Wetland Scientist - Permitting Specialist

AKS Engineering & Forestry, LLC•Vancouver, WA

About The Position

This is an exciting opportunity to take ownership of critical area delineation, permitting, and ecological fieldwork across a wide range of public and private sector projects. If you’re passionate about wetland science, ecological consulting, and managing projects from start to finish while collaborating across disciplines, you’ll thrive in this role and help us continue growing our environmental practice.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in wetland or forest ecology, environmental science/biology, botany, soils, or similar related science.
A minimum of 5-years of experience independently conducting critical area delineations in Washington State, from management of pre-field tasks to final report preparation.
Strong understanding of federal and Washington State Department of Ecology and Fish and Wildlife regulatory compliance processes and preparation of JARPA and HPA Applications.
Significant experience preparing technical and local jurisdiction land use documentation, such as biological assessments, critical area mitigation/restoration plans, monitoring reports, shoreline compliance documents, and critical area delineation reports.
Experience preparing scope, budgets, schedules, and proposals.
Experience independently engaging with regulatory agencies to achieve permitting compliance.
Strong communication skills.
You have a "Do what needs to be done" mindset, taking ownership beyond assigned tasks and stepping in wherever needed to keep projects, teams, and customers supported and running smoothly.

Nice To Haves

Professional certification (PWS or WPIT).
Background in mentoring junior team members or leading field crews.
Expertise in Pacific Northwest botany.
Prior experience with river restoration or mitigation site monitoring.
Familiarity with proposal development and project budgeting.

Responsibilities

Conduct wetland delineations, OHW determinations, priority habitat assessments, and related fieldwork—primarily in Washington, with occasional work in Oregon.
Prepare clear and defensible technical documentation including delineation reports, wetland ratings, mitigation and monitoring reports, and biological assessments.
Develop and submit USACE/ECY JARPA permit applications. Mitigation Bank Use Plans, and/or Compensatory Mitigation Plans.
Collaborate with AKS project managers, civil engineers, planners, landscape architects, and arborists on integrated project design and permitting strategies.
Engage directly with local, state, and federal regulatory agencies to ensure compliance and secure permits.
Manage project scopes, budgets, and schedules while contributing to proposals and client communications.