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Posted: March 2, 2026 (1 day ago)

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Wetland Monitoring Lead (TPS 3)

State of Washington

Dept. of Transportation

Fresh

Location

Washington, 98504

Salary

$71,472 - $96,144

per year

Type

Closes

March 16, 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 leading efforts to monitor wetlands across Washington State to ensure transportation projects comply with environmental rules, including collecting data on plants, water, soil, and wildlife, analyzing it, and writing reports for regulators.

A good fit would be someone with a background in biology or environmental science who enjoys fieldwork, has strong attention to detail for data handling, and can work independently while training others.

It's ideal for professionals passionate about protecting natural habitats while supporting infrastructure development.

Key Requirements

  • Independently plan and conduct wetland monitoring using scientific and regulatory methods
  • Perform assessments of wetlands, aquatic, and riparian systems
  • Accurately identify native and non-native plant species using field tools like dichotomous keys
  • Interpret environmental permit requirements and produce regulatory documentation
  • Analyze ecological data and prepare technical reports for diverse audiences
  • Use and improve electronic field data collection tools and databases
  • Provide GIS support and update wetland databases

Full Job 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 state.

In addition to maintaining over 18,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT manages the world's longest floating bridge, executes an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds a record for the world's widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!


The Opportunity

WSDOT is currently seeking two motivated Transportation Planning Specialists to serve as Wetland Monitoring Leads based in Tumwater, Washington.

These positions are professional wetland biologists within the Wetland Program of the Biology Branch, housed in the Headquarters Environmental Services Office at the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT).

In this role, you will serve as a key member of the wetland monitoring team, providing expert biological and technical support to advance WSDOT’s environmental stewardship efforts.

The position plays a critical role in delivering specialized wetland monitoring services and expertise aligned with the Key Work Activities outlined below.


What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Weland Monitoring Lead will:

  • Plan and conduct statewide wetland mitigation monitoring for permit compliance, including data collection, descriptive statistical analysis, and report preparation.
  • Develop site-specific monitoring plans and select or adapt methods for assessing vegetation, hydrology, soils, wildlife, and habitat.
  • Prepare field notes, monitor reports, and internal memoranda; provide data-driven recommendations for adaptive management of compensatory mitigation sites.
  • Write monitoring reports to document compliance with environmental permits for federal, state, and local regulatory agencies.
  • Participate in GIS workflows and use electronic field data collection systems; provide feedback on the use of electronic forms and data tools.
  • Update site information and monitoring data in the wetland database.
  • Train interns on monitoring methods, electronic data collection tools, and protocols
  • Collaborate on process improvements to enhance data quality, productivity, and efficiency of the monitoring program.


Qualifications

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

  • Wetland Monitoring & Field Methods: Independently plans and conducts wetland monitoring using accepted scientific and regulatory methods.
  • Wetland & Aquatic Ecology Assessment: Performs scientifically sound assessments of wetlands, aquatic, and riparian systems.
  • Botanical Identification: Accurately identifies native and non-native plant species using professional field tools including a dichotomous key.
  • Environmental Compliance & Documentation: Interprets permit requirements and produces clear, defensible regulatory documentation.
  • Data Analysis & Technical Reporting: Analyzes ecological data and communicates results clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Electronic Data Systems: Uses and improves electronic field data collection tools and databases to ensure data quality.
  • GIS & Spatial Data Support: Collaborates on GIS workflows and spatial data needs for wetland and mitigation projects.
  • Team Leadership & Field Supervision: Leads and supports field teams to deliver safe, efficient, high-quality work.
  • Training & Mentorship: Trains and mentors staff and interns in wetland science and monitoring protocols.
  • Cross-Program Collaboration: Coordinates effectively across programs to advance shared environmental objectives.
  • Process Improvement & Problem Solving: Identifies challenges and implements practical, efficiency-focused solutions.
  • Professional Judgment: Applies sound technical judgment and maintains credibility through ongoing learning.
  • Program & Organizational Support: Manages multiple priorities and contributes to broader program operations
  • 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:

Wetland Delineation & Technical Assessment: Demonstrated ability to independently and accurately conduct wetland delineations using standardized, science-based methodologies, including application of federal and state wetland delineation manuals and protocols.

Experience applying techniques obtained through completion of federally or state-recognized wetland delineation training courses to ensure defensible and consistent results.

Wetland Rating & Functional Evaluation: Demonstrated knowledge of and ability to apply the Washington State Wetland Rating System (Eastern or Western Washington) to evaluate wetland functions and values.

Experience using rating results to support permitting decisions, restoration design, mitigation planning, or regulatory compliance activities.


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 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.

  • 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.


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 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 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 listed Recruiter.


Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, Amanda Strebeck, at amanda.strebeck@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference Wetland Monitoring Lead #04151 in the subject line.

Check your resume before applying to catch common mistakes

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Posted on NEOGOV: 3/2/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 3/3/2026

Source: NEOGOV | ID: neogov-washington-5255350