Description
About WSDOT
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is the steward of an integrated, multimodal transportation system that helps to ensure that people and goods move safely and efficiently throughout the state. In addition to building, maintaining, and operating the state highway system, WSDOT operates the largest ferry system in the nation, manages the world’s longest floating bridge, and recently completed the world’s widest tunneling project.

The Opportunity
WSDOT’s Environmental Office is looking to hire an energetic professional to support the Northwest Region’s environmental mission. This project delivery position will focus and serve as an interdisciplinary technical and regulatory specialist. The Project Delivery Environmental Specialist will conduct biological and aquatic resource assessments and prepare environmental documentation in support of transportation projects, as well as support pre and post-construction efforts to meet regulatory requirements. This position will also serve as the environmental representative for projects to support and meet NEPA, SEPA, ESA, MBTA, Clean Water Act, and Bald & Golden Eagle Protection Act.

Your involvement and initiative will be supporting the natural ecology of our region and the livelihood of the travelling public.  With this in mind, WSDOT is searching for someone who has a passion for environmental issues and wants to make a truly rewarding contribution to WSDOT Northwest Region and the state of Washington.

What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Project Delivery Environmental Specialist will:

• Manage environmental deliverables and organize a group of environmental technical support staff to complete transportation related projects including fish passage (Federal Court Injunction Regarding Culvert Corrections).
• Determine environmental documentation and permit needs for transportation and fish passage related projects.
• Prepare environmental documentation and environmental permit applications in support of design/construction projects.
• Assist Project Offices in the development of scope, schedule, and budget of processes and projects.
• Negotiate with and help to manage environmental consultants on various project deliverables.
• Help in the development of Request for Proposal and Request for Qualifications documentation.
• Collect, interpret, and report field data as necessary.
• Complete wetland delineations, ordinary high water mark surveys, wetland reports, and Endangered Species Act (ESA) documentation.
• Conduct field reviews of environmental conditions during construction including temporary stream diversions, BMP installations, and spill prevention and control countermeasures for assigned projects ensuring compliance goals are met.
• Organize and facilitate multi-stakeholder meetings.
• Conduct staff training on current and developing environmental issues.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
Minimum Requirements for Transportation Planning Specialist 2:

• Current unrestricted Driver’s License
• Bachelor’s Degree involving major study in environmental science, biology, ecology or closely related field AND minimum of one (1) year of professional experience conducting biological field studies, writing reports to support NEPA/SEPA, ESA, MBTA, Clean Water Act, and Bald & Golden Eagle Protection Act, and environmental review and permitting related to transportation projects, or a closely related OR Master’s degree involving a major study in environmental science, biology, ecology, or closely related field

Minimum Requirements for Transportation Planning Specialist 3:

• Current unrestricted Driver’s License
• Bachelor’s degree involving major study in environmental science, biology, ecology, or closely related field AND minimum of three (3) years of professional experience conducting biological field studies, writing reports to support NEPA/SEPA, ESA, MBTA, Clean Water Act, and Bald & Golden Eagle Protection Act, and environmental review and permitting related to transportation projects, or a closely related OR A Master’s degree involving a major study in environmental science, biology, ecology, or closely related field AND minimum of two (2) years of professional experience conducting biological field studies, writing reports to support NEPA/SEPA, ESA, MBTA, Clean Water Act, and Bald & Golden Eagle Protection Act, and environmental review and permitting related to transportation projects, or a closely related

In addition to the Minimum Requirements above, ideal candidates at either level will have:

• Applied Electrofishing Principles and Practices (BIO470B) Certification from WDFW, USFWS, or NOAA or be able to obtain in the first six (6) months of employment.
• Completed U.S. Army Corps of Engineers approved Wetland Delineation Training Course or be able to complete within six (6) months of employment.
• Completed Washington State Department of Ecology Wetland Rating System in Western WA or be able to complete within six (6) months of employment.
•  Knowledge of forest ecology, wetlands, wildlife, stream restoration and fisheries.
• Exceptional relationship management and community outreach skills and the ability to create and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to traverse irregular and steep terrain, safely wade and work in creeks and rivers, and walk long distances carrying up 50lbs of field gear/equipment with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Strong understanding of scientific methodologies to analyze and record existing environmental conditions through field studies.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to present material to diverse audiences.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with design build and construction contract development.
• Certified Erosion and Sediment Control Lead (CESCL) certification

Important Notes

• The salary listed includes the Legislative approved King County 5% Premium Pay.
• Please note this announcement will remain open until the position has been filled in an effort to establish a broader, more competitive candidate pool. However, the first review of applications will be on February 24th, 2020.
• This Full-Time position is eligible for flexible schedule, compressed work week, and telework with prior approval from supervisor.
• Travel is an expectation of the position and may be required on a regular, sporadic, or as needed basis.
• This is an in-training position that offers a career path and on-the-job training. This position allows you to progress upward through the Transportation Planning Specialist field and achieve the goal class of a Transportation Planning Specialist 3 Candidates will be considered for a Transportation Planning Specialist 2 or Transportation Planning Specialist 3, depending on their qualifications. Annual salary levels for each position are:
  • Transportation Planning Specialist 2: 57,960 – 77,905
  • Transportation Planning Specialist 3: 63,970 – 86,032

Why WSDOT

• Work-Life Balance – We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals’ lifestyle. As such, there are a number of flexible schedule options available to staff, including occasional telework for eligible positions.
• Paid Leave – In addition to 10 paid holidays, full-time employees earn a minimum 14 paid vacation days per year!
• Plan For Your Future – WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options, and free dental coverage! Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information.
• Tuition Assistance – Our 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.

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 Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
• An attached Cover Letter that further details your qualifications, and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
• Contact information to be included in the “References” section of the online application for a minimum three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, knowledge base, and job-related competencies.

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. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, as well as people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.

WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system. For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov

Contact us:
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, Eric Saniatan, at SaniatE@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 20DOT-NWR-12118 in the subject line.

Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter.