Project Delivery Environmental Assistant

WSDOT 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.