Senior Wetland Scientist

Mt. Vernon, WA

Soundview Consultants is a well-respected Environmental Consulting Firm with 15 years serving our clients and communities. Our offices located in Gig Harbor and Mt. Vernon,Washington are focused primarily on natural resources assessments, environmental planning, permitting, and compliance services for projects with an aquatic regulatory nexus.

SVC specializes in both marine and land use issues; site planning, project design, project coordination, regulatory permitting, project planning management; marine, wetland, and stream ecology; habitat restoration; wetland, stream, tree, and eelgrass delineations and assessments; benthic surveys; underwater and terrestrial-monitoring programs, mitigation planning, landscape architecture, and arborist services.

Soundview Consultants has an exciting opportunity for a full-time Senior Wetland Scientist to join our growing team! Here at SVC, we give you the flexibility to take care of yourself. We offer a hybrid work environment for team members working both from our offices and remote opportunities to focus on results and take time off when needed. The candidate will have a home office in Mt. Vernon, Washington. Some schedule options may look like: 5×8’s 4x 10’s, or 4x 9’s with a remote half day on Fridays. And your weekends are always YOURS!

We work intentionally to assume the positive intentions of each team member in support of the necessary work demands. We value our culture and team that we have built here and are currently accepting resumes of high-quality contributors who want to grow their career alongside our team! If this sounds like you, explore this opportunity and apply today!

This position is perfect for a qualified Wetland Scientist with Several years of experience with critical area delineations (wetlands, streams, shorelines). Can demonstrate excellent written communication by providing well-prepared technical reports. Information is well-organized, with a professional display, and shows proven diligent capabilities. In this role, you will have a combination of fieldwork and in-office responsibilities covering the greater Puget Sound area in the realm of natural resources management.

Typical Duties:

Knowledgeably conduct local and regional assignments including but not limited to wetland delineations, ordinary high water (OHW) delineations, monitoring studies, mitigation wetland, shoreline, streams, and fish and wildlife habitat assessments in accordance with current protocols (i.e., soil, hydrology, vegetation inventory, and plant identifications);

Experience in accurately completing field reconnaissance and investigations/assessments, including data element collection, photo documentation, and determination with an understanding of the project goal and technical expertise;

Provide technical expertise on wetland and water identification, delineation, and jurisdictional status based on the interpretation of current regulations and guidance. Assess and categorize wetland functions using both the 2004 and 2014 Washington State Wetland Rating Systems;

Classify wetlands with the hydrogeomorphic and Cowardin classification systems;

Show forethought in mobilization efforts for site visits and site meetings, indicating teamwork and regulatory relationship respect;

Review background information for projects with critical thinking and understanding of the bigger picture (i.e., Topo maps, Google Earth maps, National Wetland Inventory maps, Salmonscape maps: etc.);

Use orientation skills when on large job sites to complete work based on measurements and cardinal direction;

Draft and prepare technical writing tasks such as wetland assessment reports and other reporting elements showing excellent scientific writing and consistency;

Researching code and background information and sharing findings demonstrating analysis abilities, propose mitigation measures for impacts to wetlands and water resources;

Ability to work independently as an engaged member of our team;

Maintain collaborative and positive relationships, perform other duties as needed, and adhere to Company Policies and Employee Handbook is required.

Skills and Experience:

• BS degree in Biology, Ecology, Natural or Environmental Sciences, or related field;
• Minimum 6 years of experience in wetlands, streams, and biological systems;
• PWS certification preferred although not required;
• Valid WA State Driver’s License;
• Ability to navigate through rough terrain and dense vegetation in all weather conditions;
• Demonstrated experience performing routine and atypical wetland delineations using the USACE Manual and Regional Supplement(s) and identifying wetlands;
• Experience with appropriate supplementary wetland training, ordinary high-water determinations, biological assessments, and regional assessment methods;
• Possess the ability to organize multi-project information and responsibilities;
• Identification knowledge of Washington plant species;
• Experience making hydric soil determinations;
• Competency with Microsoft Office software is required including document preparation;
• Proficiency using GIS and GPS preferred;
• Experience professionally engaging with clients and regulatory personnel is a plus;
• Aptitude to perform with fast-paced demands and high challenges;
• Additional skills and experience that are useful but not required are: site planning, SEPA/NEPA process and policy, ESA assessments and policy, SMA and GMA policy, freshwater and/or marine ecology, wetland and stream restoration as well as mitigation design, groundwater monitoring, in-water permitting, diving and benthic surveys, etc.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Read, write, and speak English at an expert level.

Benefits Associated:

• Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, Group Life Insurance, and Long-Term Disability;
• 401K with 3% Company contribution;
• PTO (Paid Time Off);
• Paid company holidays;
• EAP (Employee Assistance Program);
• ERP (Employee Referral Program),
• Company Social Gatherings,
• Flexible and Hybrid work opportunities; and
• Flexible and Hybrid work opportunities; and
• Career Development Courses.
• Compensation:
• Depending on relative experience, knowledge, and skills.
• Eligible for bi-annual bonusing based on performance.
• $80,000- $130,000

Successful candidates will be required to complete an application and a background criminal check to be completed by Trinity Consultants.