Project Delivery Environmental Assistant (TPS2)

Full Job Description

About WSDOTThe 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 OpportunityWSDOT is currently seeking four Project Delivery Environmental Assistants (Transportation Planning Specialist 2’s (TPS2)) for the Shoreline and Burlington areas of Northwest Region.

These positions support WSDOT’s mission and Northwest Region by serving as interdisciplinary technical and regulatory staff.

These positions provide environmental support to projects for scoping, design, construction, and post-construction efforts aiding in planning and conducting transportation studies related to biological resources and other environmental technical disciplines and completing NEPA/SEPA environmental reviews and permitting.

This position works closely with a diverse team of environmental specialists within our office and headquarters, including permit coordinators, biologists, stormwater hydraulics engineers, tribal liaisons, and leads in cultural resources, construction compliance, and hazardous materials, as well as noise, air quality and greenhouse gas analyses.

What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you will:

• Prepare environmental documentation and environmental permit applications to support the Region’s design/construction projects. Complete environmental review and permitting to support agency actions.
• Identify and evaluate environmental effects of highway infrastructure, construction methods, and operating procedures of transportation facilities.
• Work with WSDOT project teams to recommend strategies for avoiding and minimizing impacts to protected habitats and species.
• Develop mitigation options, plans, and documents proposals to address unavoidable project impacts to protected habitats and species.
• Coordinate with federal, state, tribal and local agencies, as well as other stakeholders following WSDOT communication protocols.
• Prepare, plan, conduct, document, and report results of scientific studies of aquatic and terrestrial systems, wetlands, plants, and animal communities in compliance with all federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations.
• Conduct onsite wetland delineations, watermark delineations (OHWM, MHHW, HTL, etc.), wetland and stream functional assessments and other biological surveys and studies.
• Identify plant species necessary to properly delineate wetlands in Western Washington.
• Perform and direct fish exclusion work to support construction efforts.
• Accurately field identify freshwater and anadromous fish species common to Western Washington at all life stages.
• Traverse irregular and steep terrain, safely wade and work in creeks and rivers, and walk long distances carrying field gear.
• Operate and physically support a 50lb backpack fish shocker while working.
• Utilize Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to investigate, prepare, and present biological information.
• Attend trainings to stay up to date on latest environmental policy and WSDOT procedures

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

• Science & Natural Resource Knowledge: Foundational knowledge of environmental science, biology, ecology, wetlands, wildlife biology, and/or related natural resource disciplines applicable to transportation and infrastructure projects.
• Regulatory & Compliance Knowledge: Ability to interpret and apply environmental laws and regulations, such as the Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) or Washington State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA).
• Environmental Field Assessment & Data Collection: Skill in conducting or supporting environmental field assessments, including habitat surveys, water resource identification, or biological data collection.
• Technical Analysis & Documentation: Ability to review and analyze technical information, summarize findings, and present information in clear and well-structured written forms such as reports, memos, and environmental documentation.
• Organization & Task Management: Competence in organizing work, managing multiple tasks, tracking progress, and meeting deadlines with supervision.
• Communication & Team Collaboration: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams including planners, biologists, engineers, consultants, and regulatory agencies.
• Technical & Digital Tools Proficiency: Experience using computers and digital tools for environmental work, such as GIS platforms, Microsoft Office Suite, and/or field data collection applications.
• 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 all of the above, the following are also required:

• Must have passed or be able to pass at the next available training, a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers approved Wetland Delineation Training Course and a Washington State Department of Ecology certified course on the 2014 revision of the WA State Wetland Rating System in Western WA.
• Must have Certified Erosion and Sediment Control Lead (CESCL) certification, or ability to obtain within first year of employment.
• Be a qualified WSDOT Biological Assessment (BA) Author, or able to become qualified at the next available training.
• Possession of an unrestricted valid driver’s license to legally operate vehicles in Washington State.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Environmental Documentation & Compliance Support (NEPA/SEPA): Experience supporting or preparing NEPA/SEPA environmental documentation, permitting, or biological assessments.
• Environmental Fieldwork & Biological Surveys: Experience conducting or assisting with fieldwork such as wetland identification, wildlife observations, threatened and endangered species surveys, or vegetation assessments.
• Environmental Permitting & Regulatory Coordination: Knowledge of federal, state, and local authorizations and/or permits related to wetlands, water quality, wildlife protection, and habitat impacts (e.g., ESA consultations, USACE permits, Hydraulic Project Approvals).
• Transportation Project Development Knowledge: Familiarity with transportation or infrastructure planning processes, including design stages, interdisciplinary technical coordination, and project development workflows.
• Project Tracking & Agency Systems Familiarity: Familiarity with transportation agency tools, internal tracking systems, or project management tools.
• Stakeholder & Interagency Coordination: Experience working with or coordinating alongside tribes, government agencies, local jurisdictions, or natural resource stakeholders.
• GIS & Spatial Analysis Skills: Training or experience in GIS analysis, mapping, or spatial data interpretation.
• Public Communication & Outreach Support: Experience preparing presentation materials, participating in public meetings, or helping translate technical concepts for non-technical audiences.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• The salary listed does not include the legislative approved 5% salary premium for some positions in King County.

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.
• 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 a 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.
• Contact details for a minimum of 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 recruiter listed.

Contact Us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at Sidra.Fields@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference Project Delivery Environmental Assistant-13025m in the subject line.