Critical Areas Biologist, Senior

Critical Areas Biologist, Senior The City of Tacoma, Planning and Development Services Department is looking for an experienced, customer-service driven Critical Areas Biologist, Senior to join our Natural Resources Team. This is a critical role in the protection of Tacoma's environment by guiding the public and development community through compliant permitting processes, upholding environmental codes, and strengthening community awareness through outreach. The job classification of Critical Areas Biologist, Senior is classified and represented by WSCCCE Local 120. If you are passionate about integrating science-based decision-making into land use, join our dedicated team! Essential Duties: Conducts advanced review of complex critical area and shoreline development proposals, including wetlands, streams, marine waters, geologically hazardous areas, biodiversity corridors and associated buffers Evaluates and verifies consultant-prepared biological assessments, mitigation plans, functional analyses, monitoring reports and no-net-loss determinations Serves as a lead technical authority for interpretation of applicable environmental and land use ordinances, regulations and related programs for complex, controversial, or large-scale projects Leads resolution of difficult regulatory issues and coordinates with the City Attorney on defensibility and legal risk Develops technical recommendations incorporated into permit conditions, decision documents and staff reports Supports updates to city programs and related regulations including ordinances and by providing best available science, research on evolving ecological standards and alignment with federal, state and local regulations Develops technical guidance documents, standard operating procedures and internal review standards to ensure consistent implementation Provides mentorship, training, and technical review for biologists and planners Coordinates citywide and with departments such as, Public Works, Environmental Services, as well as state agencies, tribal partners and other stakeholders on shoreline, habitat and mitigation strategy issues Conducts field inspections and verification of delineations, buffer conditions and post-construction mitigation monitoring May present technical findings at public meetings, Planning Commission hearings or other decision-making bodies Qualifications Minimum Education A Bachelor's degree in environmental science, natural resources, ecology, biology or directly related field Minimum Experience 4 years or professional-level experience in environmental science or natural resources compliance, planning or mitigation Licensing, Certifications, and Other Requirements Valid Washington State Driver License at time of application with maintenance thereafter A Professional Wetland Scientist Certification is desired Knowledge & Skills Knowledge of: Advanced wetland science, habitat ecology, and shoreline processes Mitigation sequencing, ecological function assessment, and no-net-loss principles Federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations Environmental report review standards and best available science Regulatory defensibility and quasi-judicial procedures Skills in: Interpreting and applying complex environmental regulations Evaluating biological reports and mitigation plans Providing defensible technical recommendations Mentoring and training professional staff Communicating complex scientific information to technical and not-technical audiences Selection Process & Supplemental Information City of Tacoma's Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion At the City of Tacoma, we're on a mission to make our workforce as diverse and inclusive as the community we serve. We actively seek out candidates from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. Join our team at the City of Tacoma and help us build a more vibrant, inclusive, and equitable community for all. If you have a less traditional background, we want to hear about your transferrable skills and experience. We value a variety of perspectives and are excited to see what you bring to the table. The Community Tacoma is centrally located just 32 miles south of the city of Seattle and 31 miles north of the state capital, Olympia. The City of Tacoma is also home to the Port of Tacoma, which is among the largest container ports in the United States. Like most cities in the northwest, Tacoma is surrounded by beautiful nature, offering residents many opportunities for outdoor adventures. Largely suburban in nature with a small, but dense, urban core, Tacoma is home to numerous institutes of higher learning that attract students from across the country. The University of Washington Tacoma, Pacific Lutheran University, University of Puget Sound, a satellite campus of the Evergreen State College, three community/technical colleges, and several trade and business schools are within Tacoma's geographic area. Downtown's Cultural District is the site of the Washington State History Museum, Museum of Glass, the Tacoma Art Museum, and America's Car Museum. With its affordable housing and distinctive neighborhoods and business districts, the city has been recognized numerous times as a best city to live in the nation. Interested individuals should complete the online application and attach a resume and cover letter by the closing date and time listed on the job announcement. Applications received without attaching the required materials may not progress in the selection process. Applicants who are eligible for veterans scoring criteria (Veterans Preference) MUST attach a copy of their DD-214 member copy 4 (proof of military discharge form) at time of application to be eligible for review for Veteran's Preference points. Examination Process: This is a competitive selection process. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will have their job application and response to Supplemental Question # 6-10 reviewed and scored by a committee of subject matter experts, as the Experience and Training Test. It is the responsibility of the applicants to adequately describe all pertinent experience and training. Please make sure you read the questions and provide complete informative answers, including your roles in the position and key activities. DO NOT respond with see resume in lieu of answering these questions; this will result in a failing score. Per City of Tacoma Personnel Management Policy #170, the City of Tacoma is a drug-free work environment. Appointment is subject to successful completion of a pre-employment background and references check. Get Assistance For assistance with the application process or questions regarding this job announcement please contact the Human Resources office at View phone number on click.appcast.io by 4:00 p.m. of the closing date of the job announcement. For technical difficulties using the NeoGov system, call the applicant support line at View phone number on click.appcast.io between 6:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. This will allow us to assist you before the job announcement closes. Communication with the City of Tacoma We primarily communicate via email during the application process. Emails from Tacoma.gov and/or governmentjobs.com should be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk email folders. Compensation & Benefits Pay Details: Hourly Rate: $50.61 - $64.60 Annual Salary: $105,268.80 - $134,368.00 The City of Tacoma provides excellent medical, dental and vision plans for the whole family; paid holidays and paid leave; participation in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System (alternate plan for Police/Fire); continuing education and advancement opportunities and a growing variety of City-sponsored health and wellness opportunities and incentives. GovernmentJobs.com