ESA is looking for a Senior Maritime Permitting & Compliance Specialist to join our Pacific Northwest team on a part-time, on-call basis. The selected individual shall be responsible for managing complex federal and state marine permitting, regulatory strategy, and construction compliance for offshore and coastal infrastructure projects. He/she will support offshore wind, subsea linear infrastructure, port development and operations, dredging, and marine construction projects, ensuring compliance with U.S. federal regulations, marine resource protections, and stakeholder engagement requirements. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in offshore permitting frameworks, vessel compliance, and marine environmental regulations, along with demonstrated success working with fisheries, agencies, and coastal stakeholders. This position will be based out of our Seattle, WA office and be onsite a few days per week. 

Who You Are

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Marine Biology, Oceanography, Maritime Affairs, Environmental Science, Coastal Engineering, or related field
• 10+ years of experience in marine permitting, offshore construction compliance, or maritime environmental management
• Demonstrated experience working with BOEM, NOAA, BSEE, and U.S. Coast Guard regulatory processes
• Strong knowledge of:
  • Marine protected areas, sanctuaries, and reserves
  • ESA, MMPA, NEPA, and CWA frameworks
  • Vessel operations and environmental compliance (including VGP)
• Experience supporting offshore construction projects (e.g., offshore wind, subsea cable, ports, dredging)
• Proven stakeholder engagement experience with fisheries and coastal communities
• Strong communication and stakeholders' management skill
• Ability to operate in fa fast-paced construction environments
• High attention to detail and compliance rigor
• Ability to work in office and in the field traveling to coastal and offshore project sites
• Ability to participate in vessel-based operations and offshore inspections
• Able to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams

Preferred

• Experience supporting offshore wind (OSW) projects and COP/SAP development
• Familiarity with fisheries compensation programs and liaison roles
• Certifications such as:
• Certified Environmental Professional (CEP)
• OSHA HAZWOPER (40-hour)
• Experience with GIS, marine spatial planning, or habitat mapping
• Regulatory strategy and problem-solving in complex, multi-agency environments

What You Will Do

Marine Permitting & Regulatory Strategy

This position will lead and serve as subject matter expert for permitting and compliance efforts under both state and federal frameworks including:

• Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) leasing and approvals (BOEM)
• Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) consultations and Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) compliance (NOAA), Federal and State Endangered Species Act, Federal Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 404/401 (as applicable to marine work), and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
• National Marine Sanctuaries Act (NMSA), Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and marine reserves
• Offshore safety and operational compliance (BSEE)
• Navigation, safety, and Marine Transportation System coordination

The individual will prepare and manage permit applications, technical studies, and regulatory submittals (e.g., COPs, SAPs, NEPA documents)

• Coordinate multi-agency reviews and ensure alignment with federal, state, and local requirements
• Develop and implement mitigation measures and monitoring programs for sensitive marine habitats and species
• Support environmental compliance audits and reporting throughout project lifecycle
• Provide strategic guidance to project managers and clients on permitting risks, schedules, and regulatory pathways

Vessel Compliance & Inspection

The role will oversee vessel compliance with the Vessel General Permit (VGP) and applicable discharge requirements

• Conduct or oversee vessel inspections, audits, and documentation reviews
• Ensure contractor and subcontractor vessel operations meet environmental and safety standards
• Coordinate with marine contractors on best management practices (BMPs) and pollution prevention

Offshore Construction Monitoring & Compliance

• Lead environmental compliance during offshore construction and operations, including:
  • Cable installation and trenching, pile driving and foundation installation, and dredging and port improvements.
  • Implement compliance programs that includes Protected species observers (PSOs), Fisheries liaisons, and Environmental compliance monitoring (ECM).
  • Interface with construction teams to ensure adherence to permit conditions, mitigation measures, and environmental commitments

Stakeholder & Fisheries Engagement

• The position will serve as primary liaison with commercial and recreational fisheries and Tribal governments, and coastal communities as needed.
• The position will lead stakeholder engagement strategies such as fisheries compensation and communication plans and Support public outreach, hearings, and interagency coordination

 Project Management

• Support business development efforts, including proposal writing, scope development, and client presentations

 What’s Special About ESA

Joining ESA means becoming part of a close-knit team of environmental professionals who contribute to outstanding projects, improve environmental stewardship, and advance a more sustainable and resilient future for our communities and wild places.

You are eligible to participate in ESA’s sick leave program. You may be eligible to participate in our employee stock ownership program and tax deferred 401(k) plan if you meet the eligibility requirements for these plans.

ESA seeks a highly motivated Geomorphologist with 5+ years of experience in the assessment and design of river, estuary, and coastal restoration projects to join our Northwest Environmental Hydrology and Design (EHD) Team.

Who You Are 

• You are an experienced Geomorphologist with 5+ years of experience in the geomorphic assessment supporting watershed assessment and restoration design throughout the Pacific Northwest. You have an understanding of large and small river geomorphic processes and skills in current approaches to evaluating channel response to restoration actions, which could include sediment transport analysis, hydraulic modeling, and advanced GIS skills in geomorphic applications. 
• You are a licensed Geologist in Washington and/or Oregon, or can obtain your license within 12 months.
• As a key part of a skilled and experienced team of engineers, hydrologists, geomorphologists, ecologists, landscape architects, and GIS scientists, you are an effective team member and communicator who proactively identifies and contributes constructively to address broad project or team issues, providing mentoring and coaching to more junior staff where appropriate to foster teamwork.
• You have significant experience collaborating with internal team members and clients to deliver on a wide variety of projects, including restoration of natural processes and habitat conditions (Natural Channel Design) in riverine, estuary, and coastal settings, completion of geomorphic assessments, and assistance with project permitting and construction observation.
• You possess excellent oral and written skills and have led communications with internal team members, clients, and project stakeholders to present findings of your work. You may have directed marketing and business development pursuits, including developing capture strategies and leading proposals, interviews, and presentations.
• You hold a bachelor’s degree in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline (e.g., geomorphology, river engineering, earth science) or a related interdisciplinary field. A master's degree is a plus

What You Will Do for ESA

• In this role, as a mid-level Senior Fluvial Geomorphologist you will provide geologic and geomorphic expertise to inform or lead the development of multifaceted restoration design projects, while assisting teams to execute river- and stream-related tasks as a subject matter expert. You will work collaboratively with key team members, including senior staff, subconsultants, and clients on assessment and design projects.
• Using your education and experience, you will demonstrate a clear understanding of project management principles and practices and be responsible for the development of environmental compliance and design documents while delivering assignments within budget and on schedule.
• You will lead project teams consisting of stream design, hydraulic and hydrologic modeling, geomorphology, and GIS staff to deliver state-of-the-art restoration and stream analysis projects.
• You may provide mentorship and support for more junior staff, including reviewing their work for accuracy and clarity and providing constructive feedback and career development guidance while working on projects together.
• Business development activities could include assisting or leading the preparation of proposals, providing technical input, contributing to proposal writing, identifying opportunities, and engaging with proposal/interview teams. Clients often include tribes, non-profits, watershed councils, county and state agencies, and others throughout WA, OR and ID.

What’s Special About Our Team

Our EH&D team includes civil, river, and coastal engineers, hydrologists, geomorphologists, ecologists and landscape architects who provide expertise for a wide range of clients across the Pacific Northwest. We collaborate with our ESA colleagues in other discipline areas to provide full life-cycle services in design and permitting of projects for federal, state, municipal, tribal and non-profit clients throughout Washington, Oregon and Idaho. Our work matters because it helps restore lost ecological processes to aid in species recovery and it helps communities shape a positive future for their citizens. We value creative thinking, teamwork, and multi-disciplinary and cross-disciplinary engagement and integration. 

What’s Special About ESA

Joining ESA means becoming part of a close-knit team of environmental professionals who contribute to outstanding projects, improve environmental stewardship, and advance a more sustainable and resilient future for our communities and wild places.

At ESA, we provide benefits such as medical, dental, and vision insurance (paid at 70% for you AND your family), annual allocations of company share through our ESOP, a 401(k) plan with company match, and paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays, to name a few.

We also provide specific programs whether you want to further your technical expertise, sharpen your business acumen, or help lead the next generation of employee-owners. We want to support you in reaching your career goals through tuition reimbursement, professional development bonuses, and attendance at conferences.

Environmental Science Associates (ESA) is actively seeking On-Call Archaeological Field Technicians in the Northwest Region, including Seattle, WA, Portland, and Bend, OR.

