Environmental Compliance Specialist - Washington State Ferries

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! Washington State Ferries (WSF) is an essential part of Washington’s transportation network. Every year, we carry nearly 20 million passengers across Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands on more than 400 sailings a day. Our dedicated teams with over 2,100 people work together to serve our communities and shape the future of ferry travel. The Opportunity WSF, a division of WSDOT, is currently seeking an Environmental Compliance Specialist to support the safe, reliable, and environmentally responsible operation of the Washington State Ferry system. This position serves as a key technical resource for environmental compliance, helping ensure ferry operations, maintenance activities, and infrastructure projects meet applicable environmental requirements while protecting natural, cultural, and historic resources. Through collaboration with project teams, regulatory agencies, and operational staff, this role helps minimize environmental risks and supports the successful delivery of transportation services across the state. By advancing regulatory compliance and environmental stewardship, this position plays an important role in maintaining public trust and supporting WSF’s mission of providing dependable ferry service to the communities it serves. As we navigate a once‑in‑a‑generation transformation to decarbonize our system — guided by our core values Serve, Respect, Trust, Grow, Navigate, and bold strategic priorities Service Excellence, Improved Communication and Empowered People — there’s never been a more meaningful time to come aboard at Washington State Ferries. What to Expect Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you/the Environmental Compliance Specialist will: Lead environmental compliance and monitoring for marine transportation construction projects. Serve as a technical expert on environmental regulations, permits, and compliance requirements. Manage environmental documentation, reporting, permit implementation, and commitment tracking. Review and approve environmental compliance, erosion control, and spill prevention plans. Conduct inspections, monitoring, and reporting to ensure regulatory and contractual compliance. Support ESA, MMPA, and marine mammal monitoring requirements. Lead stormwater management, permit compliance, and pollution prevention programs. Oversee spill prevention, response planning, training, and emergency response support. Uphold WSF’s strategic priorities (Service Excellence, Improved Communication, and Empowered People) and values (Serve, Grow, Trust, Respect, and Navigate), ensuring they are embedded in WSF’s culture through leadership actions Qualifications To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required: Environmental Regulatory & Technical Expertise Demonstrates advanced knowledge and application of environmental laws, permits, and compliance systems governing transportation and marine operations Interprets and applies federal, state, and local environmental regulations (ESA, MMPA, stormwater, spill prevention, etc.). Develops, reviews, and approves environmental plans (SWPPP, TESC, SPCC). Oversees monitoring programs, testing, and reporting requirements. Ensures contractor and operational compliance with permits and regulatory approvals. Provides technical guidance on marine mammal monitoring and in‑water work compliance. Compliance Assurance & Risk Management Conducts environmental audits and field inspections. Investigates and reports non‑compliance events. Develops corrective actions and continuous improvement measures. Analytical Problem Solving & Decision Making Analyzes monitoring data and environmental performance metrics. Responds effectively to unforeseen site conditions or regulatory changes. Evaluates contractor compliance using technical documentation and field observation. Field Operations & Safety Integration Conducts construction and operational compliance monitoring. Evaluates environmental controls in active work environments. Growth Mindset Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth. Service-Oriented Demonstrates a willingness to take action to meet the needs of others. Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) within six months. First Aid, CPR, and AED certification within six months. HAZWOPER 40‑hour certification within six months. Certified Erosion and Sediment Control Lead (CESCL) within six months. AHERA Building Inspector certification within six months. Forage Fish Survey Training within one year. It is preferred that qualified candidates also have: Technical Environmental Compliance Demonstrates ability to develop, implement, and track environmental commitments for complex infrastructure projects. Ensures compliance with permit conditions, mitigation measures, and environmental documentation throughout project lifecycles. Marine Construction & Operations Expertise Applies specialized knowledge of environmental protection requirements in marine and nearshore construction environments. Coordinates environmental monitoring and compliance activities during in‑water and shoreline work. Demonstrates understanding of marine construction methods, equipment, and associated environmental impacts. Regulatory Interpretation & Application Interprets and applies environmental laws, regulations, standards, and agency policies governing transportation and marine projects. Provides regulatory guidance to project managers, engineers, and construction staff. Supports environmental permitting, inspections, and interagency coordination. Environmental Monitoring & Field Investigation Conducts and oversees environmental monitoring related to wildlife, habitat, water quality, and construction impacts. Maintains accurate field documentation and compliance records. Safety & Hazardous Materials Management Implements environmental health and safety requirements in field and marine settings. Identifies and manages environmental hazards including hazardous materials, asbestos, and emergency response conditions. Applies incident response procedures and risk mitigation strategies. Promotes safe work practices aligned with regulatory and agency safety standards. Communication & Interdisciplinary Coordination Communicates environmental requirements clearly to engineers, construction personnel, and project managers. Coordinates with regulatory agencies, tribal governments, contractors, and stakeholders. Supports conflict resolution related to environmental compliance issues. Important Notes This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options. While much of the work can be performed remotely, periodic fieldwork is required to support project oversight and compliance activities, with frequency varying based on project schedules and business needs. In addition to the salary range listed, a general wage increase of 2% will be applied for all state employees on July 1, 2026, upon legislative approval. 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. 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 Equal‑Opportunity Employer Statement 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr State of Washington Dept. of Transportation