Supervisory Wildlife Biologist (State Director)
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
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Project Biologist (TPS3)
State of Washington
Dept. of Transportation
Location
Washington, 98504
Salary
$75,045 - $100,951
per year
Type
Full-Time
More Science & Research jobs →Closes
April 10, 2026
SES Pay Grade
Base salary range: $147,649 - $221,900
Typical requirements: Executive-level leadership experience. Senior executive qualifications required.
Note: Actual salary includes locality pay (15-40%+ depending on location).
Job Description
Summary
This job involves working as a biologist for Washington's transportation department, where you'll study plants, animals, wetlands, and water systems to ensure road and bridge projects follow environmental laws.
You'll conduct field surveys, prepare reports, and suggest ways to protect wildlife during construction.
It's a great fit for someone with strong biology skills who enjoys fieldwork and helping balance infrastructure needs with nature conservation.
Key Requirements
- Advanced knowledge of biological principles, methods, and practices for fieldwork and analysis
- Experience preparing technical biological documents, including wetland delineations, endangered species assessments, and mitigation plans
- Ability to independently conduct onsite surveys such as wetland delineations, stream assessments, and habitat evaluations for threatened species
- Skills in identifying and evaluating environmental impacts of transportation projects and recommending avoidance or minimization strategies
- Proficiency in developing mitigation options and plans for unavoidable impacts to protected habitats and species
- Familiarity with federal, state, and local environmental regulations, including Endangered Species Act, Clean Water Act, and Migratory Bird Treaty Act
Full Job 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 manages the world's longest floating bridge, leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds the record for the world’s widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!
The Opportunity
WSDOT’s Northwest Region Development Team is currently seeking an experienced Transportation Planning Specialist 3 Project Biologist to serve as an interdisciplinary technical and regulatory expert, based in Seattle, Washington.
This is a project delivery focused position that supports the Region’s preservation, safety, and improvement programs.
In this role you will plan and conduct advanced transportation studies focused on biological and aquatic resources, supporting project design, construction, and post-construction activities to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
The Project Biologist also acts as an environmental representative for projects, guiding scoping, design, construction, and post-construction efforts to meet the documentation and permitting requirements of the Endangered Species Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Clean Water Act, Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, and other applicable ecological regulations.
What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Project Biologist will:
- Independently prepare, plan, conduct, document, and report results of scientific studies of aquatic and terrestrial systems, wetlands, plants, and animal communities in compliance with all federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations consistent with WSDOT's mission goals, policies, and procedures.
- Independently prepare all technical biological documents assigned related to terrestrial and aquatic systems, wetlands, plants, and animal communities including wetland delineations, endangered species biological assessment, mitigation documents, and other biology documents.
- Independently identify and evaluate environmental effects of highway features, construction methods, and operating procedures of transportation facilities; Work with WSDOT project teams to recommend strategies for avoiding and minimizing impacts to protected habitats and species.
- Independently develop mitigation options, plans, and documents proposals to address unavoidable project impacts to protected habitats and species.
- Perform fieldwork in support of project construction and post-construction.
- Review project design plans and contracts for consistency with environmental permit conditions and environmental commitments.
Independently conduct onsite wetland delineations, watermark delineations (OHWM, MHHW, HTL, etc.), wetland and stream functional assessments and other biological surveys and studies including assessment of habitat and potential effects to threatened and endangered species, and jurisdictional ditch surveys.
Identify plant species necessary to properly delineate wetlands in western Washington.
Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following competencies are required:
Biological Knowledge: Advanced knowledge and application of biological principles, methods, and practices on fieldwork analysis, report writing for delineating and characterizing wetlands, vegetation, and fish and wildlife species.
Ability 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, conduct sampling and interpret scientific data.
In addition to the above, the following are also required:
- A valid driver’s license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.
- Ability to traverse irregular and steep terrain, safely wade and work in creeks and rivers, and walk long distances carrying field gear.
- Ability to lift and transport up to 50 pounds of various material and equipment.
- Currently possess an applied Electrofishing Principles and Practices (BIO 407B) Certification from WDFW, USFWS, and NOAA, or ability to obtain in the first six (6) months of employment.
- Have passed the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers approved Wetland Delineation Training Course and a Washington State Department of Ecology certified course on the 2014 revision of the WA State Wetland Rating System in Western WA, or ability to pass in the first six (6) months of employment.
- Currently a Qualified WSDOT Biological Assessment (BA) author, or ability to become qualified at the next available training.
It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:
- Field-Based Environmental Assessments and Delineations: Proficiency conducting or reviewing wetland delineations, ordinary high-water mark determinations, and other field-based regulatory assessments.
- GIS and Spatial Analysis for Biological and Habitat Assessment: Applied experience with GIS or spatial analysis tools for biological and habitat assessment.
- Regulatory & Interagency Coordination: Experience coordinating with regulatory agencies such as USFWS, NMFS, WDFW, Ecology, Tribal partners, or local jurisdictions on biological and habitat issues.
Important Notes
- This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
- This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
- The salary listed includes the legislative approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County.
- Travel is an expectation of the position and may be required on a regular, sporadic, or as needed basis to complete field studies with Subject Matter Expert’s (SME), construction compliance audits, and delineation of sensitive areas.
- 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 www.uscis.gov.
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.
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 State Benefits for 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 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 www.uscis.gov.
Contact Us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at alyssa.nastasi@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-NWR-10147 in the subject line.
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