Environmental Planner (TPS3)

Full Job Description

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!

The Opportunity

WSDOT is currently seeking a Transportation Planning Specialist 3 to join the Olympic Region’s (OR) Multimodal Planning team, reporting to the Principal Multimodal Planner.

Reporting to the Senior Planner – Team Lead, the incumbent in this position contributes to project delivery efforts including supporting pre-design on fish passage and other projects; participates on corridor and environmental planning studies; coordinates with regional planning organizations, local jurisdictions, and tribal nations; and maintains good working relationships with internal and external customers.

This position directly supports the agency strategic plan and goal areas of 1) Workforce Development, by influencing a workplace that supports and promotes training and development for professional growth and upward mobility; 2) Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, by creating, influencing, and fostering a physically and psychologically safe workplace where all employees feel that they belong; and 3) Resilience, by ensuring, through adherence to WSDOT policies, that work functions performed are administered to the expected quality, safety, and stewardship standards to support Washington’s long-term resilience.

What to Expect

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

• Independently identify, coordinate, and conduct the appropriate analysis, technical research, community engagement, and related activities needed to support project pre-design.
• Support preparation and/or update of various planning studies, analyses, and initiatives including corridor/subarea plans and Planning and Environmental Linkages studies.
• Understand and interpret written materials such as policies, manuals, plans, and reports and independently apply this information.
• Summarize information in graphic, tabular, and narrative formats to clearly convey key findings, recommendations, and logic.
• Organize and coordinate technical staff work efforts across WSDOT offices and organizations.
• Oversee and review consultant work activities and deliverables.
• Use geographic information systems (GIS) and other computer software to analyze and display geographic information.
• Facilitate and coordinate meetings with stakeholders such as citizen groups, local agencies, elected officials, tribal nations, other state agencies, federal agencies, and WSDOT support offices.
• Schedule, coordinate, and lead field reviews of project sites.

Site visits in the field are performed outdoors, in inclement weather, in daytime or nighttime.

Qualifications

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

Transportation Planning Experience: Demonstrated understanding of multimodal transportation planning principles and related federal and state laws, standards, and guidelines.

Experience in analyzing active transportation and transportation safety topics.

Experience developing or reviewing transportation or environmental-related technical documents, reports, and correspondence.

Analytical Thinking and Problem Solving: Demonstrated ability to use critical problem-solving skills, tact, strategic judgement, logical thinking, common sense, hard work, and tenacity to independently approach complex challenges while staying within the parameters of good practice.

Collaborative Approach: Strong interpersonal skills and a demonstrated track record of working effectively and professionally with others to achieve defined project outcomes.

Written Communication: Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate with others through formal and informal writing consistent with the standards of established English grammar and composition.

Communication Proficiency: Skills to communicate complex information effectively and professionally to diverse audiences, including those with non-technical backgrounds, using oral, written, and visual means, via telephone, email, text, written memoranda, reports, video conferencing, computer conferencing, in-person presentations, and other methods.

Engagement Experience: Experience preparing for and conducting stakeholder and public meetings, collecting and recording meeting information, and preparing written summaries.

Technical and Digital Literacy: Proficiency with Windows-based computers and software, such as MS Office Suite, including Excel, Word, SharePoint, and Outlook; Cloud computing; virtual meeting software, such as MS Teams; and various software applications used to develop calculations, documents, spreadsheets, estimates, and project scheduling.

Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.

Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.

In addition to the above, the following qualification is also required:

• Ability to traverse rough, steep and uneven terrain during site visits, perform duties low to the ground or at ground level, and stand for extended periods of time.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

Professional Transportation Planning Expertise: Demonstrated application of analytical, technical, and policy knowledge in transportation planning, engineering, land use, environmental, or public policy work comparable in scope and complexity to a Transportation Planning Specialist 2, Transportation Engineer 2, or equivalent role in a government agency, non-governmental organization, or with a consultant.

This competency may be demonstrated through education and/or professional experience.

Interagency & Stakeholder Coordination: Demonstrated experience collaborating with local and state agencies, Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs), Regional Transportation Planning Organizations (RTPOs), and tribal nations to support transportation planning initiatives.

Important Notes

• Application review will begin on January 27, 2026. Candidate selection may take place at any time thereafter. It is to your advantage to apply as soon as possible.
• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options consistent with business and project needs.
• Occasional travel, including overnight travel, within Washington State, is an expectation of this position for field visits, meetings, and training.

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 may earn 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. This cover letter should convey your ability to meet the Written Communication and Communication Proficiency competencies.
• 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.

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.

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at alyssa.nastasi@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 25DOT-OR-32697 in the subject line.