Wetland Biologist (TPS3) - Two Positions

Salary : $71,472.00 - $96,143.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Lacey, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 26DOT-OR-32965m
Department: Dept. of Transportation
Division: Olympic Region
Opening Date: 04/27/2026
Closing Date: 5/11/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Description
About WSDOT

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal agency with a global reputation for excellence. Our dedicated workforce plans, designs, builds, and operates an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 20,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, manages the world's longest floating bridge, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!
The Opportunity

WSDOT is currently seeking two Wetland Biologists (Transportation Planning Specialist 3) to join the Environmental & Hydraulic Services (EHS) Office in Lacey, WA. This position supports WSDOT's mission to provide safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation options by ensuring environmental restoration and construction impacts are managed in compliance with agency policies and legal requirements. As a professional wetland biologist within the EHS Biology Unit, this role provides technical expertise in support of the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of highway facilities. This position plays a key role in ensuring transportation projects are delivered in compliance with environmental standards while protecting and restoring wetland resources across Washington State.
What to Expect

Field investigations vary by project needs, and will occur along roadways, at construction sites, or within right-of-way in inclement weather. Onsite in person presence is required at least once per week.
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Wetland Biologist will:

• Independently plan and conduct field and office wetland studies for transportation project sites, including delineating wetlands and performing functional assessments.
• Prepare technical reports documenting site inventories, project effects, and recommendations to minimize environmental impacts.
• Assess project impacts and develop compensatory mitigation and environmental minimization proposals.
• Coordinate mitigation proposals and designs with WSDOT Project Offices, EHS staff, and federal, state, and local agencies.
• Conduct biological inventories and prepares environmental reports and Endangered Species Act (ESA) documentation.
• Develop support documents for permit applications and reviews environmental documents for accuracy and compliance with regulations and policies.
• Monitor construction and post-construction activities to ensure wetland impacts are minimized and mitigation sites are built according to approved plans and permits.
• Provide technical guidance and coordinate with Headquarters Environmental Services Office on mitigation monitoring and adaptive management activities.

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

• Biological and Environmental Knowledge: Demonstrated knowledge of natural resource disciplines such as biology, ecology, botany, environmental science, and Pacific Northwest ecosystems (including forests, wetlands, wildlife, and fisheries) to support environmental review, analysis, and decision-making.
• Wetland Delineation, Rating and Soil Identification: Experience conducting wetland delineations in accordance with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers standards and applying wetland rating methodologies consistent with Washington State Department of Ecology guidance; identifying hydric soils using established field indicators, or the ability to obtain these competencies within six (6) months of employment.
• Regulatory Knowledge and Application: Ability to apply working knowledge of environmental laws, regulations, and policies to ensure compliance in environmental review and field-based activities.
• Scientific Analysis and Field Methods: Experience using scientific methodologies to conduct field studies, collect and analyze environmental data, and accurately document existing site conditions.
• Communication and Relationship Management: Builds and maintains effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders and communicates clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, to convey technical information.
• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.

In addition to the competencies above, the following are also required:

• A valid driver's license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.
• Ability to travel within the region to conduct fieldwork.
• Ability to traverse steep and uneven terrain.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Wetland Science Expertise and Certification: Advanced knowledge of wetland science and management consistent with professional certification standards established by the Society of Wetland Scientists and training programs, or the ability to obtain such credentials.
• Endangered Species Act Compliance and Documentation: Experience evaluating impacts to species and habitats protected under the Endangered Species Act, including developing and reviewing of Section 7 consultation documentation to ensure regulatory compliance.
• GIS and Field Data Collection: Experience using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), such as ArcPro, and applies field-based techniques, including electrofishing, to collect, analyze, and interpret environmental and biological data.
• Project Management and Contract Analysis: Experience managing complex projects using standardized project management methodologies and reviews contract documents for coherence, completeness, constructability, and accuracy to support successful project delivery.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options; however, onsite in person presence is required at least once per week.
• Travel within the region is required to conduct fieldwork.
• 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 Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in 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
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 may earn 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 for more information.

Check out this video to learn more:
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 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 [click to reveal website link]www.uscis.gov.
Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at . Please be sure to reference 26DOT-OR-32965m in the subject line.
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 (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 (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 , 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, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) 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

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

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

Updated 01-07-2026
01

Please select the option that best describes your knowledge and experience applying biological and environmental concepts (e.g., biology, ecology, botany, environmental science, and Pacific Northwest ecosystems including forests, wetlands, wildlife, and fisheries) to support environmental review, analysis, or decision-making:

• No Experience: No experience applying biological or environmental concepts to environmental review, analysis, or decision-making.
• Limited Experience: Basic familiarity with biological or environmental concepts through coursework or limited exposure in academic or work settings.
• Working Experience: Applied biological or environmental knowledge to support environmental review or analysis, including assisting with evaluation of natural resource conditions or ecosystem characteristics.
• Advanced Experience: Regularly applied biological and environmental knowledge to environmental review and analysis, including evaluating ecological conditions in Pacific Northwest ecosystems and supporting technical decision-making.
• Expert Experience: Extensive experience applying biological and environmental knowledge to environmental review, analysis, and decision-making involving complex ecological systems such as wetlands, forests, wildlife, and fisheries.

