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!
The Opportunity
WSDOT is seeking a motivated Transportation Planning Specialist 2 to join our Southwest Region team as the Assistant Environmental Coordinator in Vancouver, WA. In this rewarding role, you'll help shape transportation projects that protect Washington's natural resources while supporting the delivery of safe, reliable, and sustainable transportation infrastructure. Working alongside a collaborative team of environmental professionals, you'll play a key role in ensuring projects comply with environmental laws, regulations, and permitting requirements from project scoping through design, construction, and post-construction activities.
As the Assistant Environmental Coordinator, you will provide environmental planning and permitting support for a variety of transportation projects, helping project teams navigate environmental review processes and regulatory requirements. You'll collaborate with biologists, engineers, project managers, regulatory agencies, and other technical specialists to conduct transportation studies related to biological resources and other environmental disciplines, ensuring projects are delivered responsibly while balancing environmental stewardship with WSDOT's transportation mission.
What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, Assistant Environmental Coordinator will:
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Support Development of Environmental Documentation and Permitting
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Prepare or contribute to the development of environmental documentation including National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA).
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Prepare and maintain environmental documentation of traffic projects and complete assigned portions of larger, more complex project documentation.
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Prepare local, state and federal permit applications.
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Coordinate, track, and communicate schedule and completion dates to internal customers (Environmental and/or Area Engineering Office staff) for environmental tasks they are responsible for.
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Develop scope, schedule, and budget for the required environmental processes during the project scoping phase.
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Collect, analyze and synthesize data as needed to support permits and other requirements.
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Support the Environmental Coordinators, Biology, and Roadside Restoration staff with project site visits and environmental compliance before, during and post-construction.
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Travel independently to field locations throughout the southwest region in a state vehicle to ensure environmental compliance during construction and make professional recommendations based on field reviews.
Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following competencies are required:
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Environmental Knowledge: Basic understanding of environmental principles and practices in biology, environmental science, natural resources, or closely related disciplines.
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Communication & Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with team members, follow direction, communicate technical or project-related information clearly and professionally, both verbally and in writing.
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Task and Workload Management: Demonstrated ability to plan, coordinate, and manage multiple complex tasks concurrently while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
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Research and Analytical Communication: Experience in collecting, analyzing, and synthesizing information from multiple sources to produce clear, concise, and well-structured summaries and reports.
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Computer and Information Systems: Proficiency Experience using personal computers and standard business software to evaluate data, generate reports, utilize databases, and prepare professional documents using word-processing applications.
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Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
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Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.
The following qualifications are also required:
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A valid driver’s license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.
It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:
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Environmental Regulatory Knowledge: Demonstrated knowledge of environmental laws, regulations, and compliance requirements applicable to transportation projects, including environmental review, permitting, and resource protection. This includes familiarity with federal and state environmental regulations such as NEPA, SEPA, Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, the Endangered Species Act, and the Clean Water Act.
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Environmental Documentation and Permitting Experience: Demonstrated experience preparing, reviewing, or supporting preparation of environmental documentation and permit applications, including NEPA/SEPA documents and regulatory permit packages.
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Geospatial and Mapping Technology: Demonstrated ability to use geographic information system (GIS) technology, such as ArcGIS, to analyze, interpret, and present environmental or transportation-related spatial data.
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Environmental Compliance and Erosion Control: Demonstrated knowledge of erosion and sediment control principles, best management practices, and regulatory requirements for construction and environmental compliance. Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a Certified Erosion and Sediment Control Lead (CESCL) certification is desired.
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Wetland and Vegetation Assessment: Demonstrated ability to identify and evaluate wetland resources and distinguish between native and non-native plant species to support environmental reviews, permitting, and project development.
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Biological Resources Compliance: Demonstrated experience supporting environmental compliance for biological resources, including preparing or contributing to documentation related to the Endangered Species Act and other natural resource requirements.
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Hazardous Materials Assessment: Demonstrated knowledge of hazardous building materials identification and environmental compliance requirements. Possession of, or the ability to obtain, certification as an Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) Asbestos Inspector is desired.
Important Notes
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This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
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This position is not eligible for remote work.
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To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the “Contact Us” section of this posting.
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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.
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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
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Work-Life Balance – We offer flexible work schedules that allow you time for your life outside of this excellent opportunity.
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Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees may earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year!
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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.
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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:
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An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
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An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
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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
[email protected] Please be sure to reference Assistant Environmental Coordinator #40815 in the subject line.
