Staff Environmental Scientist or Biologist

Location: Seattle, WA  |  Metro: Seattle, Tacoma, or Redmond  |  Type: Full Time  |  Department: Natural Resources Group

As a Staff Environmental Scientists you would be responsible for executing key activities and project-related deliverables within their discipline. You will be a collaborator on multi-disciplinary teams working on public and private-sector projects in the Pacific Northwest, with most of your work occurring in Puget Sound. The typical project work involves wetland identification and mitigation, critical areas assessments, stream and river assessment and restoration, fish passage assessment and planning, and environmental documentation to support project permitting. Routine responsibilities may include coordination of and participation in field wetland delineations/critical areas assessments and site monitoring including vegetation, culvert and groundwater monitoring, project management, client-relationship support, report writing and proposal writing. Participation in supporting our River Engineering team with stream habitat assessments and permitting assistance is highly encouraged. Duties may vary based on project-specific requirements.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Gather and analyze publicly available maps and databases of geology, LiDAR, soils, streams, fish use, passage barriers, wetlands, floodplains/frequently flooded areas and other documented sensitive and priority habitats and priority/listed species at the project site and in the project vicinity.
  • In freshwater systems: conduct ordinary high-water mark (OHWM) delineations, wetland delineations, habitat surveys, fish passage surveys, and assist with geomorphic assessments.
  • In marine systems: conduct OHWM delineations, high tide line assessments, wetland delineations, habitat surveys, eelgrass delineations, and forage fish surveys.
  • Assist in developing reports documenting instream and riparian habitat including stream geomorphology.
  • Assist in developing plans and reports related to instream fish habitat and passage improvements, including culvert or bridge replacements, bank or levee repair, utility crossings, channel and riparian habitat enhancement, floodplain connectivity improvements, and stormwater upgrades.
  • Conduct wetland delineations and prepare delineation reports in accordance with USACE manuals.
  • Use Global Positioning System (GPS) technology to document the location of critical features identified at field sites.
  • Rate wetlands using the WA State Department of Ecology Wetland Rating Systems and prepare rating exhibits using GIS.
  • Assist in preparation of critical areas reports, impacts assessments, and mitigation plans.
  • Assist in preparing Floodplain Habitat Assessments and Biological Evaluations/ Assessments for Endangered Species Act consultation.
  • Complete permit applications and supporting documentation (e.g., SEPA/NEPA, Shoreline Master Program, JARPA, HPA). 
  • Work with contractors during construction to ensure project implementation fulfills design and permit requirements.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Environmental Science, Watershed Science or equivalent. 
  • Coursework in fisheries science, soils, and wetland science preferred.
  • Knowledge and experience with Pacific Northwest native plants and wildlife preferred.
  • Experience with ArcGIS Pro software and GPS technology preferred.
  • Understanding of/familiarity with environmental regulations at the local, state, and federal levels preferred.
  • Strong verbal and written communication and problem-solving skills. 
  • Ability to consistently meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced work environment.
  • Valid driver’s license.
  • One year of driving experience in the United States. Consideration will be provided for international driving experience.

Physical Requirements/Work Environment

  • All candidates are subject to completing a background check, and reference check.
  • All candidates are required to participate in our medical surveillance program.
  • Ability to perform a wide range of physical activities and do heavy work including exerting up to 50 pounds of force on occasion.
  • Able to perform consistent work on a PC.
  • Ability to travel for short-term and long-term assignments as needed. Travel will typically not exceed 10%. 
  • All employees are responsible for conducting their work in a safe manner. This includes identifying potential safety hazards and reporting them to the designated project manager in a timely manner and participating in project safety briefings. This also includes wearing appropriate safety equipment when working in the field and completing all required health & safety training prior to beginning field work.

Our best estimate of the salary range for this role, located in Seattle and Redmond, WA, is $59,500 – $80,500 annually. Our best estimate of the salary range for this role, located in Tacoma, WA, is $57,700 – $78,100 annually. Compensation offered will be based on a variety of individual factors, including education and experience, as well as internal equity. GeoEngineers’ salary ranges are reviewed and updated each year and employees are eligible for pay increases based on individual performance. As part of our competitive total rewards package, employees in this role may also be eligible for our annual year-end bonus offering, subject to program eligibility requirements.

At GeoEngineers, investing in our people is a top priority. In addition to competitive and equitable pay, we are proud to offer a wide range of benefits to support employees and their families, including healthcare (with travel benefit for care not locally available), 401(k) with company match, short-term and long-term disability, life insurance, wellbeing benefits, paid vacation and sick time and paid holidays, among others. View our full listing of benefits here.

Our Commitment to Belonging at GeoEngineers

When people feel they can bring their whole selves to work, that they have a voice and are supported and respected, it creates trust and a feeling of belonging— employees then flourish, grow their careers, and do the best work of their lives. A culture of belonging allows our employees to thrive and our company to prosper. This is a journey, and we are committed to doing the work, learning and evolving as we go.

GeoEngineers is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances.

GeoEngineers is also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. If you need special assistance or accommodation while seeking employment, please contact Human Resources at hr@geoengineers.com or by phone at (425) 861-6000. We will then make a determination regarding your request for reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis.

We welcome and encourage individuals from all backgrounds and experiences to apply for openings on our team. We would love for you to join us!

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