Wetlands Biologist (PT) - Seattle, WA or Lacey, WA

Short Description

Bowman has an opportunity for a Wetlands Biologist (PT) to join our team in Seattle, WA or Lacey, WA.

At Bowman, we believe in creating opportunities for aspiring people to thrive and achieve ambitious goals. That's why a career at Bowman is more than a job. It is an opportunity to be part of a diverse and engaged community of professionals, to be treated as a respected and valued member of a motivated team and to be empowered to do exceptional work that advances the best interest of everyone involved. We recognize the importance of creating a work environment that is both rewarding to our employees and supportive of our unwavering commitment to provide unparalleled service to our clients.

Purpose

Conduct a variety of natural resources studies including wetland and stream delineations, threatened/endangered species assessments, environmental and habitat assessments, and biological reports and evaluations documentation.

Responsibilities

Leadership and Direction

• Receive general instruction on key objectives for execution. Receive direction as needed, and especially complex assignments, modified techniques, and new approaches on assignments with conflicting criteria. Work is completed using professional expertise and ecological principles and is reviewed by peers or senior staff to ensure application of sound professional judgement. Review work produced by junior staff for quality assurance.
• Strong knowledge and experience with environmental compliance and procuring appropriate permits, and coordination with regulatory agencies at the county, state, and federal levels.

At the Operational and Company Level

• Utilize and assist less experienced staff in understanding technical policies and procedures during the execution of projects for clients.
• Assist with the marketing of the firm's capabilities to establish new clients and enhance relationships.

Do the Work

• Maintain good working relationships with state and federal agency contacts and clients.
• Conduct biological field surveys including wetland and stream delineations in accordance with USACE requirements, threatened & endangered species surveys, and habitat assessments.
• Perform desktop review of data collected from existing information sources in preparation for field site investigations.
• Conduct site visits to assess complex sites, collect and analyze data (stream, wetland, vegetation, and habitat characteristics), document results, observations and site activities, and impact assessments as prescribed by proposals and contracts (including scope, schedule, and budget).
• Conduct or lead biological monitoring for construction/restoration projects.
• Maintaining accurate field notes and maps, project files, work logs, etc.
• Collaborate with environmental staff, department managers, and senior project reviewers.
• Lead or conduct a variety of natural resources field studies including wetland delineations, stream assessments, vegetation and plant surveys, avian and wildlife surveys, aquatics surveys, and OHW determinations.
• Draft or lead preparation of proposals and reports for due diligence, focused surveys, habitat assessments, biological technical reports, biological sections of NEPA documents, restoration plans and jurisdictional delineation reports, including analyzing impacts and identifying mitigation measures.
• Lead preparation of documentation for federal, state, and local permitting applications/approvals. (such as shoreline, critical areas, 404, HPA, and other applicable permits).
• Follow safety rules, guidelines, and standards for all projects. Participate in pre-task planning. Report any safety issues or concerns to management.
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of policies, regulations, and methodology required for ecology-related studies and reports.
• Use GPS to map wetland boundaries.
• Organize, review, and transfer field data, and write technical reports and permit applications and subject matter expert review related to the various federal, state, municipal and county regulations, and other resource planning/permitting in local jurisdiction. Report writing may reach 65% of the position's required time commitment.
• Prepare reports and permit documents as the primary author and conduct quality assurance/quality control for a variety of renewable energy project types and sizes.
• Work closely with a project team to complete biological resource management tasks.
• Photograph and record appropriate habitat, species, and landforms.
• Use topographic maps, aerial photographs, and other maps and tools to determine exact locations of project areas, habitat types, and associated landforms.
• Identify soils, wetland hydrology and vegetation.
• Assist project managers in data organization, interpretation, and report preparation, as needed.
• Conduct function and value assessments of wetlands and streams conforming with Washington Dept of Ecology standards and ODSL.

