Environmental Biologist 2

Pierce County • Tacoma, WA

7d • Hybrid

About The Position

In this science-based, field, office, and customer service focused position you will directly impact Pierce County by performing field visits to delineate wetlands, type drainages, and to check for habitat presence. You will play an integral role in analyzing impacts on wetlands and/or fish and wildlife habitats from development, review the work of private consultants, and assist farmers with the permit process, and work on Code revisions. You will be using Bluebeam, GIS based software, the Unified Federal Manual, the Washington State Wetland Rating System for Western Washington, the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region, and other software in the processing, support, and input of development permits. You may also be supporting efforts with the hearing examiner, land use advisory commissions, and other PPW divisions. Along with working out in the field, this position will work at the biologist desk at the Pierce County Development Center supporting customers. PPW stewards a healthy and vibrant community by collaboratively planning and investing in our people, infrastructure, systems, and policies. PPW’s team has more than 800 members that collaborate, innovate and inspire in performing essential services to the community. The department is responsible for the County road and levee systems, sewer systems, airports, ferries, building permits, environmental review, sustainability, community planning, and code enforcement.

Requirements

• Three years of related work experience, including a minimum of one year experience delineating wetlands using the Unified Federal Manual and preparing wetland reports is required.
• Graduation from a four-year college or university with a degree in botany, biology, environmental studies, fisheries, soil science, wildlife biology or a related field.
• A valid driver’s license is required.
• As a condition of employment, the applicant will need to authorize and complete a background check.

Nice To Haves

• Establish strong working relationships with customers, County staff, elected officials, and internal and external stakeholder groups.
• Ability to identify plants and habitat areas.
• Learn and interpret Code.
• Provide excellent customer service.

Responsibilities

• Conduct site visits to determine or verify the presence of wetlands and identify the wetland categories.
• Prepare, review and analyze more complex wetland delineation reports, including problem and disturbed area wetlands (including formal plats, large lots, commercial, forest, etc.)
• Verify wetland delineation on-site, including complicated delineation conducted on problem or disturbed area sites.
• Analyze the proposed development activity in relation to its impact on the wetlands.
• Prepare and review proposed mitigation plans in relation to their ability to protect wetlands from development.
• Provide input and direction to consultants on preparation of wetland delineations, wetland delineation reports or non-compensatory wetland mitigation reports.
• Monitor consultants or contractors who are performing related work for Pierce County.
• Delineate wetlands, and prepares wetland delineation documentation in accordance with federal, state and local guidelines and procedures.

Benefits

• Access to professional development through robust online learning and other training opportunities throughout your career to ensure your success.
• Multiple career growth and promotional opportunities in Pierce County to build on a great career while directly impacting the communities in Pierce County.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level