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Critical Areas Biologist, Senior
Salary
$105,268.80 - $134,368.00 Annually
Location
Tacoma, WA
Job Type
Classified
Job Number
2313-26
Department
Planning & Development Services
Division
Planning & Development Services
Opening Date
06/11/2026
Closing Date
6/25/2026 5:00 PM Pacific
Description
Benefits
Questions
Position Description
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
The Department
The mission of Tacoma's Planning and Development Services Department (PDS) is to partner with the community to build a livable, sustainable, and safe city by providing strategic, timely, predictable, and cost-effective planning and development services with a culture focused on community engagement, customer service, creativity, accountability, and continuous improvement.
We are a collaborative team of professionals, focused on building a safe, livable, and sustainable city.
We are dedicated to continuous improvement.
We provide pathways to advancement.
We are dedicated to providing equitable services.
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. To see a few of the great things Tacoma has to offer, view this YouTube Video!
View this exciting video to learn more about the City of Tacoma: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2n5MWl8KFvI
Apply
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. Please make sure you read the questions and provide complete informative answers. 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 (253) 591-5400 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 1-855-524-5627 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
Employee Benefits | City of Tacoma (https://tacoma.gov/government/departments/human-resources/employee-benefits/)
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.
Medical Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger.
Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger.
Vision Coverage: For eligible employees and their eligible dependents.
Paid Leave: City employees are entitled to received paid holidays, sick/vacation leave or personal time off (PTO), depending upon union affiliation and appointment @type.
Insurance Plans: Employees are covered by a long-term disability plan. Short-term and expanded long-term disability insurance plans are also available to employees. The State Industrial Insurance Act also covers employees.
Deferred Compensation: Income can be set aside on a pretax basis and invested for supplementation of normal retirement income.
Retirement: All employees of the City, except members of the Police and Fire services, Tacoma Rail and certain project employees, are included in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System. Information on the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System can be found at www.cityoftacoma.org or by calling (253) 502-8200.
Other Employment Information
Direct Deposit: Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule by direct deposit.
Salary Increases: Based on satisfactory job performance, the City provides for a regular progression of salary increases for most classifications according to the salary schedule.
Union Affiliation: Many job classifications are covered by union security provisions which require union membership, dues, or payment of equivalent service fees.
Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.
01
The Supplemental Questionnaire is part of the examination process; accordingly, it should be completed carefully. It must be submitted with your application. Responses to supplemental questions must be original content created by the applicant using their own words. The use of online tools or resources to create responses, such as Artificial Intelligence (ChatGPT, etc), Google, Bing, etc., or plagiarism in any form, is considered cheating and falsification of the application. Do not indicate "see resume" or copy unrelated content from your resume when answering these questions. Answer all information requested in each question. Failure to do so may result in rejection of your application. I certify that the information provided is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that any falsification may cancel any terms, conditions, or privileges of employment.
Yes
No
02
Do you possess the equivalent of a Bachelor's degree in environmental science, natural resources, chemistry, biology or directly related field and four years of related work experience?
Yes
No
03
Please select the highest level of education that you possess.
High School or GED
Associate's Degree
Bachelor's Degree
Master's Degree
Not Applicable (N/A)
04
Please select the number of years of related work experience that you possess.
0 - less than 2 years
2 - 4 years
4 - 6 years
More than 6 years
05
This is a competitive selection process. Applicants will be required to respond to written questions outlining their experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the essential functions of this position. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will have their responses to Supplemental Questions #6 to #10 reviewed and scored by a committee of subject matter experts, as the Experience and Training Test. These questions will be scored based on the information provided. 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. Providing false information will result in disqualification. Accommodations:?We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation during this process, please contact Human Resources at (253) 591-5400. Please indicate "Yes" that you have read and understand the instructions for questions #6-10.
Yes
No
06
Please describe any pertinent certifications or licenses you have that relate to this position. If you have none, please @type N/A.
07
In 400 words or less, describe your experience designing, permitting, and/or implementing a project in a critical area such as a wetland, stream, shoreline, or biodiversity area. Please include examples of projects and your role in coordinating project schedules, resolving issues, and ensuring successful project completion. If you have no relevant experience in these areas, please @type N/A.
08
The City of Tacoma is a diverse community, and our organization values equity and creating a sense of belonging. In 400 words or less, describe what equity means to you and describe your experience working with and serving diverse communities with people whose backgrounds are different than your own?
09
Sometimes customers have a limited or incorrect understanding of environmental systems and regulations. In 400 words or less, describe a time when you had this kind of experience with a customer, coworker or colleague. What steps/approach did you take to educate them?
10
Describe in detail your experience applying critical area regulations to development projects, such as building permits or coaching pre-development/feasibility meetings. Include the @type of projects and number of years applying these regulations. If you have no relevant experience, please @type N/A.
11
Please tell us how you learned about this job opening.
Job Interest Card
Internet search
Professional
Community
Military organization
Union job posting
City of Tacoma
Online job board
Word of mouth
Linkedin
Indeed
Government Jobs
AWC
Other
12
Please provide specific information regarding how you learned about this job opening. Your feedback will be used to evaluate our success reaching the public and refine our methods for future job postings. Thank you.
13
Did you remember to attach your resume and cover letter to this job application?
Yes
No
14
If you are a military veteran, did you remember to upload a copy of your DDForm 214, Member 4 copy, for review for Veteran's Preference eligibility?
Yes
No
Required Question
Employer
City of Tacoma
Address
Human Resources Department 747 Market Street Tacoma, Washington, 98402-3764
Phone
253-591-5400
Website
http://www.tacoma.gov
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