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Project Delivery Environmental Coordinator - Transportation Planning Specialist 3 (In-Training)

The Opportunity:  
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has an exciting opportunity for a highly organized individual with desire to provide coordination and support for all major projects within the WSDOT Megaprograms Division, which includes the multi-billion dollar Alaskan Way Viaduct (AWV) Replacement Program, SR 520 Bridge Replacement Program, I-405 Corridor Program, and the SR 509 and SR 167 Gateway Programs. WSDOT's Headquarters (HQ) Environmental Services Office (ESO) is searching for a detail-oriented and effective individual to be part of our ESO Megaprograms Environmental Team, located in downtown Seattle.

Reporting directly to the ESO Megaprograms Environmental and Biology Supervisor, this position serves as a Project Delivery Environmental Coordinator, independently conducting complete assignments involving related to NEPA/SEPA, ESA, and other permits/approvals on multiple, complex projects. This position also supports and provides logistical and technical assistance to higher level specialists within the Megaprograms group in carrying out permitting, documentation, and compliance responsibilities as required by federal, state, and agency laws and regulations. To thrive in this position, the successful candidate will have demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and prioritize work assignments, and to be proactive, detail-oriented and organized. This position includes a training period (up to 18 months) to allow for development of supplemental technical skills and knowledge needed to successfully complete tasks described below.
 
At WSDOT, we value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. To learn more, please watch the following video: Why WSDOT? 
 
This position will perform the following work:
Environmental Coordinator responsibilities include:
  • Provide technical discipline environmental support for projects, independently producing environmental documentation, permits, and recommendations to higher level specialists and design/construction offices.
  • Coordinate environmental deliverables and organize interdisciplinary specialists and managers to complete transportation related assignments or environmental commitments.
  • Plan and conduct assessments, including occasional field visits and site inspections, related to compliance, wetlands, fish passage, or other related issues. Includes collection, interpretation, analysis, and reporting of field data.
  • Prepare and/or review environmental documents, including NEPA memos to file, SEPA exemption memos, ESA No effect letters, and other permits and approvals under limited supervision, in support of design/construction projects.
  • Coordinate with resource agencies and stakeholders, as needed, to meeting project expectations or regulatory requirements.
  • Assist in preparation, attendance, and presentation at meetings related to construction and field work. May include agency coordination.
  • Assist with management of environmental consultants on various project deliverables and with tracking of contract scope, schedule, and budget.
  • Represent Megaprograms Environmental team at Environmental Task Force (ETF) meetings and other potential meetings with contractors.
  • Represent the Megaprograms team at WSDOT Environmental Coordinator Roundtable meetings and other related forums.
  • Collaborate with design/construction offices, ESO, regions, and others on environmental permitting and documentation strategies, policy, and procedures to ensure project compliance with federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations.
  • Identify potential innovations to streamline environmental processes and requirements in coordination with project teams and WSDOT headquarters and implements innovations, where possible. 
  • Identify unnecessary barriers to project delivery in design and construction, and works with the Program offices, Megaprograms, and ESO to reduce or eliminate those unnecessary barriers
 
Other environmental responsibilities:
  • Maintain data and records (commitments tracking, database management, correspondence logs, file/documentation management) and quality control.
  • Assist with scheduling, preparing, and recording meetings, managing calendars, tracking tasks and communications, and completing action items.
  • Research technical information, project files, or history to support documentation efforts, and
  • Coordinate information need and communications with program, design, construction, and contractor staff.
  • Provide other assistance as needed across disciplines (NEPA/SEPA, Cultural Resources, Compliance, Biology, Permitting, etc.) to meet program needs and overall support the WSDOT mission. 
 
The requirements for this position are:
  • Bachelor's degree with major of study in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Sciences, Communications, Planning, Project Management, Cultural Resources or other related field.
  • Minimum one year of professional work experience conducting biological studies and regulatory analysis for linear transportation projects or other large infrastructure projects (a Master's degree in one of the above fields will substitute for the required experience).
  • Ability to communicate effectively with individuals and groups over the phone, in writing, and in meetings.
  • Ability to work effectively with technical professionals.
  • Ability to work in large and multi-cultural settings in a cooperative manner.
  • Ability and experience in managing and organizing complex tasks simultaneously.
  • Ability to research and summarize information in a clear and concise manner.
  • Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and prioritize work assignments.
  • Demonstrated ability to be proactive, detail-oriented, and organized.
  • Familiarity with federal, Washington State, and local government environmental laws and regulations that apply to linear transportation projects
  • Valid driver's license.
 
An ideal candidate for this position will have:
  • Bachelor's degree in specialized fields such as biology, ecology, or environmental sciences. 
  • Knowledge and understanding of ESA Section 7 consultation process.
  • Skills in database management including working familiarity or higher level with ArcGIS.
  • Experience with transportation projects and/or state government operations.
  • Community outreach and engagement experience.
 
Note: This is an in-training position that offers a career path and on-the-job training. This position allows you to progress through the Transportation Planning Specialist field, and achieve the goal class of a Transportation Planning Specialist 3. Candidates will be considered as a Transportation Planning Specialist 2 or 3, depending on their qualifications. The salary levels for each are:
 
Transportation Planning Specialist 2: $53,592 - $72,036
Transportation Planning Specialist 3: $59,148 - $79,548
 
How to apply: 
To be considered for this position, please attach the following to your online application:
  • A chronological Resume outlining your experience to date;
  • Cover Letter detailing your qualifications, and why you believe you are the best person for this role, and
  • minimum of three (3) professional references who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, knowledge base, and job-related competencies.
Applications that do not have the above documents attached will not be considered.
 
Contact us: 
For inquiries about this position, please contact Erik Lunke at lunkee@wsdot.wa.gov. Please reference recruitment number 19DOT-HQ-04742.
 
WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities 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. For more information, please visit https://www.uscis.gov/.