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

About the Department

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!

Photo Caption: Snoqualmie Wildlife Area – Photo Credit: 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:

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.

Other Qualifications

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 [email protected].
• 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 [email protected], 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 [email protected]. 

Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to [email protected] and reference job #2026-08839.

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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