Stormwater and Drainage Lead (TE3)
State of Washington
OlderPosted Jan 6
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Posted: January 28, 2026 (1 day ago)
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Stormwater Research Lead (TPS4)
State of Washington
Dept. of Transportation
Location
Washington, 98504
Salary
$78,912 - $106,104
per year
Type
Full Time
More Science & Research jobs →Closes
February 12, 2026More State jobs →
Job Description
Summary
This job involves leading research on better ways to treat stormwater runoff from highways, facilities, and ferry terminals to keep water clean and meet environmental rules.
You'll guide teams, analyze data from monitoring efforts, and share findings with regulators and experts.
It's a great fit for someone experienced in environmental science who enjoys leading projects and turning research into practical solutions.
Key Requirements
- Professional experience in stormwater or water quality monitoring and analysis
- Expertise in advanced data analysis and evaluation methods for environmental data
- Project leadership skills, including planning, directing, and overseeing complex research studies
- Staff supervision experience, particularly in data collection, analysis, and reporting
- Knowledge of regulatory compliance, especially NPDES municipal stormwater permits
- Ability to evaluate emerging research and apply findings to monitoring programs
- Strong communication skills for presenting results to agencies, groups, and consultants
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 seeking a Transportation Planning Specialist 4 to serve as the Stormwater Research Lead in Tumwater, WA.
This position will provide technical and project leadership for advanced stormwater treatment research that enhances the agency’s ability to manage and treat stormwater at highways, facilities, and ferry terminals.
In this role, you will plan, direct, and oversee complex research and monitoring studies; lead multidisciplinary project teams; and supervise staff responsible for data collection, analysis, and operational reporting.
This role will independently direct all phases of data analysis and evaluation for permit-required and research-related reporting, evaluate emerging stormwater research, and guide the application of new findings into the Monitoring and Research Program while coordinating with multiple internal and external monitoring partners.
These responsibilities are essential to maintaining compliance with stormwater monitoring and reporting requirements under the WSDOT NPDES municipal stormwater permit.
A strong candidate will demonstrate expertise in stormwater treatment and monitoring, advanced data analysis and evaluation methods, project and staff leadership, regulatory compliance, and the ability to translate research findings into effective, implementable solutions.
What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Stormwater Research Lead will:
- Develop and evaluate innovative research studies to better inform how to increase the effectiveness of treating stormwater.
- Supervise staff analyzing and interpreting stormwater monitoring chemistry and hydrology data. Independently select and modify evaluation techniques, as appropriate.
- Direct data analysis for permit-required and research-related reports including annual monitoring reports, Technical Evaluation Reports (TER), technical notes, monitoring white papers, and other documentation.
- Be responsible for content development and writing for sections of permit-required and research-related reporting documents, such as TER, pertaining to data analysis, interpretation, and monitoring results presentation.
- Present data results and monitoring findings to audiences including regulatory agencies, stormwater research groups, and consultants.
- Populate and manage statistical data repositories, which contain collected chemistry, hydrology, and meteorological data.
- Provide technical support for projects and Research Office monitoring studies including review of Quality Assurance Project Plans (QAPPs), sampling designs, and standard operating procedures for the field and laboratory.
Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:
- Stormwater or Water Quality Monitoring: Professional experience in stormwater or water quality monitoring, and analysis of environmental issues and managing and analyzing stormwater or water quality data. Experience following QAPPs and SOPs for stormwater and/or water quality monitoring.
- Environmental Data Analysis & Statistical Methods: Ability to independently analyze large datasets, validate results, and select appropriate analytical techniques.
- Research Design & Evaluation of Treatment Technologies: Skills in planning research studies, interpreting emerging science, and applying findings to WSDOT operations.
- Technical Writing & Scientific Documentation: Ability to write clear, compliant, and technically accurate reports (TERs, white papers, permit deliverables).
- Project Management: Ability to scope, plan, execute, and coordinate multi-stakeholder research and monitor projects.
- Technical Supervision & Staff Development: Ability to assign work, train others in analytical methods, provide feedback, and ensure work quality.
- Data Management & Database Stewardship: Competence in managing data repositories and guiding staff on data entry, validation, and tracking.
- Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
- Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.
In addition to the competencies above, the following is also required:
- A valid driver’s license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.
It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:
- Advanced Stormwater or Water Quality Experience: Extensive experience in stormwater or water quality monitoring, typically obtained through several years of professional experience and/or formal education.
- Automated Composite Samplers: Experience with installation, calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
- Stormwater or Water Quality Databases: Experience loading, maintaining, and quality-checking monitoring datasets.
- Field Operations Expertise: Experience performing storm deployments, grab/composite sampling, and equipment handling under field conditions.
- Environmental Monitoring Equipment: Experience using calibration and maintenance of digital and analog sensors.
- Understanding of Telemetry Systems: Remote data transfer, logger configuration, and troubleshooting.
- WSDOT NPDES Municipal Stormwater Permit: Knowledge of and familiarity with permit structure, monitoring requirements, and reporting expectations.
- Advanced Organization and Coordination: Skills and ability to manage multiple deadlines, field schedules, and complex project logistics.
- Conducting Literature Reviews and Synthesizing Research: Experience and the ability to support TERs, white papers, or research recommendations.
*To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the Contact Us section of this posting.
Important Notes
- This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs
- This position will be required to report to work in the office, or field. Travel is an expectation of the position and may be required on a regular, sporadic, or as needed basis.
- This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
- 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, please visit www.uscis.gov
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.
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 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.
- Contact details for a minimum of three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. NOTE: This information may 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.
Contact Us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at Robyn.Lovely@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-HQ-04053 in the subject line.
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