Coastal Scientist or Engineer - Staff Level

We are Natural Systems Design, a Washington‑based environmental consulting firm dedicated to understanding, protecting, and restoring aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Founded in 2003, our interdisciplinary team of over 50 employees is located in Seattle, Bellingham, and Port Angeles. Position Summary We are seeking a full‑time Staff‑level Coastal Engineer, Geologist, or Geomorphologist. Staff‑level engineers and scientists typically have 1–5 years of professional experience, and the successful candidate will have strong proficiency and interest in coastal processes analysis, nature‑based solutions, nearshore ecosystems, coasts, estuaries, and developed waterfronts. Position Location (Seattle, Bellingham, or Port Angeles, Washington) General Responsibilities Support site condition assessment, alternative analysis and feasibility studies, and related engineering and scientific investigation for restoration projects. Conduct sea level rise and climate change vulnerability analysis. Support engineering and scientific investigations for restoration project site analysis and related studies. Apply best available science and/or engineering practices to support innovative, cost‑effective approaches and optimal shoreline management solutions that meet project goals. Perform geospatial analysis using ArcGIS and related tools, including acquiring and processing geospatial and remote sensing data (e.g., LiDAR, coastal mapping). Organize data and manage datasets and analyses to be reproducible, clearly documented, and accessible to project teams. Assist in preparing technical reports, figures, and memos that clearly communicate methods, findings, and recommendations. Contribute to the project team by producing high‑quality deliverables on time and within budget, tracking the project schedule, and proactively and clearly communicating status updates to project teams. Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams (engineers, ecologists, landscape architects) to incorporate technical insights into restoration and shoreline projects. Take increasing ownership of discrete project tasks and deliverables, with opportunities to grow into project management and technical leadership. Discipline Specific Responsibilities Engineers Support design and analysis of engineering approaches to restoration and enhancement of natural coastal and estuarine ecosystems using nature‑based approaches. Assist with coastal modeling of existing and proposed conditions, including analysis of observational data and implementation of models and software that includes SWAN, XBeach, and HEC‑RAS. Calculate material, construction, earthwork quantities and impact areas to assist with permitting and cost estimating. Experience with development of project specifications in conformance with client and industry guidelines. Understanding of coastal modeling such as waves and/or sediment transport modeling using Delft3D, SWAN, XBEACH, CMS‑Wave or similar programs. Familiarity with Coastal Engineering Manual and other coastal design guidelines and design standards. Experience in developing design concepts/alternatives in AutoCAD or other drafting software. Geologists or Geomorphologists Support coastal geomorphology analyses, including shoreline change, sediment transport, and erosion/accretion processes in Puget Sound nearshore environments. Conduct fieldwork such as beach profiling, sediment sampling, subsurface soil characterization, and site assessments; assist with organizing and managing field data. Analyze and interpret geomorphic and monitoring data using GIS and other tools to support project evaluations and design. Support development and application of coastal models (e.g., waves, hydrodynamics, sediment transport) under guidance from senior staff. Assist with permitting support by compiling technical information and responding to agency comments. Contribute to literature reviews and stay current on regional coastal processes, sea level rise, and resilience strategies. Experience supporting shoreline restoration, living shorelines, or nature‑based solutions projects. Required Qualifications B.S. in coastal, civil, environmental or ocean engineering; or geology; or directly related discipline. 1 year of professional experience in engineering or coastal geology or related field, including research work. Engineer In Training (EIT) or Geologist In Training (GIT) registration or ability to obtain within one year of employment. Proficiency or interest in coastal restoration design, beach nourishment, inlet processes, and soft‑shore protection. Proficiency with ArcGIS platform for spatial analysis, mapping, and data visualizations. Strong technical writing and communication skills, including ability to develop clear reports and deliver effective presentations to clients and agencies on complex coastal and estuarine topics. Experience or interest in coastal flooding risk analysis and sea level rise resilience and adaptation approaches. Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with experience using data analysis tools (e.g., R, Coastal Engineering Manual, Coastal Engineering Design and Analysis System, Excel spreadsheets, Visual Basic, MATLAB, or other programming languages) to process and interpret datasets. Willingness and ability to conduct site investigation and field measurements at coastal and estuarine sites in varying weather conditions. Valid driver’s license and ability to travel to project sites through the Puget Sound region. Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Preferred Qualifications Advanced degree in coastal, civil, environmental, ocean engineering, oceanography, geology or related discipline. Coastal engineering or geomorphology experience in Puget Sound or similar estuarine/coastal environments. Familiarity with gravel and mixed gravel‑sand beach dynamics and beach design. Experience with nature‑based design/living shorelines and habitat enhancement project design. Demonstrated understanding of and sensitivity to a range of perspectives on relationships and interconnections with the natural world and traditional cultures, such as Tribal Ecological Knowledge. Familiarity with field data collection (topographic survey, GPS, drone‑based mapping, pebble count, documentation of vegetation conditions and field mapping). Eagerness to grow technical skills and take on increasing responsibility in project delivery. Compensation We offer a competitive salary and benefits, including up to a 4% match on 401(k), 7 paid holidays plus a day of service, and 4 weeks of paid time off accrued annually. Salary ranges are: $85k‑$90k for engineers, and $70k‑$80k for geologists and geomorphologists. Start Date The position's start date is flexible and will be negotiated with the selected candidate based on their availability. Hours Staff have flexibility to manage office and remote work schedule; hourly positions allow working less than a 40‑hour week as needed, with additional hours beyond 40 compensated at a 1.5× hourly rate. Closing Date Applications will be accepted until the right candidate is found. We are an equal‑opportunity employer. Candidates who identify with groups that are frequently underrepresented in the science, engineering, technology, and math fields are highly encouraged to apply. All candidates will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or protected veteran or disabled status or any other category protected under law. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire. #J-18808-Ljbffr