Environmental Biologist 2

Why it's a great opportunity: In this science-based, field, office, and customer service focused position you will directly impact Pierce County by performing field visits to delineate wetlands, type drainages, and to check for habitat presence. You will play an integral role in analyzing impacts on wetlands and/or fish and wildlife habitats from development, review the work of private consultants, and assist farmers with the permit process, and work on Code revisions. You will be using Bluebeam, GIS based software, the Unified Federal Manual, the Washington State Wetland Rating System for Western Washington, the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region, and other software in the processing, support, and input of development permits. You may also be supporting efforts with the hearing examiner, land use advisory commissions, and other PPW divisions. Along with working out in the field, this position will work at the biologist desk at the Pierce County Development Center supporting customers.

Why it's a great department: PPW stewards a healthy and vibrant community by collaboratively planning and investing in our people, infrastructure, systems, and policies. PPW’s team has more than 800 members that collaborate, innovate and inspire in performing essential services to the community. The department is responsible for the County road and levee systems, sewer systems, airports, ferries, building permits, environmental review, sustainability, community planning, and code enforcement - just to name a few!
 
Learn more about Planning and Public Works here.

How to be successful in the role: This position requires you to establish strong working relationships with customers, County staff, elected officials, and internal and external stakeholder groups. The ability to identify plants and habitat areas, learn and interpret Code, and provide excellent customer service will help you succeed in this role.

Your future in this role: You will have access to professional development through robust online learning and other training opportunities throughout your career to ensure your success. This position has multiple career growth and promotional opportunities in Pierce County to build on a great career while directly impacting the communities in Pierce County.

Core daily responsibilities:

• Conduct site visits to determine or verify the presence of wetlands and identify the wetland categories.
• Prepare, review and analyze more complex wetland delineation reports, including problem and disturbed area wetlands (including formal plats, large lots, commercial, forest, etc.)
• Verify wetland delineation on-site, including complicated delineation conducted on problem or disturbed area sites.
• Analyze the proposed development activity in relation to its impact on the wetlands.
• Prepare and review proposed mitigation plans in relation to their ability to protect wetlands from development.
• Provide input and direction to consultants on preparation of wetland delineations, wetland delineation reports or non-compensatory wetland mitigation reports. Monitor consultants or contractors who are performing related work for Pierce County.
• Delineate wetlands, and prepares wetland delineation documentation in accordance with federal, state and local guidelines and procedures.

A classification description with a more detailed list of essential functions can be found here.

• Additional education may substitute for the recruiting requirements.
• Three years of related work experience, including a minimum of one year experience delineating wetlands using the Unified Federal Manual and preparing wetland reports is required.
• Graduation from a four-year college or university with a degree in botany, biology, environmental studies, fisheries, soil science, wildlife biology or a related field.
• A resume and cover letter are required for this position. 
• A valid driver’s license is required.

As a condition of employment, the applicant will need to authorize and complete a background check. Information received from the background check is reviewed case-by-case and will not necessarily remove an applicant from consideration.

To be considered for this opportunity please:

• Complete and submit a detailed online Pierce County Employment Application by selecting “APPLY” above or visiting www.piercecountywa.gov/jobs.
• If you have questions about this opportunity, email the Recruitment Team at [email protected] and include the job number and title.
• Individuals who need accommodation in the application or interview process may contact Human Resources at (253) 798-7480 at least two days prior to the need.
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship.

Our Recruitment Practices: This is a competitive and meritorious selection process. Pierce County applications are reviewed by human hiring staff in accordance with the qualifications listed for the position. Pierce County understands applicants may use AI tools when preparing application materials. We recognize these tools can make the process easier; however, we ask that everything you submit genuinely reflects your own experience, skills, knowledge, and writing style.

During the interview process, you may be asked to demonstrate your skills, including writing and subject knowledge, and to speak to your experience in your own voice. Applicants should be prepared to respond to interview questions without relying on AI-generated responses or reading prepared answers from a screen. Any misrepresentation may result in disqualification or separation.

Applicants whose qualifications most closely align with the County’s needs will be eligible for further consideration. Notification of application status typically occurs within two to three weeks after the closing date. Some applicants may receive short notice to participate in additional selection steps, which may include assessments, phone screens, or interviews.

Upon offer, compensation is based on a range of job-related factors, including the requirements of the role, your skills and experience, and internal pay equity.

Our Welcoming Workplace Commitment: Pierce County is committed to fostering a Welcoming Workplace where employees are supported, respected, and able to thrive. We believe a strong public workforce is representative of the community it serves and that fair and just access to opportunity strengthens public service.

Guided by the County Executive’s Forward Together mission, Pierce County works to build communities that are safe, welcoming, and connected. This same commitment shapes how we recruit, develop, and retain our employees. County employees make a direct and visible impact in the lives of residents every day, and we invite you to join us in helping keep Pierce County a place people are proud to call home.