Biologist

BASIC FUNCTION

To perform analysis and management of natural resources related to land development proposals and other projects with potential im­pacts to the environment. To perform the collection of field data as assigned by the Lead Biologist.

STATEMENT OF ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

1. Provides the technical review of plans for land use development or other projects submitted by development groups and county agencies and advises on the projects' impact on natural resources.
2. Makes presentations on environmental issues at land use hearings presided over by the County Hearing Examiner and County Council.
3. Plans, directs and reviews the work of employees performing natural resource inventories; provides training in the use of in­ventory methods and equipment, biological data collection equipment, power and hand tools, safety procedures and basic computer data entry.
4. Provides assistance to Lead Biologist during development of reg­ulatory modifications.
5. Represents the county at meetings with state and federal agen­cies regarding resource management, water quality and environ­mental regulations, data collection and permits.
6. Maintains a database of stream and wetland information; document natural resources and compiles maps to locate county natural re­sources.
7. Prepares and distributes project reports, summaries and special reports to disseminate natural resource information to county staff, other government agencies and the general public.
8. Prepares and conducts environmental workshops for county person­nel, community groups and private consultants on land development/natural resource issues.
9. Develops procedures and performs or directs the collection and interpretation of scientific data related to fisheries, stream ecology, wetland and riparian habitats and general biology for use in land development and land use planning.

STATEMENT OF OTHER JOB DUTIES

1. Performs related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, resource management, en­vironmental science or a related field; AND, two (2) years of expe­rience related to the specific requirements of the position. Must pass job related tests.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

A valid Washington State Driver's License may be required for employment.

Job offers are contingent on successful completion of reference and background checks. Snohomish County will not sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa for this opportunity. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States.

Additional Information

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• combined federal wetland delineation methods
• principles, practices and techniques of natural resource management and planning
• research and data collection techniques
• wetland and freshwater ecology, wildlife biology, and fisheries biology
• regulations and guidelines regarding natural resource management and mitigation for impacts
• field inventory procedures
• mapping techniques and orienteering
• citizen involvement principles and techniques
• statistical methods and computerized data manipulation
• habitat evaluation procedures

Ability to:

• collect and analyze biological and physical data
• read, understand, and interpret technical data, environmental documents and related materials
• plan, direct and review the work of subordinates
• prepare and analyze scientific data in order to develop recommendations for policy guidelines
• establish and maintain effective working relationships with county staff, government agencies and the general public
• read, interpret and apply federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, and policies governing management of natural resources
• prepare and deliver oral presentations
• use personal computers and computerized databases
• communicate effectively with people of all ages and from a variety of cultural, economic and ethnic backgrounds
• work with a minimum of supervision
• work under stress and meet deadlines as required
• testify at hearings on behalf of the county

SUPERVISION

Employees report to and receive direction from an administra­tive superior. Assignments are generally broad in scope with oppor­tunity for the use of experience, initiative, and independent judgment in solving most problems. Assistance from the supervisor is available when especially difficult problems are encountered. work is reviewed in progress or upon completion for accuracy and ad­herence to requirements. Employees working on special or unique projects may be responsible for the supervision of one or more sub­ordinates such as a Planning Technicians. The supervision may in­volve the actual hiring, direction and evaluation of the employees.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed in the office or in the field in varying weather conditions. Physical effort is required to lift equipment and materials in excess of fifty (50) pounds and to perform manual labor. Physical hazards are present from traffic, power equipment and performance of duties out of doors. The employee is required to work evenings, weekends and holidays as necessary.

Snohomish County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer.

Accommodations for individuals with disabilities are provided upon request.

EEO policy and ADA notice