Terrestrial Biologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Wetland Scientist & Permitting Specialist (Mid-Level)

Location: Gig Harbor, WA

Status: Full-Time, Hybrid

Why Farallon?

Farallon is a 100% employee-owned firm where collaboration, technical excellence, and shared purpose drive everything we do. You’ll join a team of scientists and engineers tackling high-stakes environmental challenges across the West Coast, from remediation and stormwater management to major litigation support. With Reliability, Ownership, and Integrity at our core, your contributions directly shape our collective success.

The Role: Science That Shapes the Landscape

As a Wetland Scientist & Permitting Specialist, you will be both a field scientist and a regulatory strategist. You’ll conduct wetland delineations, habitat surveys, and ecological assessments while translating your findings into clear, defensible technical documents and permit applications.

Lead in the Field

• Conduct wetland delineations, feasibility assessments, and ordinary high-water mark determinations.
• Perform aquatic and terrestrial habitat surveys, species assessments, and population studies.
• Organize and lead field research across diverse terrain and weather conditions.
• Collect, manage, and interpret environmental data, including GIS mapping and Excel datasets.

Guide Regulatory Compliance

• Prepare permit application materials for NEPA/SEPA, Clean Water Act, ESA, Hydraulic Code, SMA/GMA, and other regulatory frameworks.
• Interpret environmental and construction plans to support project design and compliance.
• Develop high-quality technical reports and supporting documents using MS Office.

Collaborate & Elevate

• Manage projects independently with senior staff support.
• Mentor junior scientists and project staff.
• Contribute to a small, collaborative team environment where scientific excellence drives project success.

Other Duties: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

What You’ll Bring

• BA/BS in biological sciences or a related field.
• 2–3 years of professional experience, including at least 1 year in consulting.
• Wetland delineation certification and training in the WA State Wetland Rating System.
• Strong identification skills for Pacific Northwest plants, fish, wildlife, and habitats.
• Familiarity with aquatic and coastal environments of the region.
• Experience with federal, state, and local regulatory requirements.
• Ability to work long hours in inclement conditions and traverse challenging terrain.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Effective time management and ability to meet deadlines and budgets.
• Willingness to travel 20–30% to project sites.
• Valid State driver’s license and clean driving record.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in biological sciences.
• Project management experience.
• Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS) certification.
• GIS/GPS experience.
• SCUBA certification.

Owner-Level Benefits

We believe taking care of our people is the best way to take care of our clients and Farallon is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees.

Ownership: Participation in our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).

Health & Wellness: 100% employer-paid premiums for medical, dental, and vision for employees.

Retirement: 401(k) and Roth options with up to a 4% company match.

Time Off: Flexible vacation (10–30 days), 9 paid holidays, and a dedicated paid day for volunteering.

Growth: Tuition reimbursement and paid renewals for professional certifications.

Additional benefits may include life, AD&D, disability benefits, parental leave, voluntary benefits, flexible work options, employee assistance program, spot bonus, charitable donation matches, paid parking or transit, employee referral programs, service recognition awards and a one-time reimbursement for home office setup.

Pay Range

Our best estimate of the base salary range for this position is $85,000– $105,000. Compensation offered will be based on a variety of individual factors, including education and experience, as well as internal equity. Salary ranges are reviewed annually, and employees are eligible for pay increases based on individual performance.

The Fine Print

Farallon is an EEO employer and all qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, genetic information, age (except for bona fide occupational qualifications), sex, pregnancy (including childbirth or a related medical condition), disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, military leave or service, status as a disabled veteran or other covered veteran status, participation in EEO protected activity, any other status protected by federal, state, or local law, or association with a person on the basis of one or more of the foregoing.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer. We are not able to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

Don’t meet every single requirement for the role? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every qualification. At Grette Associates, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles with our firm.