Project Biologist II

Description

 Why Farallon? 

As a 100% employee-owned firm, Farallon is built on shared purpose and long-term commitment. Our people are the reason clients trust us with their most complex environmental challenges—from high-stakes remediation projects to regulatory negotiations that shape communities. When you join Farallon, you join a team of scientists and engineers who take pride in delivering technically sound, defensible, and practical solutions. 

You’ll work alongside industry leaders who are shaping the future of environmental consulting across the West Coast. Your expertise will directly influence project outcomes, client relationships, and the continued growth of our employee-owned firm. 

The Role:  

As a Wetland Scientist & Permitting Specialist, you will be both a field scientist and a regulatory strategist. You’ll conduct wetland delineations, habitat surveys, and ecological assessments while translating your findings into clear, defensible technical documents and permit applications. This is a full-time, exempt, hybrid position out of our Gig Harbor, WA or Seattle, WA office.  

• Conduct wetland delineations, feasibility assessments, and ordinary high-water mark determinations. 
• Perform aquatic and terrestrial habitat surveys, species assessments, and population studies. 
• Organize and lead field research across diverse terrain and weather conditions. 
• Collect, manage, and interpret environmental data, including GIS mapping and Excel datasets. 
• Prepare permit application materials for NEPA/SEPA, Clean Water Act, ESA, Hydraulic Code, SMA/GMA, and other regulatory frameworks. 
• Interpret environmental and construction plans to support project design and compliance. 
• Develop high-quality technical reports and supporting documents using MS Office. 
• Manage projects independently with senior staff support. 
• Mentor junior scientists and project staff. 
• Contribute to a small, collaborative team environment where scientific excellence drives project success. 

Other Duties: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. 

Requirements

 What You’ll Bring 

• BA/BS in biological sciences or a related field. 
• 2–3 years of professional experience, including at least 1 year in consulting. 
• Wetland delineation certification and training in the WA State Wetland Rating System. 
• Strong identification skills for Pacific Northwest plants, fish, wildlife, and habitats. 
• Familiarity with aquatic and coastal environments of the region. 
• Experience with federal, state, and local regulatory requirements. 
• Ability to work long hours in inclement conditions and traverse challenging terrain. 
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills. 
• Effective time management and ability to meet deadlines and budgets. 
• Willingness to travel 20–30% to project sites. 
• Valid State driver’s license and clean driving record.  

Bonus Skills  

• Master’s degree in biological sciences. 
• Project management experience. 
• Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS) certification. 
• GIS/GPS experience. 
• SCUBA certification. 

Owner-Level Benefits 

We believe taking care of our people is the best way to take care of our clients and Farallon is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. 

• Ownership: Participation in our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). 
• Health & Wellness: 100% employer-paid premiums for medical, dental, and vision for employees. 
• Retirement: 401(k) with up to a 4% company match. 
• Time Off: Flexible vacation (10–30 days), 9 paid holidays, and a dedicated paid day for volunteering. 
• Growth: Tuition reimbursement and paid renewals for professional certifications. 

Additional benefits may include life, AD&D, disability benefits, parental leave, voluntary benefits, flexible work options, employee assistance program, spot bonus, charitable donation matches, paid parking or transit, employee referral programs, service recognition awards and a one-time reimbursement for home office setup. 

Pay Range 

Our best estimate of the base salary range for this position is $75,000 - $95,000. Located in the Gig Harbor, WA area.    

Employees are eligible for an annual cash bonus based on firm and individual performance. Actual compensation will depend on experience, education, and internal equity.   

The Fine Print 

Farallon Consulting, L.L.C. is an EEO employer and all qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, genetic information, age (except for bona fide occupational qualifications), sex, pregnancy (including childbirth or related medical conditions), disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, military service, veteran status, participation in EEO-protected activity, or any other status protected by law. 

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. 

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. We are not able to sponsor or assume sponsorship of employment visas. 

Don’t meet every single requirement? We know that women and people of color are less likely to apply unless they meet every qualification. At Farallon, we value diverse perspectives and encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn’t align perfectly. You may be the right candidate for this or other roles.