Endangered Species Act Liaison (TPS4)

• Represent WSDOT by helping to continuously improve environmental compliance decision-making and best practices through collaboration and training.
• Participate in the WSDOT ESA Liaison Program by attending ESA Liaison team meetings and coordinating on workload, priorities, and assignments.
• Represent their host agencies: NMFS and/or USFWS, by completing ESA consultations and documentation on their behalf.
• Independently serve as a technical specialist for NMFS and/or USFWS in reviewing, documenting and assessing impacts of transportation projects on threatened and endangered species.
• Provide technical assistance to WSDOT project staff during the early coordination, development of biological assessments and other submittals, project updates, and consultation reinitiations.
• Attend meetings and occasional field or site visits on uneven terrain and sometimes in inclement weather.
• Work independently and cooperatively with multiple teams to complete assigned tasks.
• Proactively identify and communicate transportation project environmental compliance and schedule risks.
• Identify and coordinate transportation business efficiencies in the environmental regulatory process.

• Biological Research: Demonstrated ability to conduct research and assess ecological conditions.

Biological Knowledge: Demonstrated ability to apply advanced biological principles to evaluate environmental impacts and produce scientifically defensible documentation in compliance with federal and state regulations and to identify and interpret aquatic and terrestrial habitats necessary for species in the state of Washington.

Ability to apply biological concepts to evaluate environmental impacts and interpret scientific data.

Environmental Laws & Regulatory Knowledge: Professional experience with federal, state, and local environmental laws, regulations, policies, and procedures affecting transportation or large infrastructure projects.

Knowledge of ESA Section 7 consultation, Clean Water Act, NEPA, ESA, MBTA, MMPA, Washington State Hydraulic Code, SEPA, Shoreline Management Act, and Critical Areas Regulations.

Biological & Fisheries Expertise: Professional knowledge of fish and wildlife habitat management, habitat concerns, and regulatory requirements.

Demonstrated ability to function as an expert on fisheries management, ESA Section 7 requirements, and consultation review processes and to apply advanced knowledge of biological studies, documentation, and policies to support compliance.

• Wetland, Wildlife & ESA: Experience working in environments where wetlands, fisheries, wildlife, or ESA issues are the primary focus. Knowledge of critical resource management plans, 4(d) rules, and Habitat Conservation Plans and the ability to follow agency processes and procedures accurately.
• Communication & Documentation Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills with demonstrated ability to produce clear, concise, thorough, well-organized, and scientifically defensible written products.
• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.

• A valid driver’s license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.
• Ability to pass background checks as required by NMFS and USFWS.

Leadership & Project Management: Experience serving as a Lead Biologist or in a similar role on transportation or large infrastructure projects.

Knowledge of ESA deliverables for WSDOT projects, including schedule, predecessor/successor relationships, costs, and USFWS/NMFS consultation requirements.

• Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history and those required by NMFS and/or USFWS.
• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.

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 Collective Bargaining Agreements.

Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in Chapter 357-28 of the Washington Administrative Code.

• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• 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, 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 telework options for eligible positions.
• Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees 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 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 of 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.