Environmental Review and Permitting Engineer; TE , 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 leads an award‑winning Active Transportation Plan, manages the world’s longest floating bridge, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

WSDOT is seeking a motivated and detail‑oriented Transportation Engineer 2 (In‑Training) to join the Environmental & Hydraulic Services (EHS) Office, Design Bid Build Permits & Documentation Unit in Lacey, WA. In this role, you will support the delivery of transportation projects throughout the Olympic Region by preparing environmental review documents and permit applications required for project approval and construction authorization. You will collaborate with project teams, environmental specialists, and regulatory agencies to identify permitting needs, determine required environmental investigations and supporting documentation, and ensure projects comply with federal and state environmental regulations, policies, and agency standards, including National and State Environmental Policy Act requirements.

This position also provides Environmental Compliance Support, by conducting field investigations and site reviews to verify compliance with environmental commitments, permit conditions, and regulatory requirements during project delivery. This is an excellent opportunity for an emerging engineering professional interested in environmental stewardship, transportation infrastructure, and public service while helping advance the mission, vision, and values of Washington State Department of Transportation.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Environmental Review and Permitting Engineer will:

• Prepare permit applications and determine supporting documentation, mainly for Design Bid Build projects.
• Contact, coordinate, meet, and negotiate with resource and permitting agency personnel to obtain permits.
• Review draft contract plans and specifications.
• Identify and coordinate obtaining needed supporting documentation for permits and documentation.
• Determine preliminary environmental impacts and likely environmental documentation and permitting needs for assigned projects in the project definition phase.
• Prepare and write environmental review documents.
• Conduct field compliance checks of project sites.

These are Transportation Engineer 2 positions. However, the hiring manager reserves the right to fill the positions 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, the following are required:

• Engineering Fundamentals: Foundational knowledge of basic engineering and mathematical principles to solve routine engineering problems, typically gained through education, experience, training, or certification (EIT or LSIT). Ability to apply this knowledge to design, construction, and inspection tasks.

• Foundational Engineering Technical Skills and Knowledge: Foundational knowledge of civil, structural, geotechnical, or transportation engineering principles, with the ability to apply engineering concepts to real‑world transportation project scenarios.
• Technical Interpretation, Analysis, and Problem Solving: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret engineering plans, specifications, contract documents, manuals, and technical data; identify issues or discrepancies; and apply sound engineering judgment to support effective, practical solutions.
• Engineering Documentation and Records Management: Ability to accurately document engineering, inspection, survey, materials, or project support activities through reports, field notes, calculations, quantities,…