Biology Program Lead (TPS4)

About WSDOT

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal organization with a global reputation for excellence! Our dedicated workforce is responsible to plan, design, build, and operate an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 18,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT manages the world's longest floating bridge, executes an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds a record for the world's widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

The Opportunity

WSDOT is currently seeking a Biology Program Lead – Transportation Planning Specialist 4 to join the Environmental and Hydraulics Service Office (EHS) out of Lacey, WA. The Biology Program Lead supervises the Region Biology team within EHS and serves as the Region subject matter expert. They are responsible for planning, organizing and directing the work activities of the team to support project scoping, environmental documentation, acquisition of environmental permits and environmental compliance.

This position directly supports the agency strategic plan and goal areas of 1) Workforce Development, by providing staff a workplace that supports and promotes training and development for professional growth and upward mobility; 2) Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, by creating, influencing, and fostering a physically and psychologically safe workplace where all employees feel that they belong; and 3) Resilience, by ensuring, through effective management controls and adherence to WSDOT policies, that delivery of pre-construction activities for the Olympic Region are administered to the expected quality, safety, and stewardship standards to support Washington’s long-term resilience.  

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Biology Program Lead will:

• Plan, prioritize, assign, and review the work of assigned staff; ensure staff perform assigned job duties timely, accurately, and within established guidelines and communicated expectations.
• Adjust assignments and schedules to maintain adequate staffing levels and respond to fluctuating workloads; coach and mentor employees; assess training needs of staff; provide training and staff development; and provide feedback, and guidance.
• Serve as WSDOT or Olympic Region (OR) representative on technical advisory and interdisciplinary teams to solve complex transportation and environmental challenges.
• Review all levels of environmental documents to ensure biology matters are accurate and mitigation measures comply with regulations, policies and accepted business practices.
• Serve as designated Region approval authority for Endangered Species Act (ESA) affect determinations and compliance matters.
• Cross-walk ESA environmental commitments to related permit documentation.
• Negotiate and coordinate with federal, state and local resource agency staff to assess highway project impacts and develop effective mitigation plans required to acquire environmental permits and approvals.

Field work is performed outdoors in all types of weather conditions during both daytime and nighttime, and requires ability to traverse rough, steep, and uneven terrain.

Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity, one (1) of the following is required:

OR

In addition to one (1) of the above, the following are also required:

• Five (5) years’ experience utilizing knowledge of biology disciplines including wetlands, fishery and wildlife science as they relate to environmental documentation and permits of transportation project design and highway construction practices.
• One (1) year of experience leading or supervising a diverse workforce, with demonstrated leadership abilities to work across boundaries; build and maintain effective teams; coach, mentor, and train; and encourage employee engagement.
• Knowledge and experience with environmental documentation and permits as they relate to project development.
• Demonstrated proficiency and working knowledge of environmental laws, regulations and policies.
• Skills to work independently and prioritize workload to complete multiple work assignments proactively, efficiently and within established deadlines.
• Advanced skills to communicate information effectively and professionally to a diverse audience, including those with non-technical backgrounds, both virtually and in-person, using a variety of electronic media, including, but not limited to telephones, email, text, video conferencing, and computer conferencing.
• Ability to transport, move, and manipulate various types of equipment weighing up to 50 pounds, such as electrofishing equipment.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Proficiency utilizing Geographic Information System (GIS) to analyze and present geographic information and data
• Knowledge and experience with transportation project design and highway construction practices.

Important Notes 

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• Travel is an expectation of the position and may be required on a regular, sporadic, or as needed basis. Overnight travel may be required.
• In addition to base salary, employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type, duties, or location of the position. For union-represented positions, more information on other forms of compensation can be found in the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements. Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in Chapter 357-28 of the Washington Administrative Code.
• WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov. 

Why WSDOT 

• Work-Life Balance – We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals’ lifestyle. As such, there are a number of flexible schedule options available, including telework options for eligible positions.  
• Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees may earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year!
• Tuition Assistance – Permanent employees have several options for assistance with education expenses, including tuition reimbursement programs, government discounts at participating colleges throughout the state, and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness.  
• Plan For Your Future – WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options. Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information. 

Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT? 

How to Apply

Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine salary. Therefore, it is very important that the “Work Experience” portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible. 

In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application:

• An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
• An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications, and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
• Contact details for a minimum three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. This information can be entered in the “References” section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment. 

Please click the "APPLY" button to proceed. Note that you will be prompted to either sign in, or create an account. This step is required in order to submit an application to this opportunity.

WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. All persons, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/ or gender identity, are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter.

WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov. 

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, Alyssa Nastasi, at alyssa.nastasi@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 25DOT-OR-30795 in the subject line. 

Salary : $76,608 - $103,008