Description
About WSDOT
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal agency with a global reputation for excellence. Our dedicated workforce plans, designs, builds, and operates an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 20,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT manages the world's longest floating bridge, leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds the record for the world’s widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!
The Opportunity
WSDOT is currently seeking a Transportation Planning Specialist 4 to serve as an Environmental Policy Publications Lead within the Environmental Services Office (ESO) to advance agencywide environmental stewardship by guiding policy development, maintaining technical publications, and supporting consistent regulatory compliance across the state’s transportation program. Serving as a headquarters resource, this position will lead and coordinate the development and updates to the WSDOT Environmental Manual, manage and curate environmental web content, and provide statewide National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance guidance and project support to ensure clear standards, effective processes, and alignment with federal and state requirements. In this role, you will collaborate with subject matter experts, program staff, and project teams to translate complex environmental policy and regulatory information into accessible guidance and tools that support timely project delivery. Strong candidates will bring expertise in environmental policy interpretation, NEPA compliance, technical writing and editing, and document and web content management.
What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Environmental Policy Publications Lead will:
- Independently plan and conduct regular updates to the WSDOT Environmental Manual for approval by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).
- Coordinate with subject matter experts (SME) and the ESO Environmental Workforce Development Lead.
- Lead the development and delivery of training to regional/modal customers on the new Environmental Manual annually (once published), and as needed.
- Track requests from statewide environmental practitioners (both customers and ESO SMEs) regarding manual revisions and presenting them to ESO leadership for consideration.
- Train SMEs on format/structure (and potential policy changes) before annual Environmental Manual updates.
- Coordinate with other WSDOT manual leads to facilitate ESO review of their manuals.
- Provide periodic briefings to ESO’s Office Management Team (OMT).
- Regularly brief and collaborate with OMT and ESO’s Program and Office Management Team (PrOMT) about ongoing and annual updates of the Environmental Manual.
- Serve as ESO’s lead content editor and point of contact to the WSDOT Communications Office.
- Lead the ESO web team to provide resources and guidance to ESO staff on processes and procedures for updating ESO web content.
- Coordinate with SMEs to develop and update general templates and tools associated with NEPA disciplines.
Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:
- Environmental Compliance: Working knowledge of federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations (e.g., NEPA, State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act). Ability to develop (or contribute to development of) policies and procedures necessary for the implementation of laws and regulations.
- Communication and Facilitation: Proficiency in translating complex environmental requirements into clear, concise, and tactful correspondence, and in communicating with diverse audiences. Ability to lead meetings with clarity, professionalism, and respect for diverse perspectives. Strong presentation and training delivery skills.
- Collaboration and Relationship Building: Ability to build strong relationships across internal teams, leadership, and partner agencies. Proven ability to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams; guide and influence people without having direct-line authority; and build consensus; and use effective conflict resolution techniques.
- Provide Customer Support: Ability to coordinate with customers and other SMEs to resolve issues and ensure consistent outcomes. Ability to develop effective and timely training and workforce development materials to support the needs of customers.
- Organizational and Professional Skills: Ability to work independently and apply analytical skills to identify issues and propose solutions. Ability to schedule, track and deliver multiple work assignments on time.
- Technical and Digital Proficiency: Ability to use Microsoft Office, Teams, and Adobe Acrobat to produce high quality communication materials and reports.
- Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
- Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.
It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:
Environmental Policy
- Advanced knowledge of federal and state environmental review and compliance frameworks as applied to transportation programs, including NEPA, SEPA, and related permitting, consultation, and documentation processes.
- Advanced understanding of how environmental laws, regulations, guidance, and case law translate into agency policy, procedures, and implementation tools.
Advanced Professional Practice in Environmental Policy
- Demonstrated professional level experience leading or coordinating environmental policy, guidance, manuals, or procedural documents for transportation or infrastructure programs, including interpreting and applying NEPA, SEPA, and related environmental laws across multiple projects or disciplines.
- Experience providing agencywide or program-wide guidance, training, or technical assistance to practitioners or subject matter experts.
Technical Communication
- Proven ability to translate complex regulatory and technical requirements into accessible guidance for diverse audiences.
Multimodal Transportation Systems Knowledge
- Knowledge of multimodal transportation infrastructure, system integration, and the environmental, and economic benefits and impacts of transportation investments.
Continuous Improvement & Process Optimization
- Experience with Lean and other process improvement methodologies to streamline workflows, eliminate waste, and enhance operational effectiveness.
Facilitation, Collaboration & Engagement
- Advanced facilitation leadership, collaborative decision-making, and marketing/communication skills to build consensus, influence partners, and advance initiatives across diverse partners.
Project & Program Management
- Demonstrated success managing projects from initiation through delivery, including planning, scheduling, resource coordination, risk mitigation, and performance tracking.
*To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the Contact Us section of this posting.
Important Notes
- This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
- 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.
- This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
- 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 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, including telework options for eligible positions.
- 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 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 Resume outlining (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; 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.
Contact Us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at Robyn.Lovely@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-HQ-05547 in the subject line.
