Project Delivery Environmental Specialist (TPS3, In-Training)

Description 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 WSDOT's Environmental Office has a fantastic opportunity for a professional who has a passion for environmental issues and responsible project delivery.
In this position, you will be able to apply your current environmental policy and biology experience and training as well as develop both the breadth and depth of your professional knowledge through hands-on training and collaboration with WSDOT staff, Federal, State, and Local agencies, Tribal governments, and the public.
The primary undertaking of this position will be the environmental representative on fish passage and habitat restoration projects, from early concepts through project completion and monitoring.
Your involvement and initiative will support the natural ecology of our region and the livelihood of the public.
With this in mind, WSDOT is searching for someone who wants to make a truly rewarding contribution.
This is a unique hybrid role where you will spend about half your time as a biologist and the other half doing environmental documentation and permitting.
What to Expect Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Project Delivery Environmental Specialist will: Complete the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Washington State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) environmental review and permitting.
Identify and evaluate the environmental effects of highway features, construction methods, and operating procedures of transportation facilities.
Work with WSDOT project teams to recommend strategies for avoiding and minimizing impacts on protected habitats and species.
Develop and review scope, schedule, and budget for assigned deliverables.
Independently prepare, plan, conduct, document, and report results of scientific studies of aquatic and terrestrial systems, wetlands, plants, and animal communities in compliance with all federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations.
Conduct onsite wetland delineations, watermark delineations, wetland and stream functional assessments, and other biological surveys and studies, including assessment of habitat and potential effects to threatened and endangered species and jurisdictional ditch surveys.
Identify plant species and field identify freshwater and anadromous fish species common to western Washington.
Utilize GIS to investigate, prepare, and present biological information.
Review and support the preparation of Temporary Erosion and Sediment Control plans, Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure plans, Water Quality Sampling plans, and Water Quality Monitoring and Protection Plans to ensure compliance with environmental requirements.
Qualifications To be considered for this opportunity at the Transportation Planning Specialist 2 level, the following are required: Bachelor's degree involving major study in environmental science, biology, ecology, or closely related field AND one (1) year of professional experience conducting biological studies.
OR Master’s degree involving a major study in environmental science, biology, ecology, or a closely related field.
OR One (1) year as a Transportation Planning Specialist 1.
To be considered for this opportunity at the Transportation Planning Specialist 3 level, the following are required: Bachelor's degree involving major study in environmental science, biology, ecology, or closely related field AND three (3) years of professional experience conducting biological studies.
OR Master's degree involving major study in environmental science, biology, ecology, or closely related field AND two (2) years of professional experience conducting biological studies.
OR One (1) year as a Transportation Planning Specialist 2.
In addition to the above, the following is requiredfor both levels: Ability to apply knowledge of forest ecology, wetlands, wildlife, fisheries, and stream restoration to transportation scoping, design, construction, maintenance, and operations to procure environmental permits and documentation for region design/construction projects.
Ability to sit/stand and work in an office setting with standard equipment for the assigned shift.
Ability to traverse irregular and steep terrain, safely wade and work in creeks and rivers, and walk long-distance carrying field gear.
Ability to manipulate up to 50 pounds of various materials and equipment.
Valid driver’s license.
Ability to obtain the following certifications in the first six (6) months of employment: Applied Electrofishing Principles and Practices {BIO 407B) Certification from WDFW, USFWS, and NOAA.
Ability to pass in the first six (6) months to a year (depending upon availability) upon hire: a U.
S.
Army Corps of Engineers approved Wetland Delineation Training Course and a Washington State Department of Ecology certified course on the 2014 revision of the WA State Wetland Rating System in Western WA.
It is preferredthat qualified candidates also have: Transportation experience.
Project management experience.
Schedule and budgeting experience.
Certified Erosion and Sediment Control Lead (CESCL) certification.
Environmental compliance inspection experience.
Contract development, review, and administration experience.
Consultant management experience (e.
g.
, scope, schedule, budget).
Important Notes This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
The salary listed includes the legislatively approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County.
This is a Transportation Planning Specialist 3 position.
However, the hiring manager reserves the right to fill the position at a lower level – Transportation Planning Specialist 2 – 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.
Transportation Planning Specialist 2 - annual salary range: $64,108 - $86,158.
Transportation Planning Specialist 3 - annual salary range: $70,749 - $95,155.
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 the position and may be required on a regular, sporadic, or as-needed basis.
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 ensuring that our staff experiences the reward of public service while also sustaining a routine that suits each individual’s 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 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.
This information can 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 either sign in or create an account.
This step is required in order to submit an application for 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.
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.
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 23DOT-NWR-10254 in the subject line.