Wetland Permitting Specialist – Environmental Planner 3 – Permanent – 2026-08839

Title- Wetland Permitting Specialist
Classification- Environmental Planner 3
Job Status- Full-Time/Permanent
WDFW Program- Capital and Asset Management Program (CAMP)
Duty Station- Olympia, Washington – Thurston County
Hybrid/Telework- The selected candidate may be able to telework up to two days per week at the discretion of the supervisor.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Play a critical part in advancing construction and capital projects by delivering the wetland science and regulatory support required to secure environmental permits.

Through hands-on fieldwork, technical analysis, and close coordination with permitting teams and regulatory agencies, the position ensures wetland impacts are accurately assessed, mitigation strategies are developed, and compliance requirements are met.

What to Expect:
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Wetland Permitting Specialist will,

Guide wetland delineations, mapping, rating, report writing, and mitigation requirements for CAMP projects:

• Develop, plan, and coordinate activities associated with wetland delineation preparation. Research, analyze, and record data about the project site.
• Perform fieldwork for wetland delineations throughout the state using an Arrow GPS unit and iPad with Field Maps. Analyze soils, vegetation, and hydrology on site.
• Complete data forms and wetland rating forms during and after field activities.
• Draft, prepare, and submit wetland delineation reports and mitigation plans for the preparation of permit Application packages.
• Determine eligibility of consultants to perform work for the agency and recommend the selection of those qualified for state planning.

Assist lead permitting staff with environmental tasks in work areas:

• Perform seining, sampling, and removal of aquatic species from active construction areas.
• Perform water quality sampling including pH, turbidity, and dissolved oxygen, or other site samples.

Prepare additional supporting permit documents for policy and regulatory compliance:

• Serve as a technical liaison while coordinating with planning personnel in WDFW and other state departments to determine site constraints, local requirements, and wetland delineation requirements for projects.
• Prepare Biological Assessments and Evaluations, Habitat Management Plans, Mitigation Plans, and other biological documents required for permitting.
• Maintain knowledge of current environmental regulations.

Working Conditions:

Work Setting, including hazards: Duties are performed in an office setting and at construction and field sites, including in-water work which requires adhering to safety protocol and utilizing personal protective equipment (PPE). Work in inclement weather, walk on uneven terrain including slippery footing, mud, steep slopes, and other challenging field conditions for extended periods. Climb ladders, work from boats, and from elevated locations. This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.

Schedule: Typically, 40 hours per week, Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Workload may require additional hours, and the work schedule may require adjustments to meet business needs. A flexible work schedule may be considered, subject to supervisory approval.

Travel Requirements: Travel throughout the state using an agency-provided vehicle for fieldwork will be required, with long field days and overnight stays likely to occur. Travel may occur on weekends in rare circumstances. Additional travel throughout the state to attend training, meetings, and conferences may occur.

Tools and Equipment: Pickup trucks, computer hardware and software, cell phone/iPad, Arrow GPS unit, Field Maps, ArcGIS Pro/Online, and field sampling equipment (including a shovel, turbidity meter, pH meter, conductivity meter, and fish removal equipment).

Customer Interactions: May interact with members of the public while accessing work areas or attending public meetings/hearings.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

Professional experience in wetland science, habitat management or research, natural resource planning, or an equivalent field may be substituted for the required education on a year-by-year basis.

Option 1:

• An Associate’s degree with an emphasis/specialty in wetland science, natural resource science, water resource management, environmental science, environmental policy, or a related field.
  And
• Four (4) years of professional experience in wetland science, natural resource planning, federal, state, and local permitting, or an equivalent field.

Option 2:

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in wetland science, natural resource science, water resource management, environmental science, environmental policy, or an equivalent field.
  And
• Two (2) years of professional experience in wetland science, natural resource planning, federal, state, and local permitting, or an equivalent field.

Option 3:

• Two (2) years of experience as an Environmental Planner 2.

Certifications/Licenses:
Valid Driver’s License.

Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:

Experience with:

• The Washington Tool for Online Rating (WATOR).

Knowledge Competencies:

• Western and Eastern Washington wetland plant identification.
• Western and Eastern Washington Wetland Rating.
• Data processing and analysis using Esri ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, and Field Maps.
• Vegetative surveys and monitoring.
• Hydric soil identification.
• Ordinary High Water Mark (OHWM) identification and delineation.
• Aquatic species protection methodology and implementation.

Skill and Ability Competencies:

• Scientific/technical report writing and review.
• Code, law, and regulation research and interpretation.
• Field work techniques and safety.
• Field data collection, entry, and analysis.

Your application must include the following:

• A completed online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
• An up-to-date resume.
• A cover letter detailing your interest in the position, your relevant skills and experience, and why you are the ideal candidate.
• At least three professional references with current contact information.
• Writing Exercise: Candidates selected for an interview will be asked to complete a job-related writing exercise. This exercise will involve reviewing provided field notes and data sheets and then providing a scientific writing sample describing site conditions and wetland characteristics.

Supplemental Information

In addition to pay and other special employee programs, there are other benefits that WDFW employees may be eligible for. Click the “Benefits” tab at the top of this announcement to learn more.

Important Note: 

All new employees must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9 Form) on their first day of work. If hired for this or any position at WDFW, you will be required to provide documentation proving you are eligible to work in the United States. For a list of acceptable documents, please use the following link: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents

Union – WAFWP:

This position is in the bargaining unit represented by the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Professionals and is subject to the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the State of Washington, Department of Fish & Wildlife, and the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Professionals.

Veteran and Military Spouse Preference Notice: 

Per RCW 73.16.010 Veterans and qualifying spouses who meet the minimum qualifications of a position are eligible for preference during the initial application review stage. To receive this benefit, please do the following: 

• Notify us of your veteran or military spouse status by email at danielle.gustafson@dfw.wa.gov.
• Veterans only – Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22 or USDVA signed verification of service letter.
  • Please redact any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers.
• Subject line must include recruitment number, position, and spouse/veteran (example: 2026-1234 – Biologist 1 – Veteran)
• Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer

As part of WDFW’s efforts to advance respectful and inclusive work environments, the Agency expects inclusivity as part of our professional interactions and communications. Therefore, we want to ensure that all individuals feel welcome, are treated fairly and respectfully. All staff are empowered to fully contribute to serving their work unit, Agency, and the citizens of Washington.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.

Request an accommodation: Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format please contact Jayme Chase by phone 360-902-2278 or email Jayme.Chase@dfw.wa.gov, or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 800-833-6388.

Technical Difficulties: If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or support@neogov.com. 

Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to danielle.gustafson@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2026-08839.

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