Success Metrics and Competencies

• Take initiative and resolve issues in an independent manner.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Proficient skills identifying mammals, plants, birds, and reptiles.
• Ability to work both independently and within a team environment.
• Ability to effectively communicate with all levels of the organization and external partners to include colleagues (scientists, engineers, and surveyors), clients, landowners, government agency personnel, and the public.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, botany, environmental science, or related field.
• Minimum of eight (8) years of post-degree experience in wetland delineation, wetland ecology and project management are required.
• Demonstrated experience working with scientists, planners, engineers, contractors, and agency specialists.
• Eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in biological surveys and resource management, in either the public or private sector.
• Demonstrated business development success, including proposal writing, budget development, and client interaction.
• Excellent technical writing and communication skills are mandatory along with the ability to maintain a positive attitude during year-round field work.
• Good taxonomic knowledge of native flora, strong knowledge with identification of Pacific Northwest plant species.
• Proficiency using Geographical Positioning Systems (GPS) for collection of spatial data.
• Working knowledge of Trimble systems, ArcGIS, Global Mapper, or similar software.
• Understanding of Federal, State (WA and OR), and local environmental regulations and permitting requirements such as Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, National Environmental Policy Act, local and State requirements.
• Trained in Washington state wetland rating systems. Able to identify hydrology, soils and vegetation indicators.
• Experience with federal and state wetland and environmental permitting (401 Water Quality Certification, Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act and Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, etc.).
• Candidates should have familiarity with key environmental federal and state statutes and regulations including the U.S. Endangered Species Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Clean Water Act, Shoreline Management Act and the Growth Management Act.
• Must hold a valid state driver's license.

About Bowman

Are you ready to build a career that makes a lasting impact? At Bowman, our people are at the center of everything we do. We're committed to creating an environment where employees can thrive both personally and professionally, while helping to shape the infrastructure of tomorrow.

A career at Bowman means being part of a collaborative, forward-thinking organization where innovation, inclusion, and growth are encouraged at every level. We offer competitive compensation, a supportive work environment, and benefits designed to help our employees succeed.

Salary and eligible variable compensation (if any) commensurate with experience. Range $31.00 - $34.00 hourly and includes a comprehensive benefits package.

Our comprehensive benefits package includes:

• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match
• Paid time off, sick leave, and paid holidays
• Tuition reimbursement and professional development support
• Discretionary bonuses and other performance-based incentives
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP), wellness initiatives, and employee discounts

Eligibility for certain benefits may vary based on position, location, and employment status.

Physical Demands and Working Environment

• Mixture of office and field work which may include adverse weather conditions, varying temperatures, excessive noise, and/or potential hazards.
• Mobility around a job site to include walking, bending, crawling, climbing, squatting, or kneeling and wearing of required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Frequent and prolonged use of data collection equipment, necessitating walking the assigned study area to complete data collection over the course of several hours.
• Ability to travel to a location, walk and conduct fieldwork for long hours, sometimes in inclement weather, and/or rugged terrain.
• It is anticipated that low-to-moderate travel will be required for the position.
• Must be able and willing to travel and stay overnight while completing project tasks.
• Occasional professional indoor office environment which may include bright/dim light, noise, fumes, odors, and traffic.
• Mobility around an office environment.
• Use of standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers.
• Ability to carry equipment and supplies weighing up to 40 pounds.
• Occasional pushing or pulling up to 20 pounds.
• Occasional reaching outward or above shoulder.

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Job Description Disclaimer

Note: While this job description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the job requirements, it is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties from particular jobs and to assign other duties as necessary at any time with or without notice.

Bowman is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and respected. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. For our EEO Policy Statement, please click here. If you'd like more information on your EEO rights under the law, please click here.

Bowman has an obligation to provide and maintain a safe, healthy, and productive environment for its employees and clients. We are committed to maintaining a drug and alcohol-free workplace.

If you have any questions about the application process, please email [click to reveal email address]recruiting@bowman.com.