About WSDOT Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal organization with a global reputation for excellence! Our dedicated workforce is responsible to plan, design, build, and operate an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 18,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT manages the world's longest floating bridge, executes an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds a record for the world's widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!  * * The Opportunity WSDOT is currently seeking two Transportation Planning Specialist 4 positions to fill Endangered Species Act Liaison vacancies. These professional biologists will provide Endangered Species Act (ESA) consultation and technical expertise to WSDOT and the Local Programs Division. The individuals in these roles will independently serve as technical specialists, performing critical program evaluations at National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), and US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) for WSDOT actions. What to Expect Among the varied range of responsibilities held within these roles, the Endangered Species Act Liaisons will:

• Represent Host Agency (USFWS, NMFS).
• Provide technical review for assessing transportation project impacts on threatened and endangered species.
• Serve as a primary author of biological opinions, letters of concurrence, and programmatic approvals.
• Perform ESA Section 7 consultations, reviews, and documentation.
• Facilitate communications of project status and needs to NMFS and USFWS managers and represent NMFS and USFWS at planning/policy meetings as required.
• Organize, manage, and problem-solve complex issues and develop creative solutions.
• Interpret and understand written material, including laws, rules, regulations, policies, guidelines, and research documents.
• Closely coordinate between agencies on early project review and consultation progress. 
• Attend meetings in the office and occasional field or site visits on uneven terrain and sometimes in inclement weather.
• Identify ESA risks on projects and provide guidance and solutions to address.

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

• A bachelor's degree in wildlife science, biology, or related natural resources or environmental sciences-related discipline(s). 
• Two (2) years of professional work experience in wetland, fish, or wildlife biology, threatened and endangered species studies, and ESA Section 7 regulations. 
• Knowledge of fish and wildlife habitat and state and federal regulatory requirements.
• Knowledge of resource management plans and policy, 4(d) rule documents and Habitat Conservation plans.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local government regulations pertaining to wetlands, streams, and other waters of the state.
• Strong skills in plant, wildlife, and habitat identification.
• Experience managing multiple assignments for concurrent projects that are on-time and of high quality.
• Experience working in an environment where wetlands or fisheries, wildlife, or ESA issues were the primary function of the work group.
• The ability to manipulate and transport equipment and materials weighing up to 30 pounds. 
• A valid motor vehicle operator's license prior to the start of work. 
• Must pass background checks performed by US Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

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