Who You Are 

• You are an effective team member experienced in archaeological monitoring, surveys, and documentation of archaeological resources following applicable local, state, and federal guidelines and requirements. You live in the Seattle area to support local work. If you are available to travel to remote work locations, we will consider candidates from Oregon as well. 
• You hold a Bachelor’s degree or higher in archaeology/anthropology or related field. You have a demonstrated ability to use app-based software for field recordation and mapping.
• You are familiar with working on active construction sites and knowledgeable of archaeological materials common to the region and have a minimum of six months of field experience or relative academic field experience in the Northwest Region. 
• You enjoy fieldwork and can walk long distances carrying a backpack; and are able to lift at least 40 pounds. Candidates should be confident working outside, in remote and rural settings, as well as in urban environments. Physical outdoor work may include, but may not be limited to, work in all types of weather, traversing uneven ground and sometimes steep terrain in forested environments, fields, arid lands, along stream banks, and in coastal/intertidal areas. Some night and/or weekend work may be required.
• You will participate in compliance monitoring and reporting activities for on-going construction projects; you will work near heavy equipment. 

What You Will Do for ESA

The seasonal Archaeological Field technicians can demonstrate the ability to perform all aspects of archaeological and/or paleontological monitoring and familiarity working on construction sites, coordinating with construction personnel, and interacting with Native American monitors. Successful candidates will fulfill the following duties:

• Monitor construction activities and identify archaeological resources.
• Effectively communicate with construction crews and project personnel.
• Write and maintain written daily surveys, monitoring, recordation, and cataloging logs, including utilizing electronic data collection tools and GIS mapping applications.

What’s Special About Our Archaeological, Cultural Resources Team

Our Cultural Resources Team includes pre-contact and historical archaeologists, geoarchaeological specialists, tribal consultation specialists, architectural historians, historians, and paleontologists that provide expertise for many local, state, and federal agencies throughout the Pacific Northwest. Our work matters because we assist agencies in ensuring that our nation’s history and that of the tribal communities with whom we work are protected where possible and treated with respect. We value creative thinking, teamwork, and multi-disciplinary and cross-disciplinary engagement and integration.

What’s Special About ESA

Joining ESA means becoming part of a close-knit team of environmental professionals who contribute to outstanding projects, improve environmental stewardship, and advance a more sustainable and resilient future for our communities and wild places.

You are eligible to participate in ESA’s sick leave program. You may be eligible to participate in our employee stock ownership program and tax deferred 401(k) plan if you meet the eligibility requirements for these plans.

ESA seeks a highly motivated Wetland Scientist and Permitting Specialist to join our Pacific Northwest Biological Resources and Land Management team.  Our ideal candidate has 8+ years of experience in wetland science and permitting in Washington and Oregon, but candidates with 5+ years of experience who meet the qualifications will also be considered. This is a salaried, full-time exempt role. Qualified candidates must be able and willing to work hybrid (1-2 days a week) from one of our Northwest Office Locations including: Seattle, Portland, & Bend.  Some travel required for in-person team collaboration, project visits, and field work as needed.  

We are interested in proactive candidates who have strong experience in one or more of the following: wetland and aquatic resource delineations, mitigation planning, preparing reports and applications for local, state, and federal permits coupled with experience and field work in botany, soil science, fisheries biology, wildlife ecology, and habitat restoration ecology. Technical writing skills are strongly preferred.  This is a mid-level opportunity focused on collaboration with senior technical staff and helping to grow early-career staff, quality, outstanding internal and external client service, and being part of a team with a passion to do great work and have fun together.    

Who You Are 

• A Scientist and Permitting Specialist with at least 5 years of experience in the Northwest collecting, analyzing, and presenting in writing ecological data and environmental documentation to support projects and obtain regulatory permits and approvals.
• You have experience developing and leading wetland and aquatic resources studies, with some experience in one or more of the biological disciplines ESA projects require, including botany, fisheries biology, wildlife ecology, and habitat restoration ecology. Certifications and training in one or more of these disciplines are a plus.
• You have served as the primary or contributing author on a variety of environmental documents such as Wetland and Stream Reports, critical area reports, Biological Assessments for Endangered Species Act consultations, habitat mitigation plans, strategic plans for watershed management, fish passage barrier assessments, and permit applications such as Joint Aquatic Resources Permit Applications and Joint Permit Applications.
• You have excellent writing and communication skills. You are known for preparing documents that are clear, concise, well-written and supported. 
• You have led field survey efforts and data collection for environmental projects and possess the ability to work with multiple teams and complex schedules.
• You have experience drafting scopes of work for Senior level review on small to complex projects, including identifying necessary tasks, preparing task descriptions, and estimating the associated level of effort.
• You hold a bachelor's and/or master's degree in biology or a related environmental or ecological field.
• You can safely operate, load, and transport equipment and gear, and cross fences, creeks, and other obstacles. Experience with digital field data collection tools such as GPS, ArcGIS Collector/Field Maps, Fulcrum, Survey 123 is desired, but not required.
• You work collaboratively with clients and interdisciplinary teams to deliver high quality work products according to scopes, schedules, and budgets. You are an effective team member and communicator who contributes constructively and cooperatively to solve project and team challenges.
• You are able to work hybrid primarily in one of our NW offices in Seattle, Portland, or Bend with some days working remotely if you choose. 

