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 Eastern Region Environmental Service Office is currently seeking a Transportation Planning Specialist 3 (TPS3) in Spokane, WA. This position serves as the Environmental Documentation & Permitting Coordinator and is responsible for completing environmental documentation and permitting needs, developing landscape plans for roadsides and mitigation sites as well as completing field reviews, analyzing information and plans and preparing reports for permit applications. The Environmental Documentation Coordinator will use their knowledge of environmental laws, policies, and regulations to document, permit, and support state transportation project needs. The objective of this position is to ensure protection, preservation and enhancement of air, land, water resources for the preservation of the natural environment, as well as the protection of the social and health needs of the human environment.

What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Environmental Documentation & Permitting Coordinator will:

• Determine appropriate documentation needs to comply with local, state, and federal environmental regulations.
• Produce, review, and edit technical documents for submittal to environmental agencies.
• Track project tasks, provide guidance and assistance to environmental staff and project site staff.
• Complete field investigations of project sites to review and analyze project permitting and finalize documentation needs for projects.
• Assist in the development, preparation and review of roadside restoration, preservation, enhancement, and environmental mitigation projects.
• Develop landscape design/contract plans, specifications, and estimates.
• Develop and prepares professional reports with recommendations concerning WSDOT projects.
• Review plans and submittals by project offices and external consultants.
• Review and prepare recommendations to the supervisor on roadside work plans, weed control plans, plant material and other materials as necessary.
• Assist in performing inspections and field reviews of maintenance, construction, and environmental mitigation projects.

 
Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:

• Bachelor’s Degree in environmental studies or landscape architecture.
• Experience working with environmental processes and permitting on the local, state, and federal level.
• Professional landscape design experience (equivalent to working two (2) years minimum as a TPS 2 level landscape designer or registration as a landscape architect in Washington State).
• Possess a thorough knowledge of environmental processes and landscape architectural principles, methods, and practices.
• Experience in working effectively both individually and within a diverse team environment.
• Experience adhering to safety policies and diligence in performing work in a safe manner.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing across brad spectrums of professional level and diverse groups.
• Proficient with computer software and skills to analyze, prepare and generate reports in spreadsheets and databases.
• Ability to develop and prepare professional reports.
• Ability to perform on -site inspections and make professional recommendations for environmental permitting and process needs to roadside restoration, preservation, mitigation, and plant establishment.
• Possess a valid driver’s license.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• A working knowledge of WSDOT agency policies, standards and procedures.
• Ability to manage complex projects utilizing standardization project management methodologies and strategies.
• Familiarity with MicroStation Computer Aided Design and Drafting (CADD)
• Ability to read and analyze contract documents for coherence, completeness constructability and accuracy.
• Public Pest Control Consultant or Public Operator Washington state Department of Agriculture Pesticide License or equivalent with endorsement category OC (Ornamental Insect and Disease), OW (Ornamental Weed) are required within one (1) years of employment.

 
Important Notes 

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• By issuance of proclamation, the Governor of Washington State mandates that all employees who work for executive cabinet agencies (which includes the Department of Transportation) must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. This is a condition of employment with WSDOT. Exemption may be granted for religious or medical purposes; however, accommodations will be subject to approval based on the essential functions required of the position.

 
Why WSDOT 

• Work-Life Balance – We offer flexible work schedules that allow you time for your life outside of this excellent opportunity.
• Paid Leave – In addition to 11 paid holidays, full-time employees earn a minimum 14 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 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; 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. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, as well as 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 www.uscis.gov 
 
Contact us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, Robyn Lovely, at LovelyR@wsdot.wa.gov . Please be sure to reference recruitment #21DOT-ER-61147 in the subject line.