Wetland Scientist - Permitting Specialist

Company: AKS Engineering & Forestry, LLC
Location: Washington
Posted on: June 2, 2025

Job Description:

At AKS Engineering & Forestry, we're all about building better communities-literally. We help shape neighborhoods, create spaces for businesses, and design the infrastructure that makes life better for everyone. As a locally owned firm, we've spent the past 30 years partnering with public and private clients to deliver high-quality engineering solutions across the Pacific Northwest.We're looking for an experienced Wetland Scientist to lead our natural resources work in Washington. This is an exciting opportunity to take ownership of critical area permitting and ecological fieldwork across a wide variety of public and private sector projects. If you're passionate about wetland science, ecological consulting, and collaborating across disciplines, you'll thrive in this role and help us grow our environmental practice even further.Location: This position can be based out of Kirkland or Vancouver, WA offices.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 in environmental science, wetland/forest ecology, biology, soils, or a related discipline
  • 5+ years of hands-on experience conducting critical area delineations in Washington, including full project lifecycle.
  • Proficient with Washington State Wetland Rating Systems and wetland permitting processes (404/401/JARPA).
  • Skilled in writing technical documents and land use reports for public and private projects.
  • Confident interfacing with regulatory agencies to facilitate permit approvals.
  • Strong organizational and communication skills, with the ability to manage work independently.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 in Oregon and Washington year after year-for good reason.Join us and be part of a team that values your contributions and invests in your future.
        
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Keywords: AKS Engineering & Forestry, LLC, Leesburg , Wetland Scientist - Permitting Specialist, Other , Washington, Virginia