Transportation Planning Specialist 4

About WSDOT

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal organization with a global reputation for excellence! Our dedicated workforce is responsible to plan, design, build, and operate an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 18,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT manages the world's longest floating bridge, executes an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds a record for the world's widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

The Opportunity

WSDOT is seeking a motivated individual who has a passion for environmental issues to join the South Central Region (SCR) Environmental Office located in Union Gap, WA. This is a professional level and skilled position acting as the Regional Maintenance Environmental Coordinator for Maintenance activities. This position independently procures environmental permits and is responsible to ensure compliance. In addition, this position serves as the Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination Lead in SCR for the Municipal Stormwater National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit, serves as a statewide trainer for the Regional Road Maintenance Program and performs biological duties as directed. This position requires independent judgment and responsibility to select sound techniques and alternatives.

Our mission is to provide safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation options, and to improve communities and economic vitality for people and businesses in Washington. This work is critical for the safety, well-being, and prosperity of the people in the region and the state.

Our values include:

The Regional Maintenance Environmental Coordinator position is critical to assist the Maintenance and Operations office in reaching our mission while being mindful and informed of our values. This position supports the agency's value of Sustainability by being a resource steward, supporting economic, environmental and community needs.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you will:

• Coordinate with regional specialists in areas such as hydraulics, geotechnical, survey, hazardous materials, and others to ensure maintenance forces have the best available information to perform necessary maintenance tasks.
• Advise staff on how to comply with all applicable environmental laws, rules, and regulations and provide environmental oversight during construction. 
• Determine permit and documentation requirements/needs and coordinate preparation of applications for maintenance activities. 
• Serve as the technical support lead to Maintenance for emergency spill response, Endangered Species Act (ESA), and Sensitive Area best practices and compliance. 
• Review complex regulatory revisions or new regulatory mandates in coordination with HQ personnel and regional staff to assess the potential impacts to regional maintenance operations and methods. 
• Ensure compliance with Ecology Sand and Gravel NPDES, permit pit site expansion and Ecology permit renewals for the Materials office. 
• Independently conduct site visits to evaluate conditions and assist maintenance personnel in identifying and solving problems in the field, develops and recommends project solutions, best management practices for projects, and mitigating measures for unavoidable impacts.
• Provide training, investigate complaints, coordinate corrections, and ensure compliance with the WSDOT Municipal Stormwater NPDES permit. 
• Respond to Third party spills and coordinate with WSDOT offices, regulatory agencies, contractors, and responsible parties to ensure remediation to Model Toxics Control Act standards.

Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:

OR

• Two (2) years as a Transportation Planning Specialist 2, Transportation Engineer 2, Landscape Designer 2 or equivalent classification in city, county, or private agencies.
• Knowledge of Federal, Tribal, State, and local environmental laws and regulations.
• Thorough understanding of environmental issues and impacts related to highway design, construction, and maintenance.
• Knowledge and understanding of State and National Environmental Policy Acts review and compliance requirements.
• Interpersonal skills to build business relationships and instruct others on technical subject matters.
• Ability to learn and adapt to new rules and regulations in the environmental field.
• Valid Driver's License

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Experience and/or ability to coordinate and direct emergency spill response incidents and follow up.
• Knowledge of the Regional Road Maintenance 4(d) ESA program.
• One (1) year as a Transportation Planning Specialist 3, Transportation Engineer 3, or equivalent classification in city, county, or private agencies.

Important Notes 

• In addition to base salary, employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type, duties, or location of the position. For union-represented positions, more information on other forms of compensation can be found in the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements. Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in Chapter 357-28 of the Washington Administrative Code.
• WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit, please visit www.uscis.gov

Why WSDOT 

• Work-Life Balance – We offer flexible work schedules that allow you time for your life outside of this excellent opportunity.
• Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees may earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year!
• Tuition Assistance – Permanent employees have several options for assistance with education expenses, including tuition reimbursement programs, government discounts at participating colleges throughout the state, and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness.  
• Plan For Your Future – WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options. Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information. 

Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?

How to Apply

Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine salary. Therefore, it is very important that the “Work Experience” portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible. 

In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application:

• An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
• An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
• Contact details for a minimum of three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. This information can be entered in the “References” section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment. 

Please click the "APPLY" button to proceed. Note that you will be prompted to either sign in or create an account. This step is required in order to submit an application to this opportunity.

WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. All persons, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity, are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed recruiter via email.

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned recruiter, at sidra.fields@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 25DOT-SCR-50186 in the subject line. 

Salary : $76,608 - $103,008