Environmental Documents/NEPA Coordinator (TPS4, In-Training)

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 skilled Transportation Planning Specialist 4 in Lacey, WA. This position serves as the Olympic Region’s subject matter expert for National and State Environmental Policy Act (NEPA/SEPA) regulations, related policies, and provides support for the Environmental & Hydraulic Services (EHS) Office. The position is responsible for planning, leading, training, and directing project teams to ensure delivery of legally sufficient project environmental review documentation, including NEPA Environmental Assessments and Environmental Impact Statements, and for providing community outreach support.

What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Transportation Planning Specialist 4 will:

• Lead and direct multi-disciplinary teams in the preparation of major environmental review documentation for agency actions that may have significant impacts on the environment.
• Plan, direct, conduct, delegate and review project specific environmental disciplines studies.
• Interpret and advise Region management and staff on federal, state, and local environmental policies and regulations to facilitate effective and adequate compliance with same.
• Assure and certify procedural adequacy of major environmental documents prepared for projects.
• Oversee consultant contracts and agreements as necessary.
• Serve as Region leader for coordination and review of major environmental documentation prepared by other agencies or private developers.
• Provide support for community outreach efforts related to State and Federal environmental requirements.
• Coordinate as necessary with other Region offices, FHWA, and HQ Environmental Services.
• Represent WSDOT and Region interests on interdisciplinary work teams.
• Assign work assignments with timelines to EHS staff.
• Monitor staff assignments for accuracy and completeness.
• Verify environmental documents are compiled and filed appropriately.
• Create clear and consistent transition plans for projects to transition from NEPA to permitting.

Qualifications
This is a Transportation Planning Specialist 4 position. However, the hiring manager reserves the right to fill the position at a lower level in the classification series based on candidate qualifications, providing an opportunity for an individual to gain the required experience on the job as part of a formal “in-training” plan.

To be considered for this opportunity at the Transportation Planning Specialist 4, the following are required:

• Environmental Policy Analysis & Compliance: Demonstrated ability to analyze, interpret, and apply National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), and other environmental laws, regulations, and policies to complex project scenarios, identifying compliance needs and recommending appropriate actions.
• Advanced Environmental & Planning Review: Proficient in evaluating complex environmental documents, transportation or land-use planning materials, and technical reports, identifying key issues, risks, and considerations to support informed decision making.
• Regulatory & Technical Writing: Advanced skill in preparing clear, concise, and accurate reports, letters, and environmental documentation for internal and external audiences. Ability to translate complex regulatory or scientific information into accessible language.
• Workload & Project Management: Ability to effectively manage heavy workloads, balancing multiple concurrent projects with tight timelines while maintaining accuracy and producing high-quality deliverables.
• Technical Systems & Software Expertise: Proficient in Windows-based systems and software, including MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, SharePoint), cloud platforms, virtual meeting tools (e.g., MS Teams), and databases used for environmental review, documentation management, and project tracking.
• Communication & Stakeholder Engagement: Advanced capability to communicate technical and regulatory information clearly and effectively to diverse audiences both virtually and in-person, using email, phone, text, video conferencing, and written documentation.
• Analytical Evaluation & Problem-Solving: Ability to assess environmental issues, evaluate project impacts, and develop recommendations by integrating technical data, regulatory requirements, and policy considerations.
• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrate a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Demonstrates a willingness to take action to meet the needs of others.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Collaborative Coordination & Partnership Building: Experience collaborating with federal, state, and local environmental or transportation agencies to support the planning, design, or construction of transportation projects, contributing to effective and timely project outcomes.
• Permitting & Regulatory Navigation: Working knowledge of federal, state, and local permit requirements and approval processes, with the ability to identify permit needs, support submittals, and coordinate with regulatory partners.
• Tribal Engagement & Regional Environmental Awareness: Experience working with Pacific Northwest tribes or in tribal environmental contexts, demonstrating cultural awareness, respect, and the ability to support coordination and consultation processes.
• Design-Build Project Delivery Understanding: Familiarity with the design-build process, contracting practices, and the unique environmental, documentation, and coordination needs associated with alternative project delivery methods.
• Community Outreach & Stakeholder Engagement: Experience leading community outreach activities and building stakeholder relationships that resulted in actionable, coordinated strategies or planning solutions supporting project goals.
• Technical Tools & Specialized Software Proficiency: Proficiency using tools such as ProjectWise, GIS platforms, Adobe Acrobat, P6 Scheduler, or similar systems to support document control, environmental review, design coordination, scheduling, or project management.

*To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the Contact Us section of this posting.

Important Notes

• Travel is an expectation of the position and may be required on a regular, sporadic, or as needed basis to perform site/field visits, attend meetings, or training.
• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• 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.
• This is a Transportation Planning Specialist 4 position. However, the hiring manager reserves the right to fill the position at a lower level in the classification series based on candidate qualifications, providing an opportunity for an individual to gain the required experience on the job as part of a formal “in-training” plan. The base salaries for each level are:
  • Transportation Planning Specialist 4: $78,912 – $106,104 Annually
  • Transportation Planning Specialist 3: $71,472 – $96,144 Annually
• 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 mayearn 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 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 Daisha.Jordan@wsdot.wa.gov . Please be sure to reference 26DOT-OR-32981 in the subject line.

Salary

• $71,472 - $106,104/year

Benefits

More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026