Wetland Scientist - Permitting Specialist

What You’ll Do

• Conduct wetland delineations, OHW determinations, priority habitat assessments, and related fieldwork—primarily in Washington, with occasional work in Oregon.
• Prepare clear and defensible technical documentation including delineation reports, wetland ratings, mitigation and monitoring reports, and biological assessments.
• Develop and submit USACE/ECY JARPA permit applications. Mitigation Bank Use Plans, and/or Compensatory Mitigation Plans.
• Collaborate with AKS project managers, civil engineers, planners, landscape architects, and arborists on integrated project design and permitting strategies.
• Engage directly with local, state, and federal regulatory agencies to ensure compliance and secure permits.
• Manage project scopes, budgets, and schedules while contributing to proposals and client communications.

Who You Are

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in wetland or forest ecology, environmental science/biology, botany, soils, or similar related science.
• A minimum of 5-years of experience independently conducting critical area delineations in Washington State, from management of pre-field tasks to final report preparation.
• Strong understanding of federal and Washington State Department of Ecology and Fish and Wildlife regulatory compliance processes and preparation of JARPA and HPA Applications.
• Significant experience preparing technical and local jurisdiction land use documentation, such as biological assessments, critical area mitigation/restoration plans, monitoring reports, shoreline compliance documents, and critical area delineation reports.
• Experience preparing scope, budgets, schedules, and proposals.
• Experience independently engaging with regulatory agencies to achieve permitting compliance.
• Strong communication skills.
• You have a "Do what needs to be done" mindset, taking ownership beyond assigned tasks and stepping in wherever needed to keep projects, teams, and customers supported and running smoothly.

Nice to Have

• Professional certification (PWS or WPIT).
• Background in mentoring junior team members or leading field crews.
• Expertise in Pacific Northwest botany.
• Prior experience with river restoration or mitigation site monitoring.
• Familiarity with proposal development and project budgeting.

Why AKS?

• Meaningful Growth: Hands-on training, mentorship, and clear paths for professional development.
• Real Collaboration: Diverse perspectives to solve complex challenges creatively and collaboratively.
• Respect for Your Time: Generous PTO and supportive environment for work-life balance.
• Benefits That Care: Health coverage, 401(k) match, paid holidays, and more.
• Weekly Team Lunches: Recharge with your teammates.
• Culture That Connects: Experiences that build strong teams and strong communities.
• A Place People Love to Work: Named one of the Top Workplaces year after year.