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 is seeking a Transportation Planning Specialist to take on the highly essential role of Local Agency Environmental Permits Lead. This position will lead statewide programmatic permitting and permit streamlining efforts, serving as a statewide senior permitting strategist and subject matter expert, supporting project-level strategy and acquisition of permits and approvals. The primary regulatory focus of this position is the Washington State Shoreline Management Act, the critical areas portions of the Washington State Growth Management Act, Forest Practices Act, Aquatic Lands Statutes, other laws and regulations related to floodplain development, clearing, grading, building, and water rights. This position serves as Program Lead for workforce development related to these laws, regulations, policies and permits. We are looking for candidates who have a passion for protecting the environment, problem-solving, continuous improvement, and delivering excellent customer service.
What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the of Local Agency Environmental Permits Lead will:
- Serve as statewide senior permit strategist and subject matter expert (SME) to support and streamline state and local agency environmental permits and approvals.
- Serve as an SME on obtaining local agency environmental permits and approvals and compliance with local agency codes for WSDOT projects.
- Identify opportunities and initiate actions to expedite local agency environmental permits and approvals necessary for WSDOT projects.
- Lead and manage WSDOT’s negotiation, acquisition, and implementation of Agreements with state and local agencies to support WSDOT business needs.
- Coordinate regularly with the Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology), Washington Department of Commerce (Commerce), Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR), local agencies, and WSDOT Region/Modal/Megaprograms Environmental Offices; and initiating and supporting tribal consultation.
- Prepare annual report to Legislature on local governments taking longer than 90 days to issue permits to WSDOT projects.
- Critically evaluate WSDOT's process for collecting and reporting state and local agency environmental permit data and make recommendations to improve accuracy and efficiencies.
- Communicate changes to state and local agency environmental permitting and compliance laws and rule changes to customers.
- Support the development, annual maintenance, and continuous improvement of WSDOT policies (i.e., manuals), procedures (i.e., webpage content) related to obtaining local agency environmental permits and approvals and compliance with local agency codes for WSDOT projects.
- Support project-level strategy and acquisition of state and local agency environmental permits and approvals.
- Provide permitting strategy support and permit application QA/QC review support for complex projects and to support new employee training efforts in regions, modes, and Megaprograms.
Qualifications
This is a Transportation Planning Specialist 4 position. However, the hiring manager reserves the right to fill the position at a lower level, depending on qualifications, providing an opportunity for an individual to gain the required experience on the job as part of a formal “in-training” plan.
At the Transportation Planning Specialist 3 level, the following is required:
- A Bachelor’s degree in environmental policy or political science, environmental planning, environmental education, physical, natural, biological, or environmental sciences, or a closely related environmental discipline, AND:
- A minimum of two (2) years of work experience negotiating, obtaining or issuing local agency environmental permits to support transportation or other infrastructure projects.
- A minimum of two (2) years communicating local agency environmental permit information to project team members or customers.
OR
- An Associate’s degree in environmental policy or political science, environmental planning, environmental education, physical, natural, biological, or environmental sciences, or a closely related environmental discipline, AND:
- A minimum of four (4) years of work experience negotiating, obtaining or issuing local agency environmental permits to support transportation or other infrastructure projects.
- A minimum of four (4) years communicating local agency environmental permit information to project team members or customers.
OR
- A High School diploma equivalent, AND:
- A minimum of six (6) years of work experience negotiating, obtaining or issuing local agency environmental permits to support transportation or other infrastructure projects.
- A minimum of six (6) years communicating local agency environmental permit information to project team members or customers.
At the Transportation Planning Specialist 4 level, the following is required:
- A Bachelor’s degree in environmental policy or political science, environmental planning, environmental education, physical, natural, biological, or environmental sciences, or a closely related environmental discipline, AND:
- A minimum of three (3) years of work experience negotiating, obtaining or issuing local agency environmental permits to support transportation or other infrastructure projects.
- A minimum of three (3) years communicating local agency environmental permit information to project team members or customers.
OR
- An Associate’s degree in environmental policy or political science, environmental planning, environmental education, physical, natural, biological, or environmental sciences, or a closely related environmental discipline, AND:
- A minimum of five (5) years of work experience negotiating, obtaining or issuing local agency environmental permits to support transportation or other infrastructure projects.
- A minimum of five (5) years communicating local agency environmental permit information to project team members or customers.
OR
- A High School diploma equivalent, AND:
- A minimum of seven (7) years of work experience negotiating, obtaining or issuing local agency environmental permits to support transportation or other infrastructure projects.
- A minimum of seven (7) years communicating local agency environmental permit information to project team members or customers.
At both levels, the following is also required:
- Ability to develop productive working relationships with customers and coworkers based on trust and mutual understanding.
- Ability to work independently and cooperatively with diverse group of individuals and multiple teams to track and ensure completion of key tasks.
- Ability to work with other WSDOT offices, the public, tribes, and key delivery partners to provide information, answer questions, and explain WSDOT policies and procedures.
- Ability to interpret written material, including federal and state agency laws, regulations, and policies related to the protection of aquatic resources and habitats.
- Ability to apply advanced knowledge of the Washington State Shoreline Management Act, and associated permits.
- Ability to create and deliver professional presentations to share information and conduct training in front of audiences (in-person and virtual), ranging in size and diversity, so it is meaningful for the target audience.
- Proficiently utilize standard computer software (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat).
It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:
- Work experience with aquatic resources (e.g., streams, lakes, tidal waters, and wetlands) and fish passage barrier correction in Washington State.
- Advanced knowledge of and experience in design-bid-build and design-build project delivery contracting methods.
- Experience developing environmental permitting policy and/or procedures.
- Experience developing and delivering effective environmental permitting trainings that meet established learning objectives.
- Valid driver’s license.
Important Notes
- This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
- 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 357-28of 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 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 toState Benefitsfor 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 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 via email.
Contact us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, atRachel.Giese@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 24DOT-HQ-00932 in the subject line.
