Job Description
Posting number: 26DOT-HQ-00922
Department: Dept. of Transportation
Division: Headquarters
Job classification: TRANSPORTATION PLANNING SPECIALIST 4
Posting type: Open & Promotional
Categories: Environmental Services, Planning and Development, Transportation, Investigative, Land Use, Research
About WSDOT
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal agency with a global reputation for excellence. Our dedicated workforce plans, designs, builds, and operates an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 20,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, manages the world's longest floating bridge, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!
The Opportunity
WSDOT is seeking a Transportation Planning Specialist 4 to serve as the agency's Construction Stormwater Lead within the Environmental Services Office in Tumwater, WA. This position provides statewide technical leadership in construction stormwater management and erosion and sediment control, helping WSDOT meet environmental permit requirements while supporting successful transportation project delivery.
In this role, you will provide required training, annual site assessments, and coordination on complex issues related to construction stormwater pollution prevention, erosion and sediment control risks and best management practices as well as technical expertise, analysis, recommendations, and policy support related to stormwater and erosion control for the department This is an opportunity to influence how construction stormwater and erosion control practices are implemented across WSDOT while helping advance practical, effective, and environmentally responsible solutions.
What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you will:
- Serve as WSDOT's technical expert on construction stormwater, erosion and sediment control, and applicable state and federal construction stormwater permits.
- Conduct annual erosion control assessments, evaluate project risks, prepare reports, identify trends, and recommend actions to prevent construction stormwater pollution.
- Provide technical support to construction, project, and regional staff and review erosion and sediment control plans, specifications, manuals, and related documentation.
- Lead interdisciplinary meetings with regulators, public agencies, consultants, contractors, and other stakeholders to address complex stormwater and erosion control challenges and develop solutions.
- Represent WSDOT on internal and external workgroups, committees, and technical forums and participate in discussions regarding construction stormwater compliance and best management practices.
- Coordinate the development and maintenance of WSDOT specifications, manuals, policies, guidance, procedures, and templates related to construction stormwater and erosion and sediment control.
- Identify compliance challenges and policy gaps and lead interdisciplinary efforts to develop recommendations and improvements.
- Design, develop, coordinate, and deliver workforce training through in-person, virtual, and online formats, including required erosion and sediment control training.
- Support CESCL training and certification activities and coordinate with the Washington State Department of Ecology on related requirements.
- Prepare technical reports and presentations, support consultant agreements, and conduct legislative, regulatory, and policy analysis related to construction stormwater management.
Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following competencies are required
- Environmental Regulatory Expertise: Professional-level knowledge of federal, state, and local environmental laws, regulations, policies, and procedures affecting transportation or large infrastructure projects.
- Technical Reporting and Analysis: Experience preparing professional reports with short timelines and reviewing, researching, evaluating, and drawing conclusions from data to support recommendations.
- Collaboration and Relationship Building: Experience developing and maintaining effective, positive, long-term working relationships across multidisciplinary teams, leadership, contractors, partner agencies, and regulators based on trust and common understanding.
- Communication and Facilitation: Demonstrated proficiency in translating complex environmental requirements into clear, concise, and tactful correspondence, and facilitating meetings with clarity, professionalism, and respect for diverse perspectives.
- Training and Workforce Development: Experience designing and delivering effective training programs, presentations, and educational material that is tailored to workforce needs.
- Project Management: Experience independently planning, prioritizing, and managing multiple projects to deliver work activities on time.
- Technology and Safety Practices: Experience using standard technology tools and maintaining safe work practices in office and field environments.
- Legal & Safe Vehicle Operation: Proficient in operating a state vehicle in a legal and safe manner as required for job duties.
- Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
- Service-Oriented: Demonstrates a willingness to take action to meet the needs of others.
It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:
- Construction Stormwater Expertise: Experience interpreting and applying construction stormwater management regulations and standards as well as erosion and sediment control best management practices and policies. In depth understanding of the NPDES Municipal Stormwater Permit, CSWGP, and CGP.
- Advanced Professional Practice in Environmental Policy: Demonstrated professional-level experience leading or coordinating the development of environmental policy, guidance, manuals, or procedural documents across multiple projects or disciplines.
- Field Assessment and Risk Management: Experience evaluating project risks, performing site inspections, and collaborating with project teams and contractors on environmental documentation, permit implementation, and choosing and installing TESC best management practices (BMPs) on construction sites.
- Negotiation: Experience with multiagency negotiation and collaboration, problem-solving complex and controversial issues.
- Leadership: Demonstrated proficiency working independently and in teams, addressing challenging or sensitive topics constructively while maintaining engagement to support project and program success, and influencing others without direct line authority.
- Professional Certification: Current Certified Erosion and Sediment Control (CESCL) certification, Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control (CPESC), or other related certification, or ability to earn certification within six months.
Important Notes
- This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
- This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
- 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.
- 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 telework options for eligible positions.
- Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees mayearn 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 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. 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.
Contact Us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at Rachel.Giese@wsdot.wa.gov Please be sure to reference 26DOT-HQ-00922 in the subject line.
