Description
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 North Central Region’s Environmental Department is seeking an Environmental Specialist to join our team. The individual in this role will support WSDOT’s mission by ensuring that project design, construction, operation, and maintenance activities comply with all applicable environmental laws, regulations, contracts, and guidance documents. This position is responsible for supporting project scoping, completing environmental documentation, conducting field investigations and acquiring environmental permits and approvals.
What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Environmental Specialist will:
- Identify and track environmental tasks.
- Assist environmental and engineering project office staff.
- Prepare, review, and edit technical documents.
- Review project design plans and contracts.
- Plan and conduct field investigations and site inspections related to wetlands, biological resources, fish passage, and other environmental disciplines.
- Perform compliance inspections and field reviews of maintenance, construction, and environmental mitigation projects.
- Maintain electronic environmental permit and documentation files, commitments tracking, maintain database file/documentation organization.
Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:
- Bachelor’s degree involving major study in natural or physical sciences, regional or land use planning, environmental studies or a closely related field.
- Two years direct work experience in the environmental field, to include environmental documentation and permitting. OR two (2) years as a Transportation Planning Specialist 2, Transportation Engineer 2, or equivalent classification in city or county agencies.
- Experience working with environmental processes and permitting at the local, state, and federal levels.
- Ability to communicate professionally and work collaboratively with Tribes, agency staff, co-workers, management, consultants, and the public.
- Ability to write clearly and concisely.
- Ability to travel to project sites, meetings, and training locations, if needed.
- Possession of a valid driver’s license.
It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:
- Experience completing environmental documentation and permitting for transportation projects.
- Strong understanding of NEPA and SEPA processes and document preparation.
- Knowledge of project design, construction, and maintenance activities.
- Current Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) Building Inspector certification or the ability to obtain it within 1 year of employment.
Important Notes
- This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
- 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 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 occasional telework for eligible positions.
- 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 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.
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, S. Fields at fieldsS@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 24DOT-NCR-24685 in the subject line.
