Wetland Scientist - Permitting Specialist

AKS Engineering & Forestry$70K — $95K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in wetland ecology, environmental science, or related field.
  • 5+ years of experience in critical area delineation in Washington.
  • Strong knowledge of federal and state regulatory compliance processes.
  • Proven ability to prepare technical reports and land use documentation.
  • Experience in project scope, budgeting, and proposal development.
  • Direct engagement experience with regulatory agencies.
  • Strong communication skills.

Responsibilities

  • Conduct wetland delineations, habitat assessments, and ecological fieldwork.
  • Prepare technical documentation such as reports and assessments.
  • Develop and submit permit applications including JARPA and Mitigation Plans.
  • Collaborate with project teams across various disciplines for integrated project strategies.
  • Engage with regulatory agencies to ensure compliance and secure necessary permits.
  • Manage project scopes, budgets, and schedules effectively.
  • Contribute to proposals and maintain ongoing client communications.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to lead and innovate in the field of wetland science.
  • Collaborative work environment with diverse project teams.
  • Engagement with regulatory agencies and public/private sector projects.
  • Chance to own projects from inception to completion.
  • Professional development through exposure to a range of ecological consulting activities.
Full Job Description
We9re looking for an experienced Senior Wetland Scientist to lead our natural resources work in Washington. 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 you9re passionate about wetland science, ecological consulting, and managing projects from start to finish while collaborating across disciplines, you9ll thrive in this role and help us continue growing our environmental practice.
What You9ll Do
  • 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.
Who You Are
  • Bachelor9s or Master9s 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 4Do what needs to be done4 mindset, taking ownership beyond assigned tasks and stepping in wherever needed to keep projects, teams, and customers supported and running smoothly.
Nice to Have
  • 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.

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