Environmental Compliance Lead - Tps4 (In-Training)

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 Environmental Services Office is currently seeking a Transportation Planning Specialist 4 in Seattle, WA. This position serves as the Environmental Compliance Lead for all programs and projects within the WSDOT Megaprograms Division, which includes the multi-billion-dollar Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement Program (AWV), SR 520 Bridge Replacement Program (SR 520), I-405 Corridor Program, and SR 509 and SR 167 Gateway Programs. The Environmental Compliance Lead independently serves as a lead technical environmental compliance expert for design, procurement, and construction phases for the Megaprograms Office and ensures consistency and compliance with environmental laws, regulations, and agreements, WSDOT policies and procedures, and resolves policy and program issues.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Environmental Compliance Lead will:

• Lead or participate in interdisciplinary teams that include WSDOT environmental/ design/construction staff, WSDOT/consultant teams, DB/contactors and subs, and agency staff and in commitment review meetings with design/construction teams and environmental discipline specialists.

• Oversee the schedule, implementation, and completion of environmental commitments, and coordinate with design, construction, and environmental team on incorporation and completion of commitments.

• Oversee and guide development of Environmental Compliance Notebooks and Plans prior to construction and commitment close-outs during and post-construction.

• Oversee independent noise monitors (on behalf of the Megaprograms Environmental Manager) in compliance with major project noise permit commitments.

• Review environmental commitments for development of RFP/PSE packages and RFP/PSE packages and contractor submittals for compliance with environmental commitments and documents; and ensures consistency with WSDOT policy and requirements.

• Represent Megaprograms Environmental team at Environmental Task Force (ETF) and Environmental Commitments meetings as needed.

• Provide technical discipline environmental compliance expertise for projects and make environmental documentation and compliance?related recommendations to Project Engineers, Program Managers, and design/construction offices.

• Coordinate directly with state, federal, and local agency representatives, as well as Native American Tribes on environmental compliance issues.

• Independently review environmental documents and discipline reports; and interpret them for use in planning transportation projects and designing transportation facilities.

• Provide technical discipline expertise for projects and makes environmental documentation and permit?related recommendations.

Qualifications

This is a Transportation Planning Specialist 4 (TPS4) position. However, the hiring manager reserves the right to fill the position at a lower level (TPS3) 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.

To be considered for TPS3 level, the following are required:

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Sciences, Environmental Policy, Biology, or closely related field.

• Three (3) years of full-time professional experience in preparing and reviewing environmental documentation, permitting, and approvals.

• Three (3) years of full-time professional experience working on construction environmental compliance for projects with natural resources and coordination with federal and local agencies staff.

• A valid driver's license.

To be considered for TPS4 level, the following are required:

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Sciences, Environmental Policy, Biology, or closely related field.

• Four (4) years of full-time professional experience in preparing and reviewing environmental documentation, permitting, and approvals.

• Four (4) years of full-time professional experience working on construction environmental compliance for projects with natural resources and coordination with federal and local agencies staff.

• One (1) year of experience working in a major urban environment on environmental documentation, permitting, and approvals or construction environmental compliance on large infrastructure projects.

• A valid driver's license.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Environmental Laws, regulations, and regulatory policies pertaining to construction compliance for transportation projects.

• Design Bid Build and Design Build project delivery models.

• NEPA/SEPA environmental processes.

• Asset management and project delivery system and business processes during project development and how those requirements are typically administered during the subsequent construction, operations, and maintenance.

• Development, tracking, and enforcement of environmental commitments during planning, construction, and operations phases of complex and large-scale transportation projects.

• Managing large infrastructure project environmental compliance with the federal Endangered Species Act Section 7 and Clean Water Act sections 404 and 401 responsibilities in an environment that is highly visible.

• Developing multi-agency collaboration and in building effective long-term strategic relationships based on trust and common understanding.

• Written, verbal, and presentation skills and the ability to effectively communicate with a variety of audiences, including the public, tribes, regulatory agency managers and staff, WSDOT managers and staff, and project engineers.

• Support a 50-pound backpack electrofisher while working in streams and other fish bearing waters.

It is preferred  that qualified candidates also have:

• Completion of WSDOT training in Endangered Species Act law and preparing a Biological Assessment

• Skills in ArcGis including basic functions such as the ability to manage simple data sets and generate maps.

• Photography and working familiarity with image process software such as Photoshop for inclusion in technical report.

• Experience performing wetland delineations, MBTA assessments, and water quality monitoring.

• Experience relocating or removing active bird nests.

• Knowledge of Pacific Northwest sensitive species and habitats.

• Certified Erosion and Sediment Control Lead (CESCL) certified.

• Knowledge of Hazardous Materials and Solid Waste Regulations.

• Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) Building Inspector.

• 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.

• Travel is an expectation of this position. Incumbent may be required on a regular, sporadic, or as needed basis to participate in meetings, conduct field visits, or attend trainings. Travel may include occasional overnight stays.

• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.

• This position has been approved for in-training. The hiring manager is looking to hire at the Transportation Planning Specialist 4 level, however the in-training plan will allow candidates to be considered as a  Transportation Planning Specialist 3,if not qualified at the highest  level. The salaries for each are included below: 

• TPS3: $70,749 - $95,155 Annually

• TPS4: $78094 - $105,008 Annually

• 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 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 via email.

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, at Robyn.Lovely@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 24DOT-HQ-05062 in the subject line.