What You Will Do for ESA

• As an Wetland Scientist and Permitting Specialist, you will serve as field lead or crew member performing field surveys and will be the primary author of environmental documents including technical memoranda, biological assessments/habitat evaluations, scientific discipline reports, habitat mitigation plans, and impact evaluations to support resource-related permit applications, including in support of Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, and the National Environmental Policy Act.  
• You will apply your technical skills and permitting knowledge to natural resources projects. You will serve as a technical specialist, participating in environmental analyses and coordinating with key team members, including senior and junior staff, subconsultants, and clients. Lead the preparation and implementation of biological field studies. This includes field studies such as wetland delineations, vegetation classification and habitat mapping, stream habitat assessment, fish passage barrier assessment, nesting bird surveys, endangered species occurrence, and water quality sampling. You will produce technical work and written products that are clear, concise, and well supported.
• You may serve as a Project Manager, Deputy Project Manager, or Task Lead depending on complexity of project. You will demonstrate a clear understanding of project management principles and practices, including managing your work to the scope, budget, and schedule. You will proactively and constructively communicate to successfully navigate project or scope challenges that may arise. You will also take the initiative and resolve issues to assure client needs are met effectively, lead and advise on all aspects of project implementation, including the development of permitting strategies, provide QA/QC of work processes and deliverables, and lead teams completing technical studies that support permitting efforts.  
• You thrive in a fast-paced, exciting, and challenging environment and are able to manage multiple responsibilities and deadlines, while working on a team or independently. 
• You enjoy fieldwork and can walk long distances carrying a backpack; and are able to lift at least 50 pounds. You are confident working outside, in remote and rural settings, as well as in urban environments. Physical outdoor work may include, but may not be limited to, work in all types of weather, traversing uneven ground and sometimes steep terrain in forested environments, fields, arid lands, along stream banks, and in coastal/intertidal areas. You may be exposed to inclement weather and uncomfortable working conditions. Some night and/or weekend work may be required. Field work is expected to be approx. 40% with 60% in at home/office work.
• Driving needs: You possess a valid driver’s license with a clean DMV record. 
• Other ad-hoc tasks as needed

What’s Special About Our Biological Resources & Land Management Team

Our Biological Resources & Land Management Team includes Wetland Biologists, Fisheries Biologists, Wildlife Ecologists, Environmental Scientists, Conservation/Climate Planning Specialists, and Permitting Specialists who provide expertise for many agencies in Washington, Oregon and across the Northwest. Our work matters because it helps communities shape a positive future for their citizens. We value creative thinking, teamwork, and multi-disciplinary and cross disciplinary engagement and integration. 

 What’s Special About ESA

Joining ESA means becoming part of a close-knit team of employee-owners who contribute to outstanding projects, improve environmental stewardship, and advance a more sustainable and resilient future for our communities and wild places.

At ESA, we provide benefits such as medical, dental, and vision insurance (paid at 70% for you AND your family), annual allocations of company share through our ESOP, a 401(k) plan with company match, and paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays, to name a few.

We also provide specific programs whether you want to further your technical expertise, sharpen your business acumen, or help lead the next generation of employee-owners. We want to support you in reaching your career goals through tuition reimbursement, professional development bonuses, and attendance at conferences.

At ESA, we believe great design and meaningful environmental stewardship go hand in hand. We are driven by a mission to restore habitats, reconnect communities with natural systems, and shape resilient landscapes for future generations. As a 100% employee-owned firm, every team member has a voice—and a stake—in our success, fostering a culture grounded in collaboration, equity, and shared purpose.

We are seeking a Landscape Architect/Landscape Restoration Specialist to help advance this work in the Pacific Northwest—someone who is passionate about ecological design, committed to elevating the health of natural and built environments, and eager to contribute to projects that create lasting environmental impact. This role emphasizes habitat restoration, mitigation site design, ecological improvements, and construction-phase services, while also valuing experience in urban and waterfront settings, parks and trails, and public access design. The ideal location for this role is Seattle, WA. The ideal candidate shall be able to work a hybrid schedule from our Seattle, WA office.  

Who You Are

• You are an experienced practitioner with deep expertise in restoration and mitigation design, irrigation, and you excel at coordinating with multidisciplinary teams of designers, biologists, engineers, planners, and environmental scientists.
• You understand how to translate technical data into implementable design solutions and are comfortable overseeing project management, design documentation, and construction implementation. 
• You bring curiosity, integrity, and a collaborative spirit, and you are motivated by work that blends ecological science with thoughtful, resilient design.
• You have 5+ years of professional experience in landscape architecture, ecological restoration, natural resources design, or related environmental design fields with significant experience in habitat restoration and mitigation projects, including one or more of the following:
  • Wetland, riparian, or shoreline restoration
  • Stream, floodplain, or estuarine enhancement
  • Upland revegetation and native plant design
  • Habitat mitigation planning or monitoring design support
• Demonstrated experience producing construction drawings, specifications, and cost estimates for restoration and natural resource–based projects.
• Proven capabilities in designing temporary and permanent irrigation for restoration and mitigation planting sites.
• Construction observation/administration experience, including field oversight, submittal review, contractor coordination, and quality control.
• Proficiency in:
  • AutoCAD or Civil 3D
  • Adobe Creative Suite
  • Microsoft Office
  • Project management software
• Ability to lead or support project management tasks including schedule coordination, scope development, deliverable tracking, and client communication.
• Strong graphic, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work in the field, including walking on uneven terrain, carrying up to 25 lbs, and conducting site visits in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to work in a hybrid arrangement from the Seattle (preferred) or the Portland office.
• Licensed Landscape Architect in Washington and/or Oregon is preferred but not required.
• Experience collaborating closely with biologists, engineers, hydrologists, and permitting specialists on restoration and mitigation projects.
• Expertise with native plant communities, ecological planting design, and performance-based restoration outcomes.
• Experience integrating technical information (geotechnical, hydrological, habitat analyses, etc.) into design.
• Experience with traditional landscape architecture projects such as:
  • Parks, trails, and multi-use pathways
  • Urban and waterfront public spaces
  • Open space and recreation planning
  • Playscapes and community amenities
• Advanced visualization and rendering skills (e.g., Rhino, Lumion, SketchUp, or comparable 3D software).
• Experience leading client presentations, stakeholder workshops, or community engagement.
• Business development experience including drafting proposals, scopes, and fee estimates.

(Please submit a cover letter outlining your interest and relevant restoration experience along with a design portfolio (upload both in the cover letter section of the application).

What You Will Do for ESA

Lead and Support Restoration and Mitigation Projects

• Develop design concepts and detailed plans for wetland, riparian, floodplain, estuarine, and upland habitat restoration.
• Prepare impact calculations and plans, mitigation plans, restoration planting plans, grading plans, habitat improvement details, and performance-support documentation.
• Integrate biological, hydrological, and engineering data into multidisciplinary design efforts.

Produce Technical Documents and Support Construction

• Develop construction drawings, specifications, cost estimates, and technical reports.
• Provide construction-phase support through field observation, RFI responses, punch lists, submittal review and response, and coordination with contractors and clients.

Lead or Support Project Management

• Manage tasks or projects including budgets, schedules, deliverables, and team coordination.
• Review project accounting and assist with invoicing.
• Oversee and guide early-career staff, providing mentorship, technical review, and career development support.

Support Business Development

• Participate in proposal development.
• Assist with interview preparation, marketing efforts, and client outreach.

 What’s Special About Our Landscape Architecture Team

Our Landscape Architecture team brings design and science together to shape places that honor both people and ecology. We work in some of the Pacific Northwest’s most sensitive and inspiring landscapes—coasts, rivers, floodplains, and urban open spaces—where creativity, technical rigor, and interdisciplinary problem solving are essential. We are a supportive, integrated group that values collaboration, diverse perspectives, and the shared mission of advancing resilient, nature-based design.

Go to this link to read more about our landscape architecture work: https://esassoc.com/services/landscape-architecture/