmental permitting requirements with the ability to identify applicable permits and support compliance throughout project delivery.
Fluvial & Geomorphic Processes: Understanding of fluvial and geomorphic processes and the ability to apply this knowledge to stream assessment fish passage design considerations and habitat restoration decisions.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS): Experience using GIS to collect analyze and present spatial data in support of environmental analysis project planning or decision-making.
ESRI Applications & Tools: Experience using ESRI products such as ArcGIS Pro Experience Builder Survey123 and StoryMaps to manage spatial data develop maps collect field data and communicate project information.
Oral & Written Communication: Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in both written and verbal formats tailoring messages to technical and non-technical audiences.
Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking: Demonstrated ability to analyze complex information evaluate alternatives and develop practical solutions to technical or project-related challenges.
Collaboration & Interpersonal Skills: Ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams stakeholders and partners to achieve shared project goals.
Fieldwork Capability & Safety Awareness: Ability to safely work outdoors in varying environmental conditions including traversing uneven terrain and slippery streambeds while following safety protocols.
A valid drivers license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.

Important Notes

This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
To review the full Position Description please follow the directions in the Contact Us section of this posting.
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 applicableCollective Bargaining Agreements. Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in Chapter 357-28of 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.

Why WSDOT

Work-Life Balance We offer flexible work schedules that allow you time for your life outside of this excellent opportunity.
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.
PlanFor 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 toState Benefitsfor more information.

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 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 recruiter listed.

Contact Us

For inquiries aboutthis posting you may contact the assigned Recruiter Amanda Strebeck at. Please be sure to reference Fish Passage and Wildlife Biologist #04799 in the subject line.

Required Experience:

DescriptionAbout WSDOTWashington 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 g...