Pierre, SD

Position Title: Wetland Specialist

Organization: State of South Dakota

Location: Pierre, SD

Position Overview: The Environmental Section is seeking a Wetland Specialist (Environmental Scientist I-III) to provide scientific and technical expertise to SDDOT staff, consultants, and contractor forces regarding wetland ecology, management, and regulation. The Wetland Specialist is an integral part of the team and works closely with scientists, biologists, planners, and engineers through transportation planning, design, project construction, and beyond. Typical 40-hour workweek, Monday through Friday. In-state travel with occasional overnight stays is required. Work activities will be predominately in an office environment with occasions in an outdoor environment. Normal physical dexterity for field work will be fundamental. Walk long distances over many kinds of terrain; animals, reptiles, and insects are a factor. Ability to climb, balance, stoop, and kneel.

Duties:

• Lead environmental studies, including wetland delineation, and develop mitigation plans.
• Negotiate technical and legal details of major wetland proposals with local, state, federal, and private entities on project actions that may have inter-related environmental impacts.
• Provide general direction to staff and partners, prepare technical reports and develop project proposal scopes of work, agreements, and work orders with consultants.
• Grow the SDDOT’s environmental stewardship of aquatic resources.
• Coordinate and prepare National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documentation.
• independently provide scientific and technical expertise in wetland identification and delineation, functional assessments, development of mitigation reports & plans, and evaluation of project impacts through applying understanding of wetland ecology and biology;
• analyze GIS layers, soil typing, and perform field reconnaissance to identify and delineate wetlands utilizing standardized protocols in the 1987 Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineations Manual and the Regional Supplements to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual;
• provide technical review and evaluation of project impacts and wetland mitigation plans;
• make recommendations to department management and other local, state, and federal entities involved in wetland regulation and management actions;
• provide education and training through the development and presentation of lectures, workshops, and field training on scientific, technical, and political issues related to wetland ecology and management;
• understand environmental legislation and regulations at the federal, state, and local level by independently reviewing, analyzing, developing, and recommending wetland policies, guidelines, and regulations to SDDOT management;
• review, understand, and develop complex wetland regulatory and technical documents;
• contribute to engineering plans, specifications, and schedules and have a strong understanding of how transportation projects are executed.

Qualifications: A combination of education and experience equivalent to a Bachelors or Masters Degree in Environmental or Physical Sciences. Working knowledge of NEPA regulations, transportation decision making, and four (4) to six (6) years of progressive experience as a Wetland Scientist is preferred. Willingness and ability to obtain certification from the Society of Wetland Scientists as a Professional Wetland Scientist or Wetland Professional in Training. Have and maintain a valid driver’s license.

Salary/Pay: $26.12 – $32.88 per hour, depending on experience

Application Deadline: 06/05/24

How to Apply: Please use the online application to view the full job description as well as how to apply.