Senior Wetland Scientist

Description

• Work on multiple assignments simultaneously and communicate effectively to deconflict competing priorities and schedule deadlines. Direct team members to do the same.
• Serve as the technical resource with up-to-date expertise/guidance regarding federal, state (Washington, Oregon), and local regulatory requirements for biological and natural resource protocols, regulations, permitting processes, and common pitfalls.
• With minimal supervision, plan and lead natural resources field surveys, mapping, and impacts assessment evaluations that conform with federal, state, and local manuals and regulatory requirements.
• Lead wetland delineations and functional assessments based on the USACE 1987 Wetland Delineation Manual, applicable USACE regional supplements, and applicable functional assessment protocols.
• Interface directly with clients, internal team members including subconsultants, regulatory agency staff, and tribal representatives.
• Identify, design, and implement habitat restoration/mitigation measures to compensate for project environmental impacts.
• Complete company administrative tasks as required.
• Coordinate closely with TRC geographic information system (GIS) staff to prepare required mapping deliverables.
• Mentor and train junior staff on plant identification, soil characterization, species protocol surveys, and aquatic resources assessments as applicable.
• Represent TRC at industry functions and public meetings.
• Prepare Joint Permit Applications (Oregon) and JARPA (Washington) for state and local wetland and waterbody impacts permitting.
• Conduct fish, wildlife, and plant species assessments in accordance with the requirements of U.S. Endangered Species Act Section 7/10, ODFW, WDFW, and WA DNR.
• Conduct or support other biological surveys including vegetation and habitat assessments, and special status fish, wildlife, and plant species.
• Author technical reports documenting field findings, impacts assessments, and mitigation requirements.
• Lead or participate in client, agency consultation, and internal team meetings.
• Manage project delivery to meet client expectations as well as TRC quality, safety, and financial goals.
• As part of a team, lead and/or assist preparing competitive bid proposals and participate in client/business capture opportunities.
• Conduct wetland and stream function and value assessments conforming with ODSL and Washington Dept of Ecology standards.
• Research local ordinances and state regulations to understand site specific regulatory constraints, allowable uses, and critical areas code requirements.

Requirements

• Experience with Oregon SFAM and ORWAP assessments.
• Additional skills and experience that are useful but not required are: site planning, NEPA/SEPA process, Shoreline Management policy.
• Proficient using the communication technologies, cloud computing, and the Microsoft Office software suite, and field data collection tools (GPS, ESRI Field Maps).
• Preference will be given to candidates with a Strong working knowledge of Oregon state and municipal regulations and permitting for power and utilities projects.
• Flexibly to meet project-specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workday or work week.
• Strong working knowledge to identify Pacific Northwest plant species sufficient to complete wetland delineations, vegetation and noxious weeds surveys, and habitat assessments throughout Oregon and Washington.
• Demonstrated experience performing routine and atypical wetland delineations using the USACE Manual and Regional Supplement(s) to identify, map, and characterize wetlands.
• Able to travel as needed for project assignments and pursuits.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Ecology, Range Science, Botany, Soil Science, Natural Resources, Wildlife Ecology, Aquatic Ecology, Environmental Science, Environmental Policy, or a related field.
• Possess a valid driver's license and driving record acceptable to TRC's insurance carrier.
• Have your Professional Wetland Scientist certification.
• Demonstrable experience preparing Joint Permit Applications meeting Oregon DSL removal-fill law and USACE Section 404 Clean Water Act requirements.
• Experience with federal and state wetland and environmental permitting (401 Water Quality Certification, Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act and Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, etc.). Candidates should have familiarity with key environmental federal and state statutes and regulations including the U.S. Endangered Species Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and Clean Water Act.
• Experience with the Unites States Army Corp of Engineers, Bureau of Land Management, Forest service, Indian Lands, and Fish and Wildlife, and other Federal and State Agencies.
• Preference will also be given to applicants that have experience completing other biological surveys (e.g., aquatic and marine fish survey, marine mammals, eel grass and benthic surveys, in-water work permitting).
• Maintain a positive attitude and deliver exceptional client service and leadership, while sometimes working under aggressive schedules and with controversial projects.
• Able to maintain and grow relationships with clients and regulators.
• Trained in Washington state wetland rating systems.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to a technical and non-technical audience.
• Excellent analytical reasoning skills and technical writing to identify project constraints, proposed solutions and deconflict project siting.
• Able to maintain a positive attitude and deliver exceptional client service and leadership, while sometimes working under aggressive schedules, demanding clients, and controversial projects.
• 10-15+ years of professional experience completing natural resources surveys, waterbody and wetland delineations, stream assessments, and other biological field surveys throughout Oregon and Washington.
• Familiarity with land development, energy and/or transportation-related projects is preferred.
• Experience siting, designing, and implementing restoration/mitigation projects to compensate for impacts to wetlands, waters, and habitat communities.
• Clear and concise technical writing and communication skills are mandatory.
• Experience as project/task manager, leading all aspects of projects/tasks from notice to proceed through completion, including team and financial management.

Benefits

• Paid time off contingent upon full time or part time status and level of seniority (ranging from 15 to 25 days per year).
• 401k package that includes both traditional and Roth IRA options and Company match.
• TRC ensures that all employees, including those that work part-time, receive paid sick, family, and disability leave in accordance with the laws of their state of residence.
• Medical, dental, vision, and disability insurance.
• These benefits are applicable to US employees depending on their employment status (full time, part time, or temporary). TRC offers jurisdiction specific benefit packages for International and Puerto Rico employees.
• All full-time employees enjoy a minimum of 8 Paid Holidays per year.

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance