Wetland Scientist
Mid to Senior Level – BS Required
Details
Soundview Consultants LLC is seeking qualified and self-motivated talent to add to our team. Applicants must have several years of experience in Western WA delineating and assessing critical areas (wetlands, streams, shorelines) and prior experience with a consulting firm. Utilizing excellent verbal and written communication, the applicant will provide a cover letter revealing the reasons for applying for this position. They will be well-organized, have a professional demeanor, and work diligently in a collaborative team environment. This position is considered primarily a field position split with office responsibilities covering all major counties in Western WA with the majority of fieldwork being in Snohomish, King and Northern Pierce Counties. Your base office will be located in one of our remote Seattle locations while our main office is in Gig Harbor, WA. Occasional work in the Gig Harbor office may be required.
About Us
SVC is a well-respected environmental consulting firm focused primarily on natural resource assessments, environmental planning and permitting, and compliance services for projects with an aquatic regulatory nexus. We specialize in both marine and land use issues; site planning and project design; project coordination; permitting and management; marine, wetland, and stream ecology; habitat restoration; wetland, stream, and eelgrass delineations and assessments; benthic surveys; underwater and terrestrial monitoring programs as well as mitigation planning. At SVC, we provide innovative and practical solutions for our client’s complex needs.
Our scientists work with many of the Pacific Northwest’s leading companies, public entities, and regulatory agencies with a notably high level of success in achieving client goals and project entitlements. We have achieved this success while maintaining an exciting and positive workplace environment in a unique historic waterfront setting in Gig Harbor and remote office locations in the Puget Sound area.
We offer competitive pay with bonuses and provide a comprehensive benefits package to our full-time employees which includes medical, dental, PTO, LTD, a retirement savings plan and continued education opportunities.
Job Responsibilities
- Knowledgeably conduct wetland delineations, ordinary high water (OHW) delineations, monitoring studies, and wetland, shoreline, 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 understanding of the project goal and technical expertise
- 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 team-work 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.)
- Prepare maps using GIS and related technology showing experience and skills using technology
- Prove orientation skills when on large job sites showing skills and ability to complete work based on measurements and cardinal direction
- Draft wetland assessment reporting and other reporting elements showing excellent scientific writing and consistency
- Researching code and background information and sharing findings demonstrating analysis abilities
- Maintain collaborative and positive relationships
- Ability to work independently
Job Qualifications
- Minimum BS degree in Wetland Science, Plant/Soil Science, and/or related scientific disciplines
- Minimum of 3 years and/or numerous projects of experience in wetland delineations and related fish and wildlife habitat assessments
- Prior consulting employment experience
- PWS certification optional
- Valid WA State Driver’s License
- Insured and dependable personal transportation for a variety of road surfaces and with field supply storage
- Ability to navigate through rough terrain and dense vegetation
- 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, regional assessment methods
- Possess 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
- Required to keep a professional manner in all aspects and with all clients, regulatory personnel, and other professionals
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Aptitude to perform with fast paced demands and high challenges
- Ability to work independently as well as part of an effective team assisting and supporting team members
- 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.
Job Type: Full-time
Experience:
- Consulting: 2 years (Preferred)
- Western WA: 2 years (Preferred)
- Wetland Delineation: 3 years (Required)
- Plant ID: 3 years (Required)
Education:
- Bachelor’s (Required)
Location:
- Greater Seattle Area, WA (Preferred)
License:
- Driver’s License (Required)
Language:
- English (Required)
Candidates must be able to provide project experience and examples of scientific writing performed. Please provide your cover letter and resume.
SVC is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.