Senior Wetland Scientist

Groundbreaker. Game changer. Pioneer.

TRC has long set the bar for clients who require more than just engineering, combining science with the latest technology to devise innovative solutions that stand the test of time. From pipelines to power plants, roadways to reservoirs, schoolyards to security solutions, clients look to TRC for breakthrough thinking backed by the innovative follow-through of an industry leader.

TRC's professionals work with a broad range of commercial, industrial and government clients and the communities they serve. We deliver breakthrough solutions that address local needs -- so our clients can better succeed in an ever-changing world.

Working at TRC means tackling interesting, meaningful projects. We pride ourselves on our collaborative spirit, entrepreneurial zeal and agile corporate structure. We recognize that the expertise of our staff is our strongest asset, so we generously reward employees for successful performance and invest in their careers through training and the development of new skills and certifications.

Job Description

TRC seeks highly motivated, qualified individuals to join our growing Pacific Northwest Permitting, Planning and Licensing team as a Senior-Level Wetland and Natural Resources Biologist. The successful candidate will be an energetic, flexible project/task lead completing natural resources field surveys and environmental documentation throughout Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and beyond. Our practice is focused on energy generation, power transmission, power storage, utilities infrastructure, and commercial development. You can bring with you an enthusiasm and initiative to expand into markets and services that excite you.

This position will be associated with one of our Pacific Northwest offices (Seattle, WA; Portland, OR; Milwaukie, OR). We currently have an accommodating work schedule environment: Working from a TRC Office or various locations within Washington, Oregon, and Idaho is a possibility. The position will entail short-term and long-term field assignments throughout the Pacific Northwest. The candidate must be willing and physically able to travel and work outdoors in rough and remote terrain under challenging environmental conditions. Opportunities will be available to travel and work on field assignments in other regions of the United States on occasion.

Job Responsibilities:

This person will lead field technicians and junior staff to conduct natural resources field surveys, wetland and waterbody delineations, habitat and noxious weed mapping, and ecological restoration/mitigation projects. The successful candidate will complete data analyses and author technical environmental documentation. This position will also engage with regulatory permitting and consultations.

• 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.
• Work on multiple assignments simultaneously and communicate effectively to deconflict competing priorities and schedule deadlines. Direct team members to do the same.
• 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.
• Mentor and train junior staff on plant identification, soil characterization, species protocol surveys, and aquatic resources assessments as applicable.
• Research local ordinances and state regulations to understand site specific regulatory constraints, allowable uses, and critical areas code requirements.
• Lead wetland delineations and functional assessments based on the USACE 1987 Wetland Delineation Manual, applicable USACE regional supplements, and applicable functional assessment protocols.
• 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 wetland and stream function and value assessments conforming with ODSL and Washington Dept of Ecology standards.
• Conduct or support other biological surveys including vegetation and habitat assessments, and special status fish, wildlife, and plant species.
• Coordinate closely with TRC geographic information system (GIS) staff to prepare required mapping deliverables.
• Author technical reports documenting field findings, impacts assessments, and mitigation requirements.
• Prepare Joint Permit Applications (Oregon) and JARPA (Washington) for state and local wetland and waterbody impacts permitting.
• Identify, design, and implement habitat restoration/mitigation measures to compensate for project environmental impacts.
• Lead or participate in client, agency consultation, and internal team meetings.
• Interface directly with clients, internal team members including subconsultants, regulatory agency staff, and tribal representatives.
• 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.
• Complete company administrative tasks as required.
• Represent TRC at industry functions and public meetings.
• Flexibly to meet project-specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workday or work week.

Basic Qualifications:

• 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.
• Have your Professional Wetland Scientist certification.
• Experience as project/task manager, leading all aspects of projects/tasks from notice to proceed through completion, including team and financial management.
• Excellent analytical reasoning skills and technical writing to identify project constraints, proposed solutions and deconflict project siting.
• 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.
• Demonstrable experience preparing Joint Permit Applications meeting Oregon DSL removal-fill law and USACE Section 404 Clean Water Act requirements.
• Experience with Oregon SFAM and ORWAP assessments.
• Trained in Washington state wetland rating systems.
• Clear and concise technical writing and communication skills are mandatory.
• Able to maintain and grow relationships with clients and regulators.
• 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.
• Maintain a positive attitude and deliver exceptional client service and leadership, while sometimes working under aggressive schedules and with controversial projects.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to a technical and non-technical audience.
• Proficient using the communication technologies, cloud computing, and the Microsoft Office software suite, and field data collection tools (GPS, ESRI Field Maps).
• Able to maintain a positive attitude and deliver exceptional client service and leadership, while sometimes working under aggressive schedules, demanding clients, and controversial projects.
• Familiarity with land development, energy and/or transportation-related projects is preferred.
• Able to travel as needed for project assignments and pursuits.
• Possess a valid driver's license and driving record acceptable to TRC's insurance carrier.

Preferred Qualifications:

Preference will be given to applicants with:

• 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.
• Preference will be given to candidates with a Strong working knowledge of Oregon state and municipal regulations and permitting for power and utilities projects.
• 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).
• 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.
• Experience siting, designing, and implementing restoration/mitigation projects to compensate for impacts to wetlands, waters, and habitat communities.
• Additional skills and experience that are useful but not required are: site planning, NEPA/SEPA process, Shoreline Management policy.

Benefits*: TRC offers a competitive benefit package consisting of:

• Medical, dental, vision, and disability insurance.
• 401k package that includes both traditional and Roth IRA options and Company match.
• Paid time off contingent upon full time or part time status and level of seniority (ranging from 15 to 25 days per year).
• All full-time employees enjoy a minimum of 8 Paid Holidays per year.
• 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.

*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.

Compensation: In accordance with local law, the below salary range is applicable for the job and location associated with this requisition. Compensation will vary based upon experience, education, skill level, geographical location, and other compensable factors.

Other Compensation: Employee may be eligible for participation in the Company's annual Discretionary Bonus Program which is contingent on Company, Business Segment, and Individual performance against Key Performance Indicators which vary by year and employee.

#LI-AN1

TRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. All employment decisions are made based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

The complete job description and application are available on TRC's career site.

TRC accepts applications for this position on an ongoing, rolling basis and reserves the right to cancel this posting at any time.