Description Summary Why it's a great opportunity: In this role you will be assisting a team of Environmental Biologists and other County review staff by providing technical support and advice to the public, performing field visits to delineate wetlands, type drainages, and to check for habitat presence. You will play an integral role in analyzing impacts to wetlands, fish, and wildlife habitats while interacting with developers, reviewing the work of private consultants, assisting farmers with the permit process, and code revisions. Software such as Bluebeam and other similar software will assist in analysis, decisions, and reporting.
Along with working in the field, this position may work at the "Biologist of the day" desk at the Pierce County Development Center interacting and guiding other teams and the public. Why it's a great department: PPW stewards a healthy and vibrant community by collaboratively planning and investing in our people, infrastructure, systems, and policies. PPW's team has more than 800 members that collaborate, innovate and inspire in performing essential services to the community.
The department is responsible for the County road and levee systems, sewer systems, airports, ferries, building permits, environmental review, sustainability, community planning, and code enforcement - just to name a few. Learn more about Planning and Public Works here. How to be successful in the role: Your success will come from having great communication skills, collaboration, being detailed oriented, and providing strategic leadership.
Solving complex issues, listening to others, and relaying clear direction back to our customers will ensure your success in this role. Your future in this role: You will have access to professional development through robust online learning and other training opportunities throughout your career to ensure your success. This position has multiple career growth and promotional opportunities in Pierce County to build on a great career while directly impacting the communities in Pierce County.
Core daily responsibilities: Maintain effective communication with county departments and staff to facilitate and ensure adherence to policies and procedures. Supervise and coordinate activities of a designated unit; determine work procedures, prepare work schedules and determine methods for expediting workflow; assign, review and approve the work of subordinate staff. Ensure consistent interpretation related to land use and environmental laws, rules, policies and procedures.
Investigate grievances involving subordinates and recommend resolution; recommend promotional and disciplinary actions; approve leave requests, and overtime; assure adequate coverage during staff absences. Conduct performance evaluations and develop performance measures and standards. Draft and review related County regulations, ordinance and rules.
Conduct office and field studies and assess the potential impacts of construction or other activities on natural resources. A classification description with a more detailed list of essential functions can be found here. Minimum Qualifications Additional education may substitute for the recruiting requirements.
Five years of experience working with complex environmental issues, with One year experience in a leadership or supervisory role, including A minimum of one year experience delineating wetlands using the Unified Federal Manual and preparing wetland reports is required. Graduation from a four-year college or university with a degree in botany, biology environmental studies, fisheries, soil science, wildlife biology or a related field. A resume and cover letter are required for this position.
A valid driver's license is required. As a condition of employment, the applicant will need to authorize and complete a background check. Information received from the background check is reviewed case-by-case and will not necessarily remove an applicant from consideration.
Supplemental Information To be considered for this opportunity please: Complete and submit a detailed online Pierce County Employment Application by selecting "APPLY" above or go to: www.piercecountywa.org/jobs. If you have a question about this opportunity, please email the Recruitment Team at PCHRRecruit@piercecountywa.gov and specify the Job Number and Title. If you do not have internet access, you may visit your local public library or any WorkSource location and use their computers
Individuals needing accommodation in the application, testing process or need this job announcement in an alternative format may call Human Resources at (253) 798-7480, at least two days prior to the need. This is a competitive selection process. Your application will be reviewed and evaluated for the quality and quantity of education/experience in the areas listed.
Applicants whose qualifications most closely correspond to the County's needs will be eligible for further consideration. Notification of application status normally occurs 2 to 3 weeks after the closing date. Short notice may be given to applicants to participate in further selection processes which may include assessments, phone screen, and interviews.
Pierce County is committed to fostering a Welcoming Workplace where employees are supported, respected, and able to thrive. We believe a strong public workforce is representative of the community it serves and that fair and just access to opportunity strengthens public service. Guided by the County Executive's Forward Together mission, Pierce County works to build communities that are safe, welcoming, and connected.
This same commitment shapes how we recruit, develop, and retain our employees. County employees make a direct and visible impact in the lives of residents every day, and we invite you to join us in helping keep Pierce County a place people are proud to call home. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.