Critical 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!

• 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

A Bachelor's degree in environmental science, natural resources, ecology, biology or a directly related field

4 years or professional‑level experience in environmental science or natural resources compliance, planning or mitigation

• Valid Washington State Driver License at time of application with maintenance thereafter
• A Professional Wetland Scientist Certification is desired

• 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

• 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 non‑technical audiences

At the City of Tacoma, we actively seek out candidates from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. Join our team and help us build a more vibrant, inclusive, and equitable community for all.

• Hourly Rate: $50.61 - $64.60
• Annual Salary: $ - $
• Employee Benefits:
  
  City of Tacoma