Environmental Scientist III

Summary King County Metro Transit Facilities Division offers an Environmental Scientist III position to oversee environmental compliance for King County Metro Transit Operations. The role is part of a small team of Environmental Scientists and Equipment Operators. In This Role, You Will Ensure compliance with environmental regulations such as stormwater and industrial wastewater discharges, spill response, underground storage tanks, hazardous waste, and air quality. Coordinate and implement projects that mitigate the environmental impacts of bus activities. Establish and manage a comprehensive recycling and waste minimization program. Educate fellow employees on these efforts. Additional Responsibilities The Environmental Scientist III will perform office and field duties across King County, share in 24/7 on‑call duties, handle spill response, conduct training, and work closely with Metro Transit, Sound Transit, and regulatory personnel. This position involves hands‑on work including addressing environmental concerns. Desired Traits Motivated self‑starter with a can‑do attitude in settings of ambiguity. Builds relationships through shared goals and influence. Lifelong learner with a curiosity mindset. Effective open‑minded communicator, organized. Adaptable to change, remaining positive and solutions oriented. Resilient, open to feedback, and not afraid to fail. About Metro’s Transit Facilities Division King County Metro Transit’s Facilities Division maintains all Metro Transit properties, including bus bases, park & rides, bus shelters, and offices and maintenance shops. Services include bus shelter repairs and replacements, bus shelter cleaning, trolley wire repairs, radio maintenance for buses, environmental spill clean‑up, bus sign replacement, graffiti removal, and other facilities maintenance duties. The team also provides division‑wide support functions for finance, budget, environmental compliance, safety, training, administrative services, and new employee orientation. Planning, inventory/materials management, workforce management, asset management, and capital infrastructure are also part of the division’s responsibilities. Job Duties Manage Transit's solid, universal, biomedical, and dangerous waste programs, including waste minimization and recycling. Ensure compliance with spill prevention, control, and countermeasure regulations. Ensure compliance with stormwater and industrial wastewater discharge regulations; support field crew stormwater inspection requirements. Ensure compliance with air quality regulations. Ensure compliance with Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know requirements. Provide technical training, leadership, and day‑to‑day direction to unit staff. Review proposed regulations, evaluate their impacts on Transit operations, and submit information to Transit management. Review Safety Data Sheets for environmental concerns including disposal of the product. Provide input on and oversee environmental‑related contracts such as those related to spill response, waste oil, underground storage tank work, and dangerous waste disposal. Assist in processing invoices for environmental services. Conduct field inspections and sampling at Transit worksites; resolve issues with site management. Act as the department's liaison with regulatory agencies, participating in inspections and resolving compliance issues. Coordinate the work of two Equipment Operators assigned to the Environmental workgroup. Foster an equitable, diverse, and inclusive work environment. Perform other duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications At least 3 years of increasingly responsible professional experience working in the environmental compliance field (private or public sector). Bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline, environmental field, or a closely related field, or equivalent education and experience. Ability and willingness to attend work on altered schedules, including swing and graveyard shifts for staff training. Willingness to be on‑call 24/7, Monday through Friday for emergencies including spills. Ability to travel across King County for fieldwork. Demonstrated experience interpreting analytical data and writing technical reports. Demonstrated experience managing an environmental compliance program. Experience with small‑project management techniques and organizational skills. Strong oral and written communication skills, including presentation experience. Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook). Ability to document, prepare, and communicate information to staff. Skill in interpreting plans, specifications, drawings, and technical maps. Skill in researching, analyzing, and interpreting technical data. Skill in applying principles of customer service and continuous quality improvement. Skill in promoting mutual respect and acceptance and maintaining effective relationships with diverse cultures. Skill in group problem‑solving and decision‑making. Effective communication and interpersonal abilities, including collaboration and conflict management. Willingness to wear protective clothing and PPE where required. Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and stand/walk for extended periods under adverse conditions. Desirable Qualifications Professional experience developing and delivering an environmental compliance training program. Experience in a vehicle maintenance or skilled trade environment. Working knowledge of environmental regulations covering stormwater, industrial wastewater, underground/aboveground storage tanks, dangerous waste, and air quality. Experience providing technical training, leadership, or day‑to‑day direction to employees. Five or more years of experience in the environmental compliance field. Certifications & Other Requirements Must obtain or complete within 6 months of start date: 24‑hour Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Hazardous Materials Transportation (Federal DOT hazmat training) Right of Way Worker Safety Confined Space Entrance First Aid/CPR A valid Washington State driver's license is required. Out‑of‑state license holders must obtain a WA license within 30 days of hire. Benefits Medical, dental, and vision coverage options. Life and disability insurance. Retirement participation through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) plan. Transportation program and ORCA transit pass. 12 paid holidays each year plus two personal holidays. Generous vacation and paid sick leave. Paid parental, family, medical, and volunteer leaves. Flexible Spending Account. Wellness programs. Onsite activity centers. Employee Giving Program. Employee assistance programs. Flexible schedules and telecommuting options as applicable. Training and career development programs. Equal Employment Opportunity King County is an equal employment opportunity employer. No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other compensation. #J-18808-Ljbffr King County, WA