See full details at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/wsdot/jobs/3219905/project-delivery-environmental-specialist-tps3-in-training

The Opportunity

WSDOT is eager to hire an experienced environmental professional to serve as our next Project Delivery Environmental Specialist in Shoreline, a few minutes north of Seattle. This project delivery position will focus and serve as an interdisciplinary technical and regulatory specialist. The Project Delivery Environmental Specialist will conduct biological and aquatic resource assessments and prepare environmental documentation in support of fish passage and habitat restoration projects. This position offers a unique opportunity to see restoration projects come to fruition on an annual: from concept, to design, through construction, and post-construction. This position will also serve as the environmental representative for projects to support and meet NEPA, SEPA, ESA, MBTA, Clean Water Act, and other environmental regulations. Your involvement and initiative will be supporting the natural ecology of our region and the livelihood of the travelling public. With this in mind, WSDOT is searching for someone who has a passion for environmental stewardship and wants to make a truly rewarding contribution to WSDOT Northwest Region and the state of Washington.
 
What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Project Delivery Environmental Specialist will:

• Independently prepare, plan, conduct, document, and report results of scientific studies of aquatic and terrestrial systems, wetlands, plants, and animal communities in compliance with federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations. 
• Identify and evaluate environmental effects of highway features, construction methods, and operating procedures of transportation facilities. 
• Work with WSDOT project teams to recommend strategies for successful restoration of habitats and species, while minimizing project impacts. 
• Develop mitigation options, plans, and documents proposals to address unavoidable project impacts to protected habitats and species. 
• Perform fieldwork in support of project construction and post-construction, as needed. 
• Coordinate with federal, state, tribal, local agencies, and other stakeholders following established WSDOT communication protocols. 
• Develop and review scope, schedule, and budget for assigned environmental deliverables and organize a group of environmental technical support staff to complete transportation related projects including fish passage (Federal Court Injunction Regarding Culvert Corrections).
• Complete NEPA and SEPA environmental review and permitting, which may include completing or facilitating the completion of environmental analysis and documentation required to complete environmental review, permitting, and environmental commitment tracking, to ensure compliance with numerous environmental laws and regulations. 

Qualifications

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

• Bachelor’s degree involving major study in environmental science, biology, ecology, or closely related field AND minimum of three (3) years of professional experience conducting biological field studies, writing reports to support NEPA/SEPA, ESA, MBTA, Clean Water Act, and Bald & Golden Eagle Protection Act, and environmental review and permitting related to transportation projects, or a closely related. OR
• A Master’s degree involving a major study in environmental science, biology, ecology, or closely related field AND minimum of two (2) years of professional experience conducting biological field studies, writing reports to support NEPA/SEPA, ESA, MBTA, Clean Water Act, and Bald & Golden Eagle Protection Act, and environmental review and permitting related to transportation projects, or a closely related

 In addition, candidates will also have:

• Current unrestricted Driver’s License
• Applied Electrofishing Principles and Practices (BIO470B) Certification from WDFW, USFWS, or NOAA or be able to obtain in the first six (6) months of employment.
• Completed U.S. Army Corps of Engineers approved Wetland Delineation Training Course or be able to complete within six (6) months of employment.
• Completed Washington State Department of Ecology Wetland Rating System in Western WA or be able to complete within six (6) months of employment.
• Knowledge of forest ecology, wetlands, wildlife, stream restoration and fisheries.
• Exceptional relationship management and community outreach skills and the ability to create and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to traverse irregular and steep terrain, safely wade and work in creeks and rivers, and walk long distances carrying up 50lbs of field gear/equipment with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Strong understanding of scientific methodologies to analyze and record existing environmental conditions through field studies.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to present material to diverse audiences.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Experience with ArcMap GIS
• Certified Erosion and Sediment Control Lead (CESCL) certification
• Environmental compliance inspection experience
• Contract development, review, and administration experience
• Consultant management experience. 

Important Notes 

• 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 by no later than October 18, 2021. This is a condition of employment with WSDOT. Exemption may be granted for religious or medical purposes. 
• The information provided on your application profile, any supplemental material attached to your application, and the responses to the supplemental questions will be used to determine qualifications for interview selection. Therefore, it is to your advantage that your application packet be completed in as much detail as possible. 
• The listed salary includes the Legislative approved King County Premium. 
• The recruiting efforts for this position may be extended beyond the displayed closing date for as long and until a sufficient candidate pool has been established. However, the first review of applications will be conducted on XXXX. The Appointing Authority reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any time thereafter. It is to your benefit to submit your application as soon as possible.
• This position offers and in-training option with a career path and on-the-job training. This position allows you to progress upward through the Transportation Planning Specialist field and achieve the goal class of a Transportation Planning Specialist 3. Candidates will be considered for a Transportation Planning Specialist 2 or Transportation Planning Specialist 3, depending on their qualifications. Annual salary levels for each position are:
  1. Transportation Planning Specialist 2: $59,698 – $80,236
  2. Transportation Planning Specialist 3: $65,885 – $88,615

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 to staff, including occasional telework for eligible positions.  
• Paid Leave – In addition to 10 paid holidays, full-time employees earn a minimum 14 paid vacation days per year!
• Plan For Your Future – WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options, and free dental coverage! Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information.
• Tuition Assistance – Our 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.  

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 details your qualifications, and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
• Contact information to be included in the “References” section of the online application for a minimum three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, knowledge base, and job-related competencies.

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.

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, Eric Saniatan, at SaniatE@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 21DOT-NWR-10222 in the subject line. 

Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter.