Fish Passage Environmental Coordinator and Biologist (TPS3)

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 Northwest Region (NWR) Environmental Office has an opportunity for an environmental professional with a strong interest in environmental issues and project delivery. In this position, you will apply your environmental policy and biological experience and training while continuing to develop both the breadth and depth of your professional knowledge through hands-on project delivery and collaboration with WSDOT staff, federal, state, and local agencies, Tribal governments, and the public.

The primary focus of this position is serving as the environmental representative on fish passage and habitat restoration projects, from early concepts through project advertisement, construction, completion, and post-construction monitoring. This is a unique hybrid role, with approximately one-third of the time focused on biological fieldwork and technical analysis, and the remaining time dedicated to project coordination, environmental documentation, and permitting. This position plays a key role in supporting regional ecological stewardship while contributing to environmentally compliant transportation project delivery across the Northwest Region and the state of Washington.

What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Environmental Coordinator and Biologist will:

• Prepare environmental documentation and permit applications to support agency actions and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local environmental regulations, including NEPA, SEPA, and other federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations.
• Identify and evaluate environmental effects of highway features, construction methods, and operating procedures, and work with WSDOT project teams to recommend strategies to avoid or minimize impacts.
• Develop mitigation plans and supporting documentation to address unavoidable project impacts to protected habitats and species.
• Serve as the primary environmental point of contact for design and construction projects, coordinating deliverables, schedules, and budgets with project teams.
• Conduct biological studies including wetland delineations, aquatic and terrestrial surveys, and habitat assessments, and prepare technical reports.
• Review project plans, contracts, and environmental documents to ensure consistency with permit conditions and regulatory requirements.
• Perform fieldwork in diverse conditions, including traversing steep or irregular terrain, working in creeks and rivers, and handling field equipment safely.
• Provide technical support and guidance to project teams, contractors, and consultants, including training peers and assisting with environmental compliance problem-solving.

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

• Applied Environmental and Biological Knowledge: Demonstrated ability to apply knowledge of forest ecology, wetlands, wildlife, fisheries, and stream restoration to transportation scoping, design, construction, maintenance, and operations.
• Communication and Customer Service: Ability to communicate effectively using oral and written communications. Ability to develop healthy, effective working relationships with team members and customers and provide excellent customer service.
• Facilitation and Representation: Ability to facilitate and manage meetings and present materials and information to diverse stakeholder groups. Ability to represent and negotiate for WSDOT across multiple agencies and jurisdictions as assigned.
• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Demonstrates a willingness to take action to meet the needs of others.

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 travel within the region to perform fieldwork.
• Ability to traverse irregular and steep terrain, safely wade and work in creeks and rivers, and walk long distances carrying field gear.
• Ability to manipulate and transport up to 50 pounds of various material and equipment.
• An Applied Electrofishing Principles and Practices (BIO 407B) Certification from WDFW, USFWS, and NOAA, or ability to obtain within six (6) months of employment.
• Ability to pass a 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.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Transportation or Infrastructure Environmental Processes and Deliverables: Knowledge of environmental processes and deliverables required for transportation or other large infrastructure development projects. This knowledge may have been gained through professional experience and/or formal education, Demonstrated ability to analyze complex transportation and environmental issues and support project planning, design, or delivery decisions.
• Project Management and Environmental Compliance: Professional experience in project management, scheduling and budgeting, environmental compliance, contract development, contract review and contract administration.
• Consultant Management: Professional experience in consultant management (scope, schedule, and budget).
• Environmental Construction Compliance: Professional experience in environmental construction compliance.

*To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the Contact Us section of this posting.

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.
• 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 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 mayearn 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 Daisha.Jordan@wsdot.wa.gov . Please be sure to reference 25DOT-NWR-10222 in the subject line.

Salary

• $75,045 - $100,951/year

Benefits

More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026