Aot Environmental Biologist I

Overview

• The Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) Environmental Section is seeking a limited service Biologist to join our team. This role will focus primarily on wetland delineation, natural resource permitting, and other ecological support services across VTrans projects and programs.
• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACOE) Wetland Delineation methodologies
• Vermont Wetland Permitting processes
• Project plan reviews

This position involves professional-level environmental assessment work, with a focus on evaluating the impacts of proposed transportation projects on wetlands, fisheries, wildlife, and rare or endangered species. You will:

• Conduct site visits and environmental assessments
• Prepare detailed reports, resource identification plots, and technical documents
• Make recommendations for impact avoidance, minimization, and mitigation
• Coordinate with state and federal agencies on biological resource matters
• This role is distinct from lower-level biologist positions in both complexity and autonomy. The Biologist is expected to exercise independent judgment and may provide specialized expertise within the Environmental Section. You’ll also contribute to the development of agency policy, guidance materials, and public information resources.

Most duties are performed in an office setting, but fieldwork and travel to project sites are required. A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation may be necessary.

Who May Apply
- This position,* AOT Environmental Biologist I (Job Requisition #53276)*, is open to all State employees and external applicants.

Environmental Factors
- Duties are performed both in a standard office setting and in the field. Fieldwork will require traversing rough terrain, wooded areas, streams, and wetlands. Some evening or weekend work may be required in attending public meetings and hearings. Private means of transportation may be required and must be available.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree in a biological-life science or an environmental or natural resources field AND one (1) year or more of experience at or above a technical level in the field of natural resources, involving wetlands, fisheries, wildlife, or threatened or endangered species.
• OR
• Bachelor's degree in a biological-life science or an environmental or natural resources field AND two (2) years or more of experience at or above a technical level in the field of natural resources, involving wetlands, fisheries, wildlife, or threatened or endangered species.

Total Compensation
- As a State employee you are offered a great career opportunity, but it's more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation, including:

• 80% State paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families
• Work/Life balance: 11 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan
• State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI)
• Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
• Low cost group life insurance
• Incentive-based Wellness Program
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program
• Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website.

**Equal Opportunity Employer