Senior Scientist

Westland Resources; Gig Harbor (WA); Hybrid; USD 104,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare benefits

401k matching

Flexible work schedules

Remote/hybrid possibilities

PTO

Job summary

Trinity Consultants seeks a Senior Scientist to deliver advanced biological expertise in resource assessment, field studies, data analysis, and regulatory compliance. The role leads complex surveys, mentors field staff, develops technical documents, and communicates findings to clients, regulators, and tribal representatives.

The position may be based in Gig Harbor or Mount Vernon. The ideal candidate holds a biology degree (advanced degree preferred) with 10+ years in biological surveys, strong

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a biological field required.
• Advanced degree preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in biological surveys, inventories, and analyses.
• Experience with regulatory processes and technical writing.
• Field experience in the Pacific Northwest desirable.
• Strong writing and communication skills for regulators and clients.
• Knowledge of ESA, NEPA, and CWA regulations.
• Ability to lead and mentor field staff.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct literature reviews and prepare technical memoranda and reports.
• Perform field surveys and maintain defensible records.
• Lead and train field crews; ensure safety compliance.
• Manage datasets and conduct advanced analyses.
• Prepare permitting documents, mitigation plans, and evaluations.
• Stay current on regulatory developments and communicate to teams.
• Support staff training and business development activities.
• Build relationships with agencies, tribes, clients, and stakeholders.
• Communicate findings to clients and regulators; provide technical support.
• Perform additional related duties as assigned.

Skills

Biological field surveys

Statistical analysis

Technical writing

Team leadership

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in biology

Advanced degree

Tools

Statistical software

Job description

Founded in Dallas in 1974, Trinity Consultants has grown from a small air quality firm into a global environmental consulting leader with 2,800+ experts worldwide. We deliver holistic expertise across natural environmental, people, and building technology environments - blending deep scientific knowledge with a culture that genuinely supports the people who do the work. Built on a foundation of transparency, empowerment, and professional growth, our team embodies integrity in every engagement. We reward creative problem-solving, entrepreneurial spirit, and mastery of technical skills which creates an environment where talent thrives and clients succeed. Whether serving clients across environmental consulting, water & ecology, built environment, or life sciences, we unify rigorous science with conscious innovation. It's a culture that nurtures collaboration, values inclusion, and drives meaningful results.

Trinity Consultants is adding a Senior Scientist to our Northwest team! The Senior Scientist provides advanced technical and scientific expertise in biological resource assessment, field studies, data analysis, environmental permitting, and regulatory compliance. This role leads complex biological surveys and analyses, oversees and mentors field staff, develops and reviews technical and regulatory documents, and communicates scientific findings to clients, regulatory agencies, and tribal representatives. The Senior Scientist also contributes to departmental technical standards, staff development, resource planning, and business development while serving as a subject-matter expert on biological and environmental matters. This position may be based out of either our Gig Harbor or Mount Vernon offices.

What will I be doing?

• Conduct literature reviews and research to support project needs; summarize findings and prepare technical memoranda, reports, and other scientific deliverables.
• Perform reconnaissance and species-specific field surveys; prepare field notes, maps, and other documentation to ensure accurate and defensible records of observations.
• Lead, manage, and train field crews in survey protocols, data collection, documentation, and reporting while ensuring compliance with applicable safety procedures.
• Manage biological datasets, conduct advanced statistical analyses, and prepare clear and technically sound documentation of results.
• Develop, review, and support the preparation of biological permitting and compliance documents, including conservation measures, mitigation plans, biological assessments, and technical evaluations.
• Maintain current knowledge of relevant scientific literature, regulatory programs, and permitting strategies, and communicate regulatory and technical developments to project teams.
• Support departmental initiatives, including staff training and mentorship, development and implementation of standardized protocols, resource planning, and business development activities.
• Build and maintain collaborative, professional relationships with regulatory agencies, tribal representatives, clients, and other project stakeholders.
• Communicate with clients and regulatory agencies regarding scientific findings, methodologies, and conclusions, and provide technical support to address questions and support scientific findings.
• Perform additional related duties as assigned.

What qualifications are required for this role?

• Bachelor's degree in a biological field-oriented program required.
• Advanced degree preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in biological resource surveys, inventories, and analyses preferred.
• Demonstrated record of technical publications and regulatory experience.
• Field experience in the Pacific Northwest is highly desirable
• Demonstrated excellence in technical writing and communication, with the ability to present complex scientific information to regulatory, technical, client, and other professional audiences.
• Advanced knowledge of statistical methods, data analysis, and the design and implementation of large-scale biological field studies.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, manage, train, and mentor field staff.
• Strong working knowledge of applicable federal and state environmental regulations and permitting requirements, including the Endangered Species Act (ESA), National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and Clean Water Act (CWA).
• Strong organizational, project management, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work independently.

The wage range for this position is $104,000 – $120,000 depending on education and experience.

What does Trinity offer you?

• Comprehensive benefits package: 9 paid holidays, healthcare benefits, PTO, and 401k matching for full-time employees. Flexible work schedules and remote/hybrid possibilities for most roles.
• Multidisciplinary environment: Unique, creative, and challenging projects where you can develop your vision of clientele and work with industry leaders daily.
• Success-oriented environment: Two-way mentorship, financial incentives to publish work, tuition reimbursement, and a career path structure to help you reach the next steps in your career.
• Collaborative work environment: Clear and frequent communication, shared information and ideas across teams, and a welcoming atmosphere for everyone.

Trinity is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity or gender expression, national origin, disability, or veteran status. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment background checks.