Description

About WSDOT
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is the steward of an integrated, multimodal transportation system that helps to ensure people and goods move safely and efficiently throughout the state. In addition to building, maintaining, and operating the state highway system, WSDOT operates the largest ferry system in the nation, manages the world's longest floating bridge, and recently completed the world's widest tunneling project.

The Opportunity
WSDOT Environmental Services Office is currently seeking to fill two Natural Resource Technician 3 positions on the Environmental Restoration Crew in Olympia, WA. These are project positions that are expected to last through June 30, 2025. These positions will provide technical support to a resource management program that provides ongoing management, development, and maintenance needs to habitat restoration, fish passage, and wetland mitigation sites on public lands throughout Washington State. If you enjoy manual labor outdoors, supporting environmental improvement projects, often in inclement conditions, then please read further and consider applying for this unique opportunity.

What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you will:

• 
  Act as a technical support specialist to implement adaptive management plans to maintain environmental compensatory mitigation areas and roadside restoration areas.
• Apply herbicides on restoration and mitigation sites to control and eradicate noxious weeds.
• Interpret plans and maps for native plant installation; fence construction and maintenance; irrigation maintenance; wildlife habitat structure construction; brush cutting, and erosion control device installation.
• Ensure that Invasive Aquatic Species National Pollution Discharge Elimination System Permit, DOE, and WSDA regulations are followed during all aquatic or non-aquatic pesticide applications.
• Assist in developing projects including determining materials, equipment, and personnel needs.
• Operate, clean, maintain and store hand tools and power equipment. Assist with the arrangement of the purchase or repair of tools and equipment.
• Load and unload equipment, materials, and supplies. Transport materials and supplies by use of motor vehicle and trailer.
• Maintain positive relations with surrounding landowners and the general public.
• Assist with traffic control devices and measures to ensure a smooth traffic flow and the safety of the motoring public.

Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:

• Two (2) years of experience as a Natural Resource Technician 2 or equivalent restoration or environmental experience.
• Two (2) years of experience performing aquatic and non-aquatic herbicide applications.
• Two (2) years of experience visually identifying Washington State native plants.
• Two (2) years of experience visually identifying Washington State nuisance and noxious weed species.
• A driver’s license.
• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Ability to accomplish vegetation management, including, but not limited to, aquatic and non-aquatic herbicide applications, and manual or mechanical removal of native and non-native vegetation.
• Ability to read maps and plan sheets.
• Ability to perform heavy manual labor, including lifting and manipulating up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to drive long distances and be available for overnight travel.
• Ability to work in dense vegetation, streams, and wet areas; with exposure to insects, heat, plant toxins, heavy traffic, construction equipment, and other hazards.
• Ability to traverse uneven, unstable, and/ or slippery terrain commonly encountered at field sites; and traverse up, down, and across steep slopes.
• Ability to work in high places, wearing fall restraint harness.
• Ability to operate and maintain small gas-powered equipment.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate electronically, orally, by telephone, or in writing.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• A Bachelor’s degree with major study in natural resource studies OR an Associate’s degree in natural resource.
• Two (2) years of technical experience in land management.
• Valid WSDA pesticide applicators license with public operator and aquatic certifications.
• A valid Washington State traffic control flaggers card.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• In addition to base salary, employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type, duties, or location of the position. For union-represented positions, more information on other forms of compensation can be found in the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements. Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in Chapter 357-28 of the Washington Administrative Code.
• This is a project opportunity, expected to last through June 30, 2025.
• Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 357-16-197 mandates that all employees who work for executive cabinet agencies (which includes the Department of Transportation) must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Compliance with this mandate is a condition of employment with WSDOT. Exemption may be granted for religious or medical purposes; however, accommodations will be subject to approval based on the essential functions required of the position.
• WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system. For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov

Why WSDOT

• Work-Life Balance – We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals’ lifestyle.
• Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees earn a minimum 14 paid vacation days per year!
• Tuition Assistance – Permanent employees have several options for assistance with education expenses, including tuition reimbursement programs, government discounts at participating colleges throughout the state, and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness.
• Plan For Your Future – WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options. Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information.

Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?

How to Apply
Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine salary. Therefore, it is very important that the “Work Experience” portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible.
In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application:

• An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
• An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications, and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
• Contact details for a minimum three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. This information can be entered in the “References” section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment.

Please click the "APPLY" button to proceed. Note that you will be prompted to either sign in, or create an account. This step is required in order to submit an application to this opportunity.

WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. All persons, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/ or gender identity, are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter.

WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system. For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov

Contact us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, Rachel Giese at gieser@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 23DOT-HQ-0P077m in the subject line.