Lead Project Development Environmental Specialist (TPS4)

About WSDOT
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is the steward of an integrated, multimodal transportation system that helps to ensure 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
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Environmental Office has new opportunities for a professional with a passion for leadership in environmental issues and responsible project delivery. WSDOT is currently seeking two Lead Project Development Environmental Specialists (Transportation Planning Specialist 4). One position is located in Shoreline, WA, and the second is located in Burlington, WA. These positions will play a pivotal role in ensuring that transportation projects align with the highest environmental standards. 
 
In this position, you will provide expertise, training, and policy guidance to the Northwest Region Environmental Coordinator teams. These teams deliver transportation projects such as fish passage, roadway widening, bridge painting, and paving work. Working in line with WSDOT's mission, you will provide leadership to environmental professionals on project strategies, environmental negotiations, and procurement. You will also support the area environmental manager in overall team leadership. Your contributions will be instrumental in upholding WSDOT's commitment to fostering a work environment centered on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
 
What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Lead Project Development Environmental Specialist will:

• Provide technical leadership for a team of 6-8 environmental coordinators and biologists.
• Supervise 2-3 junior environmental staff.
• Train and organize training for project delivery staff in biology, NEPA/SEPA documentation, permitting, Design-Build, and construction topics.
• Perform technical reviews of biological reports, NEPA/SEPA documents, and permit applications for consistency.
• Negotiate with external agencies and WSDOT internal groups to resolve inconsistencies.
• Provide environmental coordination on highly complex transportation projects, creating strategies and ensuring documentation completion.
• Provide Design-build support to multiple projects by writing and reviewing procurement documents, serving on review panels, and providing training and guidance for staff.
• Plan and oversee environmental field work, such as wetland and stream delineations, as needed.
• Serve as a WSDOT Lead Biologist for Design Build fish exclusion efforts.  

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

• Bachelor's degree involving a major study in transportation, landscape architecture, environmental or urban, regional or land use planning, engineering, public or business administration, economics or natural or physical sciences. 
• Four (4) years of professional transportation experience involving analysis and evaluation of transportation issues and problems. Analysis of environmental issues and problems that involve transportation issues will also be considered qualifying experience. (A master’s degree in one of the above fields will substitute for one year of the required experience.)

OR

• Two (2) years as a Transportation Planning Specialist 3, Transportation Engineer 3, Landscape Designer 3, or equivalent classification in city or county agencies.

 
In addition to the qualifications above, the following are required: 

• Ability to conduct field investigations on roadways, at construction sites, or within right-of-way in adverse weather conditions. Hazards may include exhaust fumes, high speeds, heavy traffic, steep or uneven terrain, dense vegetation, and/or heavy construction equipment.
• Ability to sit/stand and work in an office setting with standard equipment for the assigned shift.
• Must have received or be able to obtain, in the first six months of employment, Applied Electrofishing Principles and Practices {BIO 407B) Certification from WDFW, USFWS, and NOAA. 
• Ability to manipulate up to 50 lbs. in a safe manner. 
• Possession of a valid driver’s license. 

 
It is preferred that qualified candidates also have the following:

• Advanced knowledge of National and State Environmental Policy Acts.
• Advanced knowledge of federal, state, and local permits and approvals.
• Advanced knowledge of agency policies, standards of practice, and procedures.
• Advanced knowledge of design-build process and contracting.
• Proficiency using ProjectWise, GIS, Adobe Acrobat, P6 Scheduler, or similar software.
• Creating and delivering strong verbal, written, and visual presentations.
• Certified Biological Assessment Author
• Army Corps of Engineers Equivalent Wetland Delineation Certification
• Wetland Delineation Certification from Washington Department of Ecology (ECY)

 Important Notes  

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs. 
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• This position is eligible for the legislative-approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County. The premium is not included in the salary listed. 
• 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 www.uscis.wa.gov.
• 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.

 
Why WSDOT 

• Work-Life Balance – We are committed to ensuring that our staff experience the reward of public service while sustaining a routine that suits each individual’s lifestyle. 
• Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees 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 federal student loan forgiveness eligibility.  
• Plan For Your Future – WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes various 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 your salary. Therefore, the “Work Experience” portion of the application must be completed in as much detail as possible. 
To be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application: 

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

 
Please click the "APPLY" button to proceed. Note that you will be prompted to sign in or create an account. This step is required to apply for this opportunity.
 
WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment where 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 needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter.
 
Contact us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, Yasmin Munoz, at MunozY@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 24DOT-NWR-12905m in the subject line.