Wetland Permitting Specialist - Environmental Planner 3 - Permanent - 2026-08839

State of Washington•Thurston County – Olympia, WA

9d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Wetland Permitting Specialist is an Environmental Planner 3 in the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Capital and Asset Management Program. Based in Olympia, Washington, the position provides wetland science and regulatory support for construction and capital projects so environmental permits can be secured. The work includes field investigations, technical analysis, preparation of permit-supporting documents, and coordination with agency staff and regulatory partners to assess wetland impacts, develop mitigation strategies, and meet compliance requirements. The position guides wetland delineations, mapping, rating, reporting, and mitigation work for program projects. It conducts fieldwork across Washington, assesses soils, vegetation, and hydrology, prepares data and rating forms, and drafts delineation reports and mitigation plans. The role also supports lead permitting staff with aquatic species work and water-quality sampling, coordinates with planning personnel and other state departments, prepares biological and other regulatory documents, and maintains knowledge of environmental regulations. Work is divided between an office and construction or field sites, including in-water work. Field conditions may include inclement weather, uneven or slippery terrain, mud, steep slopes, ladders, boats, and elevated locations. Statewide field travel in an agency vehicle is required; long field days and overnight stays are likely, and weekend travel may occur rarely. The typical schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., 40 hours per week, with additional hours or schedule adjustments possible to meet business needs. A flexible schedule may be considered with supervisory approval. The selected candidate may be able to telework up to two days per week at the supervisor’s discretion.

Requirements

Meet one of the following qualification pathways: an associate’s degree with an emphasis or specialty in wetland science, natural resource science, water resource management, environmental science, environmental policy, or a related field, plus four years of professional experience in wetland science, natural resource planning, federal, state, and local permitting, or an equivalent field; a bachelor’s or master’s degree in one of those subjects or an equivalent field, plus two years of such professional experience; or two years of experience as an Environmental Planner 2.
Professional experience in wetland science, habitat management or research, natural resource planning, or an equivalent field may substitute for the required education on a year-for-year basis.
Valid driver’s license.
Ability to work in office, construction, and field settings, including in-water work and challenging terrain and weather conditions.
Ability to travel throughout Washington for fieldwork, including long field days and likely overnight stays.

Nice To Haves

Experience with the Washington Tool for Online Rating (WATOR).
Knowledge of wetland plant identification in Western and Eastern Washington.
Knowledge of wetland rating in Western and Eastern Washington.
Knowledge of data processing and analysis using Esri ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, and Field Maps.
Knowledge of vegetative surveys and monitoring.
Knowledge of hydric soil identification.
Knowledge of Ordinary High Water Mark (OHWM) identification and delineation.
Knowledge of aquatic species protection methodology and implementation.
Skill in scientific and technical report writing and review.
Skill in researching and interpreting codes, laws, and regulations.
Skill in fieldwork techniques and safety.
Skill in field data collection, entry, and analysis.

Responsibilities

Develop, plan, and coordinate activities for wetland delineation preparation on Capital and Asset Management Program projects.
Research, analyze, and record project-site data.
Conduct statewide fieldwork for wetland delineations using an Arrow GPS unit and iPad with Field Maps.
Analyze soils, vegetation, and hydrology at project sites.
Complete data forms and wetland rating forms during and after field activities.
Draft, prepare, and submit wetland delineation reports and mitigation plans for permit application packages.
Determine consultant eligibility to perform agency work and recommend qualified consultants for state planning.
Assist lead permitting staff with environmental tasks, including seining, sampling, and removal of aquatic species from active construction areas.
Conduct water-quality sampling, including pH, turbidity, and dissolved oxygen, and collect other site samples as needed.
Coordinate with WDFW planning personnel and other state departments to identify site constraints, local requirements, and wetland delineation requirements.
Prepare Biological Assessments and Evaluations, Habitat Management Plans, Mitigation Plans, and other biological documents required for permitting.
Maintain knowledge of current environmental regulations.