Environmental Documents​/NEPA Coordinator; TPS, In-Training

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 manages the world’s longest floating bridge, leads an award‑winning Active Transportation Plan, holds the record for the world’s widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

WSDOT is currently seeking a skilled Transportation Planning Specialist 4 in Lacey, WA. This position serves as the Olympic Region’s subject matter expert for National and State Environmental Policy Act (NEPA/SEPA) regulations, related policies, and provides support for the Environmental & Hydraulic Services (EHS) Office. The position is responsible for planning, leading, training, and directing project teams to ensure delivery of legally sufficient project environmental review documentation, including NEPA Environmental Assessments and Environmental Impact Statements, and for providing community outreach support.

• Lead and direct multi‑disciplinary teams in the preparation of major environmental review documentation for agency actions that may have significant impacts on the environment.
• Plan, direct, conduct, delegate and review project specific environmental disciplines studies.
• Interpret and advise Region management and staff on federal, state, and local environmental policies and regulations to facilitate effective and adequate compliance with same.
• Assure and certify procedural adequacy of major environmental documents prepared for projects.
• Oversee consultant contracts and agreements as necessary.
• Serve as Region leader for coordination and review of major environmental documentation prepared by other agencies or private developers.
• Provide support for community outreach efforts related to State and Federal environmental requirements.
• Coordinate as necessary with other Region offices, FHWA, and HQ Environmental Services.
• Represent WSDOT and Region interests on interdisciplinary work teams.
• Assign work assignments with timelines to EHS staff.
• Monitor staff assignments for accuracy and completeness.
• Verify environmental documents are compiled and filed appropriately.
• Create clear and consistent transition plans for projects to transition from NEPA to permitting.

This is a Transportation Planning Specialist 4 position. However, the hiring manager reserves the right to fill the position at a lower level in the classification series based on candidate qualifications, providing an opportunity for an individual to gain the required experience on the job as part of a formal “in‑training” plan.

To be considered for this opportunity at the Transportation Planning Specialist 4, the following are required:

• Environmental Policy Analysis & Compliance: Demonstrated ability to analyze, interpret, and apply National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), and other environmental laws, regulations, and policies to complex project scenarios, identifying compliance needs and recommending appropriate actions.
• Advanced Environmental & Planning Review: Proficient in evaluating complex environmental documents, transportation or land‑use planning materials, and technical reports, identifying key issues, risks, and considerations to support informed decision making.
• Regulatory & Technical Writing: Advanced skill in preparing clear, concise, and accurate reports, letters, and environmental documentation for internal and external audiences. Ability to translate complex regulatory or scientific information into accessible language.
• Workload & Project Management: Ability to effectively manage heavy workloads, balancing multiple concurrent projects with tight timelines while maintaining accuracy and producing high‑quality deliverables.
• Technical Systems & Software Expertise: Proficient in Windows‑based systems and software, including MS Office Suite (Excel, Word,…