Environmental Specialist - Transportation Planning Specialist

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’s North Central Region (NCR) is seeking an Environmental Specialist to support the agency’s mission of providing safe, reliable, and environmentally responsible transportation systems. In this role, you will ensure transportation projects comply with local, state, and federal environmental regulations by supporting project scoping and design, preparing environmental documentation, and securing permits and approvals. This position also conducts field investigations, supports construction compliance, and partners with internal teams, regulatory agencies, and tribal partners to advance projects while protecting Washington’s natural and cultural resources.

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

• Identify and track environmental tasks for the design, permitting, and construction of transportation projects.
• Provide technical support to environmental and regional staff in hazmat, wetlands, cultural resources, and biological resources.
• Prepare, review, and edit technical documents to demonstrate compliance and obtain environmental permits and approvals.
• Review project design plans and contracts for consistency with environmental conditions and regulatory commitments.
• Plan and conduct field investigations and site inspections for maintenance, construction, and environmental mitigation projects.
• Collect, interpret, analyze, and report field data to support project review and decision‑making.
• Maintain environmental permit files, documentation, and tracking systems in compliance with records retention requirements.
• Participate in trainings, workshops, and professional development to stay current with environmental policies and permitting requirements.

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

• Environmental Processes and Permitting:
  Applied experience analyzing environmental conditions, evaluating project impacts, determining applicable environmental documents, and preparing compliant submittals for local, state, and federal regulatory agencies. Proven competency in coordinating environmental permitting activities with regulatory agencies, project teams, and external stakeholders to ensure compliance with environmental laws, agency guidance, and project timelines.
• Communication and
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate clearly and collaborate effectively with diverse audiences.
• Time Management and Independent Work:
  Ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines and work independently in a dynamic environment.
• Digital and Technical Proficiency:
  Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and virtual collaboration tools; ability to learn and apply new systems or software.
• Growth Mindset:
  Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service‑Oriented:
  Demonstrates a willingness to take action to meet the needs of others.

In addition to the competencies above, the following are also required:

• A valid driver’s license and the ability to operate state‑owned vehicles.
• Ability to travel to perform field and project‑related duties.
• Ability to traverse rough, steep, and uneven terrain in all weather conditions.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

• Environmental Documentation and Permitting:
  Demonstrated experience completing environmental documentation and permitting for transportation projects. Including a strong understanding of NEPA and SEPA processes and document preparation.
• Professional Certification:
  Current Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA)…