Restoration and Tribal Relations Technical Expert (TPS5)
Washington State
- Shoreline, WA King County, WA
- $86,158-115,920 per year
- Permanent
- Full-time
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal organization with a global reputation for excellence! Our dedicated workforce is responsible to plan, design, build, and operate an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 18,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT manages the world's longest floating bridge, executes an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds a record for the world's widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!The Opportunity
WSDOT is currently seeking a Restoration and Tribal Relations Technical Expert (Transportation Planning Specialist 5) who will lead the development and delivery of Fish Passage, Tribal Relations, and Pre-Design programs in the Northwest Region. This role provides essential support to Environmental Managers and Project Managers on Northwest Region's fish passage program delivery, tribal relations, mitigation planning, regulatory compliance, and restoration efforts. The position plays a crucial role in ensuring that NWR projects adhere to current policies and procedures while fostering consultation with regulatory and Tribal partners to streamline project efficiency and environmental permit procurement. Additionally, the role contributes to WSDOT's mission of providing safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation options while promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Restoration and Tribal Relations Technical Expert will:
- Provide expertise and leadership in fish passage programming decisions and communication strategies.
- Utilize advanced knowledge and expertise to identify fish passage program delivery and compliance risks and develop effective mitigation strategies.
- Guide and direct Northwest Region Pre-Design and Design Teams as a lead technical resource in the development of fish passage designs and engagement with resource co-managers and affected Tribes.
- Plan and direct advanced transportation studies related to environmental restoration, biological and aquatic resources, Tribal coordination and consultation strategies, and project scoping.
- Conduct occasional field visits with partners and/or other WSDOT Programs.
- Serve as the primary liaison with WSDOT HQ and Northwest Region staff to establish best practices for the delivery of the Region Fish Passage Program.
- Provide expertise in reviewing and guiding Hydraulic Designs and resolving risks and conflicts to meet agency goals.
- Perform Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) for the team's work on regulatory and environmental compliance.
- Attend project-specific coordination meetings, external restoration meetings, Fish Passage Program Meetings, and aid in overall NWR Fish Passage Program Coordination as needed.
- Plan, organize, and direct the work of Tribal Relations, Environmental Pre-Design, and Restoration staff, ensuring appropriate resource utilization and employee effectiveness.
To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:
- A bachelor's degree involving a major study in transportation, landscape architecture, environmental or urban, regional or land use planning, engineering, public or business administration, economics or natural or physical sciences, and five (5) years of professional transportation experience involving analysis and evaluation of transportation and/or related environmental issues and problems. A master's degree in one of the above fields will substitute for one (1) year of the required experience.
- One (1) year as a Transportation Planning Specialist 4. Transportation Engineer 4, Landscape Architect 1, or equivalent classification.
- A valid Driver's License.
- Ability to analyze and resolve environmental compliance issues and problems that involve transportation or other infrastructure projects.
- Ability to speak on behalf of the agency (or organization) on compliance and natural resources topics and issues.
- Ability to support or lead environmental documentation, permitting, or compliance for transportation or other infrastructure projects.
- Ability to communicate environmental or compliance issues to a diverse range of audiences.
- Advanced knowledge of Laws, regulations, and regulatory policies pertaining to compliance with ESA Section 7, Clean Water Act sections 404, 401.
- Skills in the development, tracking, and enforcement of environmental commitments during the planning, construction, and operations phases of complex and large-scale transportation projects.
- Ability to manage large infrastructure project compliance in an environment that is highly visible and often contentious.
- Experience and knowledge of negotiating, root cause analysis, problem-solving complex and controversial issues, and motivating and guiding others to complete work tasks.
- Experience and ability to work and communicate effectively under stressful conditions and tight time constraints.
- Experience and ability to effectively manage, track, and coordinate activities with a variety of different individuals and teams, both internal and external to the team that this position resides within.
- Experience using Office programs (including Microsoft Word, Access, Excel, and PowerPoint) to develop spreadsheets, charts, graphs, and effective presentations.
- Ability to work in different environments, such as natural areas, construction sites, and in-water work, often in inclement weather and uneven terrain.
- Advanced knowledge of transportation projects and impacts associated with fish passage or other environmental restoration projects.
- Experience delivering fish passage projects with anadromous species.
- Experience leading community and Tribal outreach efforts and developing stakeholder relations that resulted in tangible, coordinated, performance-based planning strategies and solutions.
- Experience working on Design Bid Build and Design Build project delivery models.
- Experience and knowledge of developing contract language, effective resources (e.g., guidance documents, visual tools) that meet the target audience's needs, working with environmental regulatory agencies, local agencies, tribes, and the public, and transportation, fish passage, or other large-scale design and construction projects.
- This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
- This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
- Standard business hours are from Monday to Friday, starting from 8 a.m. and ending at 5 p.m. However, the employee may need to adjust their work schedule to meet the business's needs. If the employee requests a flexible work or telework schedule, it will be considered, subject to supervisory approval.
- Travel, including occasional overnight stays, may be required on a regular, sporadic, or as-needed basis to attend meetings, conduct field visits, or participate in training.
- The salary listed includes the legislative-approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County.
- 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
. Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in of the Washington Administrative Code.
Why WSDOT
- Work-Life Balance - We are committed to ensuring that our staff experience the reward of public service while sustaining a routine that suits each individual's lifestyle.
- Paid Leave - In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees earn 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 federal student loan forgiveness eligibility.
- Plan For Your Future - WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes various healthcare options. Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs and much more. Go to
Check out this video to learn more:How to Apply
Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine your salary. Therefore, the “Work Experience” portion of the application must be completed in as much detail as possible.
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 of three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. NOTE: This information may be entered in the “References” section of the online application; it does not require an additional attachment.
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, Yasmin Munoz, at . Please be sure to reference 24DOT-NWR-10056 in the subject line.