Biology Lead (TPS4)

About the Department

About WSDOT

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal agency with a global reputation for excellence. Our dedicated workforce plans, designs, builds, and operates an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 20,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, manages the world's longest floating bridge, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

The Opportunity

WSDOT is currently seeking a Transportation Planning Specialist 4 to join the Northwest Region (NWR) Environmental team that protects Washington’s environment and communities as part of operating and improving the state transportation system. The NWR Environmental team works closely with all transportation partners, users, and diverse communities to protect and improve the environment through its policy development, technical support and training, and leadership in sustainability and resiliency. This lead position supports the agency’s mission, strategic plan goal areas, and safety of the traveling public by serving as a regional leader in biology. The candidate will provide guidance to regional biologists through mentoring and active engagement related to biological analysis, documentation, and mitigation requirements for WSDOT in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. The candidate’s deliverables and services support compliance with environmental regulations including Clean Water Act, National Environmental Policy Act, Endangered Species Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Marine Mammal Protection Act, Washington State Hydraulic Code, State Environmental Policy Act, Shoreline Management Act, local Critical Areas ordinances, WSDOT policies, procedures, and guidelines. This lead position is responsible for planning and conducting advanced transportation studies which require guiding project biologists with analyses and recommendations for biological and aquatic resource impact assessments, mitigation deliverables, and services required to support compliance with environmental regulations, as well as other biology lead work as needed to accomplish agency goals and minimize potential impacts from WSDOT’s actions.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Biology Lead will:

• Develop the NWR’s biological policies and processes to support compliance with federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations and ensure implementation of these policies and procedures with region biology staff.
• Proactively identify and resolve emerging or ongoing biology policy and procedural issues.
• Coordinate biology deliverables and services with engineers and others in the NWR, NWR Landscape Architecture, and/or other regions and WSDOT headquarters to ensure effective timing and information sharing and efficient use of resources.
• Provide direction, oversight and technical review of biology analysis and documentation; plan, coordinate, perform and direct appropriate and safe fish execution work. 
• Perform or assist biologists with wetland delineations, collect data, and conduct desktop and field environmental analysis. 
• Provide guidance on wetland mitigation planning and deliverables and wetland credit tracking and development.
• Maintain familiarity with and proficiency in the production and oversight of biological and aquatic resources impact assessments, mitigation deliverables and services required to comply with relevant environmental laws and regulations.
• Supports emergency projects and time-sensitive operational needs, including travel to duty station or field sites to address emergent issues within a 3-hour response window.

Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:

• Biological Research: Demonstrated ability to conduct research and assess ecological conditions. 
• Biological Knowledge: Advanced knowledge and application of biological principles, methods, and practices on fieldwork analysis, report writing for delineating and characterizing wetlands, vegetation, and fish and wildlife species. Ability to identify and interpret aquatic and terrestrial habitats necessary for species in the state of Washington. Ability to apply biological concepts to evaluate environmental impacts, conduct sampling and interpret scientific data.
• Environmental Regulatory Expertise: Demonstrated professional knowledge of federal, state, and local environmental laws, regulations, policies, and procedures affecting transportation or large infrastructure projects. Ability to apply this knowledge to ensure compliance across project planning, design, construction, and maintenance.
• Biological and Ecological Expertise: Possesses advanced and expert knowledge of fish, wildlife, terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, threatened and endangered species life histories, and ecological processes. Ability to apply this expertise to conduct biological studies, documentation, monitoring, and compliance activities that support transportation projects. Able to identify hydric soils, associated plants, and delineate wetlands. 
• Technical Analysis and Scientific Method: Applies scientific methods for data collection, collation, analysis, and presentation. Uses advanced biological and ecological knowledge to assess environmental impacts and develop technical reports, including Biological Assessments, with accuracy and clarity.
• Communication and Stakeholder Engagement: Communicates complex technical information effectively to diverse audiences, including internal teams, external stakeholders, and regulatory agencies.
• Project and Work Management: Demonstrates the ability to prioritize, plan, and manage multiple assignments in a fast-paced environment.
• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.

In addition, the following are required:

• A valid driver’s license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.  
• Must have or be able to acquire within six months of hire: Applied Electrofishing Principles and Practices (BIO 407B) Certification and credentials as a directing biologist for the purposes of fish handling. 
• Must be qualified or able to become qualified at the next available training to be a qualified WSDOT Biological Assessment (BA) author. 
• Ability to report to the assigned duty station within three hours.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

• Leadership in Environmental Compliance: Demonstrated experience as a Lead Biologist or in a similar leadership role on transportation or large infrastructure projects.
• Wetland Training: Have advanced training and skills to perform and guide wetland delineations. 

Important Notes 

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• In addition to the salary range listed, a general wage increase of 2% will be applied for all state employees on July 1, 2026, upon legislative approval.
• To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the “Contact Us” section of this posting.
• The salary listed includes the legislative approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County. 
• In addition to base salary, employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type, duties, or location of the position. For union-represented positions, more information on other forms of compensation can be found in the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements. Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in Chapter 357-28 of the Washington Administrative Code. 
• WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.

Why WSDOT 

• Work-Life Balance – We offer flexible work schedules that allow you time for your life outside of this excellent opportunity.
• Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees may earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year!
• Tuition Assistance – Permanent employees have several options for assistance with education expenses, including tuition reimbursement programs, government discounts at participating colleges throughout the state, and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness.  
• Plan For Your Future – WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options. Employees also have a choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information. 

Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?

How to Apply

Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine salary. Therefore, it is very important that the “Work Experience” portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible. 

In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application:

• An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
• An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
• Contact details for a minimum of three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. This information can be entered in the “References” section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment. 

Please click the "APPLY" button to proceed. Note that you will be prompted to either sign in or create an account. This step is required in order to submit an application to this opportunity.

WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. All persons, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/ or gender identity, are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the recruiter listed.

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, Amanda Strebeck, at [email protected]. Please be sure to reference Biology Lead #11172 in the subject line.

Benefits

More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note:  If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits. 

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS).  New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs.  For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP).  This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays 
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday. 

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave 
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave. 

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.  

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave 
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026

Supplemental Questions

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Agency Information

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View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504 Website http://www.careers.wa.gov