02

Please briefly describe how you have applied biological and environmental knowledge to support environmental review, analysis, or decision-making. Describe your experience writing and/or reviewing technical reports from start to finish. Include your role in scoping, drafting, revising, and finalizing documents. If you do not have this experience, enter N/A.
03

Please select the option that best describes your experience conducting wetland delineations in accordance with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers standards, applying Washington State wetland rating methodologies, and identifying hydric soils using established field indicators:

• No Experience: No experience conducting wetland delineations, applying wetland rating methodologies, or identifying hydric soils.
• Limited Experience: Basic exposure to wetland delineation concepts or assistance with field activities under close supervision.
• Working Experience: Assisted with wetland delineations, wetland rating activities, or hydric soil identification under supervision in accordance with established field methods.
• Advanced Experience: Independently conducted wetland delineations, applied Washington State wetland rating methodologies, and identified hydric soils using established field indicators.
• Expert Experience: Extensive experience independently conducting wetland delineations, applying wetland rating methodologies, and identifying hydric soils.

04

Please briefly describe your experience conducting wetland delineations, applying wetland rating methodologies, and identifying hydric soils using established field indicators. If you do not have this experience, enter N/A.
05

Please briefly describe your experience with wetland mitigation, including site selection, preparation of mitigation plans (such as in-lieu fee plans and advance credit use plans), as well as design and construction.
06

Please select the option that best describes your experience applying environmental laws, regulations, and policies to support environmental review, field activities, or compliance decisions on transportation projects:

• No Experience: No experience applying environmental laws, regulations, or policies in a work or field setting.
• Limited Experience: Basic familiarity with environmental regulations or policies gained through coursework or assisting with environmental work under supervision.
• Working Experience: Applied environmental regulations or policies in support of environmental review or field activities under supervision, including assisting with documentation or compliance-related tasks.
• Advanced Experience: Regularly applied environmental laws, regulations, and policies to support environmental review and field-based compliance decisions on projects.
• Expert Experience: Extensive experience independently applying environmental laws, regulations, and policies to environmental review, field activities, and compliance decisions on complex transportation projects.

07

Please select the option that best describes your experience using scientific methods to conduct field studies, collect and analyze environmental data, and document existing site conditions:

• No Experience: No experience using scientific methods to conduct field studies, collect or analyze environmental data, or document site conditions.
• Limited Experience: Basic exposure to field data collection or scientific methods through coursework or assisting with field studies under supervision.
• Working Experience: Applied scientific methods in field studies to collect environmental data and assist with analysis or documentation of site conditions under supervision.
• Advanced Experience: Regularly used scientific methods to conduct field studies, collect and analyze environmental data, and document existing site conditions.
• Expert Experience: Extensive experience independently conducting scientific field studies, collecting and analyzing environmental data, and producing technical documentation of site conditions.

08

Please select the option that best describes your experience communicating technical information and building working relationships with internal and external stakeholders (e.g., project teams, consultants, and regulatory agencies):

• No Experience: No experience communicating technical information or working with project stakeholders.
• Limited Experience: Basic experience communicating or collaborating with others in a work or academic setting.
• Working Experience: Communicated technical information and worked with internal or external stakeholders as part of project or field work under supervision.
• Advanced Experience: Regularly communicated technical information clearly and effectively and maintained productive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Expert Experience: Extensive experience independently communicating technical information and managing complex working relationships with multiple agencies, consultants, or project teams.

09

Please select the option that best describes your experience using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and field-based data collection techniques to support environmental or biological work:

• No Experience: No experience using GIS or field-based data collection techniques.
• Limited Experience: Basic familiarity with GIS or field data collection through coursework or limited exposure.
• Working Experience: Used GIS and/or field-based data collection techniques to support environmental or biological work under supervision.
• Advanced Experience: Regularly used GIS (e.g., ArcPro or similar tools) and field-based techniques to collect, analyze, and interpret environmental or biological data.
• Expert Experience: Extensive experience independently using GIS and field-based data collection techniques to analyze, interpret, and support environmental or biological decision-making.

10

Do you have a valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No

11

This position requires the ability to travel within the region to conduct fieldwork. Are you able to meet this requirement?

• Yes
• No

12

Do you have the ability to traverse steep and uneven terrain?

• Yes
• No

13

How did you learn of this employment opportunity?

• Indeed
• LinkedIn
• Direct Email Notification
• WSDOT social media (Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, etc)
• Career Fair
• Monster
• WorkSource
• Handshake
• AASHTO
• NACTO
• COMTO
• APWA
• "NOW HIRING" banner/sign
• Radio advertisement
• WSDOT Employment Site
• Careers.wa.gov
• governmentjobs.com
• Other (specify below)

14

If you selected 'Other' on the previous question, please specify how you learned of this employment opportunity in the space provided:
Required Question