Environmental Compliance Specialist - Washington State Ferries

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!

Washington State Ferries (WSF) is an essential part of Washington's transportation network. Every year, we carry nearly 20 million passengers across Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands on more than 400 sailings a day. Our dedicated teams with over 2,100 people work together to serve our communities and shape the future of ferry travel.

WSF, a division of WSDOT, is currently seeking an Environmental Compliance Specialist to support the safe, reliable, and environmentally responsible operation of the Washington State Ferry system. This position serves as a key technical resource for environmental compliance, helping ensure ferry operations, maintenance activities, and infrastructure projects meet applicable environmental requirements while protecting natural, cultural, and historic resources. Through collaboration with project teams, regulatory agencies, and operational staff, this role helps minimize environmental risks and supports the successful delivery of transportation services across the state.

By advancing regulatory compliance and environmental stewardship, this position plays an important role in maintaining public trust and supporting WSF’s mission of providing dependable ferry service to the communities it serves.

• Lead environmental compliance and monitoring for marine transportation construction projects.
• Serve as a technical expert on environmental regulations, permits, and compliance requirements.
• Manage environmental documentation, reporting, permit implementation, and commitment tracking.
• Review and approve environmental compliance, erosion control, and spill prevention plans.
• Conduct inspections, monitoring, and reporting to ensure regulatory and contractual compliance.
• Support ESA, MMPA, and marine mammal monitoring requirements.
• Lead stormwater management, permit compliance, and pollution prevention programs.
• Oversee spill prevention, response planning, training, and emergency response support.
• Uphold WSF’s strategic priorities (Service Excellence, Improved Communication, and Empowered People) and values (Serve, Grow, Trust, Respect, and Navigate), ensuring they are embedded in WSF’s culture through leadership actions.

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

• Environmental Regulatory & Technical Expertise
  • Demonstrates advanced knowledge and application of environmental laws, permits, and compliance systems governing transportation and marine operations.
  • Interprets and applies federal, state, and local environmental regulations (ESA, MMPA, stormwater, spill prevention, etc.).
  • Develops, reviews, and approves environmental plans (SWPPP, TESC, SPCC).
  • Oversees monitoring programs, testing, and reporting requirements.
  • Ensures contractor and operational compliance with permits and regulatory approvals.
  • Provides technical guidance on marine mammal monitoring and in‑water work compliance.
• Compliance Assurance & Risk Management
  • Conducts environmental audits and field inspections.
  • Investigates and reports non‑compliance events.
  • Develops corrective actions and continuous improvement measures.
• Analytical Problem Solving & Decision Making
  • Analyzes monitoring data and environmental performance metrics.
  • Responds effectively to unforeseen site conditions or regulatory changes.
  • Evaluates contractor compliance using technical documentation and field observation.
• Field Operations & Safety Integration
  • Conducts construction and operational compliance monitoring.
  • Evaluates environmental controls in active work environments.
• Growth Mindset
  • Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service‑Oriented
  • Demonstrates…