Wetland Permitting Specialist - Environmental Planner 3 - Permanent - 2026-00744

Full Job Description

Title- Wetland Permitting Specialist

Classification- Environmental Planner 3

Job Status- Full-Time - Permanent
WDFW Program- Capital Asset Management Program (CAMP)
Duty Station- Olympia, Washington – Thurston County

Hybrid/Telework- The selected candidate may be able to telework up to 2 days per week at the discretion of the supervisor.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Photo Caption: Spears Pond – Photo Credit: WDFW

Play a critical part in advancing construction and capital projects by delivering the wetland science and regulatory support required to secure environmental permits.

Through hands-on fieldwork, technical analysis, and close coordination with permitting teams and regulatory agencies, the position ensures wetland impacts are accurately assessed, mitigation strategies are developed, and compliance requirements are met.

What to Expect-

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Wetland Permitting Specialist will,

Guide wetland delineations, mapping, rating, report writing, and mitigation requirements for CAMP projects:

Assist lead permitting staff in environmental tasks in work areas:

Prepare additional supporting permit documents for policy and regulatory compliance:

Working Conditions:

Work setting, including hazards:

Schedule: Typically, Monday – Friday from 8:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M., 40 hours per week. Workload may require additional hours and adjusting work schedule to meet business needs.

In weeks without field work, the schedule typically consists of 3 days in the office and 2 days of teleworking. A flexible work schedule may be considered, subject to supervisory approval.

Travel Requirements: Travel throughout the state for fieldwork will be required, including long field days and overnight stays are likely. Travel may occur on weekends in rare circumstances.

Travel throughout the state to attend training, meetings, and conferences. Agency vehicles will be provided and per diem is earned.

Tools and Equipment: Pickup trucks, computer hardware and software, cell phone/iPad, Arrow GPS unit, Field Maps, ArcGIS Pro/Online, field sampling equipment including a shovel, turbidity meter, pH meter, conductivity meter, and fish removal equipment.

Customer Interactions: Interact with the public while accessing work areas may occur.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

Please Note: Professional experience in wetland science, habitat management or research, natural resource planning, or equivalent field may be substituted for the required education on a year-by-year basis.

Option 1:

An Associate’s degree with an emphasis/specialty in wetland science, natural resource science, water resource management, environmental science, environmental policy, or related field.

And

Four (4) years of professional experience in wetland science, natural resource planning, federal, state, and local permitting, or equivalent field.

Option 2:

A Bachelor’s degree in wetland science, natural resource science, water resource management, environmental science, environmental policy, or equivalent field.
And

Two (2) years of professional experience in wetland science, natural resource planning, federal, state, and local permitting, or equivalent field.

Certifications/Licenses:

Valid Driver’s License.

Preferred Qualifications:

In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess one or more of the following:

Knowledge Competencies:

• Western and Eastern Washington wetland plant identification
• Western and Eastern Washington wetland rating
• Data processing and analysis using Esri ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, and Field Map
• Vegetative surveys and monitoring
• Hydric soil identification
• Ordinary High Water Mark (OHWM) identification and delineation
• Aquatic species protection methodology and implementation

Skill and Ability Competencies:

• Scientific/technical report writing and review
• Code, law, and regulation research and interpretation
• Field work techniques and safety
• Field data collection, entry, and analysis

Your application must include the following:

• A completed online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
• An up-to-date resume.
• A cover letter detailing your interest in the position, your relevant skills and experience, and why you are the ideal candidate.
• At least three professional references with current contact information.

• Writing Exercise: Candidates selected for an interview will be asked to complete a job-related writing exercise. This exercise will involve reviewing provided field notes and data sheets and then providing a scientific writing sample describing site conditions and wetland characteristics.

Additional Information

In addition to pay and other special employee programs, there are other benefits that WDFW employees may be eligible for. Click the “Benefits” tab at the top of this announcement to learn more.

Important Note:

All new employees must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9 Form) on their first day of work.

If hired for this or any position at WDFW, you will be required to provide documentation proving you are eligible to work in the United States.

For a list of acceptable documents, please use the following link: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents

Union - WAFWP:

This position is in the bargaining unit represented by the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Professionals and is subject to the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the State of Washington, Department of Fish & Wildlife, and the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Professionals.

Veteran and Military Spouse Preference Notice:

Per RCW 73.16.010 Veterans and qualifying spouses who meet the minimum qualifications of a position are eligible for preference during the initial application review stage. To receive this benefit, please do the following:

• Notify us of your veteran or military spouse status by email at Elizabeth.Bullard@dfw.wa.gov.
• Veterans only – Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22 or USDVA signed verification of service letter.
  • Please redact any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers.
• Subject line must include recruitment number, position, and spouse/veteran (example: 2024-1234 – Biologist 1 – Veteran)
• Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer

As part of WDFW’s efforts to advance respectful and inclusive work environments, the Agency expects inclusivity as part of our professional interactions and communications.

Therefore, we want to ensure that all individuals feel welcome, are treated fairly and respectfully.

All staff are empowered to fully contribute to serving their work unit, Agency, and the citizens of Washington.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife is an equal opportunity employer.

We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity.

Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.

Request an accommodation: Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format please contact Jayme Chase by phone 360-902-2278 or email Jayme.Chase@dfw.wa.gov, or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 800-833-6388.

Technical Difficulties: If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or support@neogov.com.

Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to Elizabeth.Bullard@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2026-00744.

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