Wetland Scientist & Permitting Lead - WA Projects

AKS Engineering & Forestry; Vancouver (WA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

AKS Engineering & Forestry is seeking an experienced environmental professional to lead critical area delineations, permitting, and ecological fieldwork across public and private sector projects in the Pacific Northwest.

The role involves developing technical reports, coordinating with agencies, and preparing JARPA/HPA-related documents while managing budgets, scopes, and schedules. Collaboration across disciplines and mentoring field crews are expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in wetland/forest ecology, environmental science, biology, soils, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience performing critical area delineations in Washington State, from pre-field to final reports.
• Strong knowledge of federal and WA Ecology/FW regulatory processes and JARPA/HPA applications.
• Experience preparing technical and local jurisdiction land-use docs (biological assessments, mitigations, monitoring, shoreline docs).
• Experience developing scopes, budgets, schedules and proposals; engaging with regulatory agencies.

Responsibilities

• Perform wetland delineations, OHW determinations, habitat assessments, and related fieldwork primarily in Washington, with some Oregon work.
• Prepare delineation reports, wetland ratings, mitigation and monitoring reports, and biological assessments.
• Develop and submit permit applications (USACE/ECY JARPA) and related plans.
• Collaborate with project managers, engineers, planners, and other specialists on design and permitting strategies.
• Engage with local, state, and federal agencies to secure permits and ensure compliance.
• Manage project scopes, budgets, and schedules; support proposals and client communications.

Skills

Wetland delineation

Regulatory compliance

Project management

Technical reporting

Agency coordination

Education

Bachelor's in wetland ecology/environmental science

Master's in related field (preferred)

Tools

ArcGIS

MS Office

Job description

At AKS, we are growing and building for the future. We bring together multidisciplined experts across the land development, energy, and infrastructure markets to take on bigger challenges and deliver solutions that make a real difference. Our teams combine creativity, technical excellence, and a collaborative, hands-on approach to solve complex problems and deliver results our clients and communities can count on. We take pride in our work and our ability to provide opportunities for our teams, support each other’s growth, and look ahead to what’s next. When you join AKS, you will find opportunities to take ownership of meaningful projects, learn, lead, and make an impact from day one.

This is an exciting opportunity to take ownership of critical area delineation, permitting, and ecological fieldwork across a wide range of public and private sector projects. If you’re passionate about wetland science, ecological consulting, and managing projects from start to finish while collaborating across disciplines, you’ll thrive in this role and help us continue growing our environmental practice.

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.
• 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?

At AKS, we believe your work should support your life, not the other way around. Here's what you can count on when you join our team:

• Meaningful Growth: Whether you're just starting out or looking to advance, we offer hands-on training, mentorship, and clear paths for professional development so you can grow with purpose.
• Real Collaboration: Join a team that brings diverse perspectives together to solve complex challenges with creativity, curiosity, and a shared commitment to quality.
• Respect for Your Time: We value work-life balance and offer generous PTO and a supportive environment that helps you manage both personal and professional responsibilities.
• Benefits That Care: You’ll have access to health coverage that supports your total well-being, plus a 401(k) match, paid holidays, and more resources to help you thrive.
• Weekly Team Lunches: Take a break and recharge with your teammates, we believe food brings people together.
• Culture That Connects: We invest in experiences that build strong teams and strong communities.
• A Place People Love to Work: We’ve been named one of the Top Workplaces year after year.

Join us and be part of a team that values your contributions, celebrates initiative, and is committed to doing things the right way for our employees, clients, and communities.