Environmental Science and Hazardous Materials Lead (TPS4, In-Training)

State of Washington•King County - Shoreline, WA

10h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is seeking a Transportation Planning Specialist 4 (TPS4, In-Training) to join the Northwest Region (NWR) Environmental Program as their Hazardous Materials Lead. This role is crucial for protecting Washington’s environment and communities by managing hazardous materials and solid waste associated with the state transportation system. The NWR Environmental team focuses on policy development, technical support, training, and leadership in sustainability and resiliency. This position serves as a regional leader in hazardous materials and solid waste, applying scientific principles and professional judgment to conduct studies, prepare technical documentation, and ensure compliance with environmental regulations such as NEPA, SEPA, RCRA, CERCLA, MTCA, and CWA. Responsibilities include preparing and overseeing hazardous materials technical reports, Environmental Site Assessments, Sampling and Analysis Plans, and other advanced transportation studies. The lead also collaborates with regional and headquarters staff on statewide policies, training, and program initiatives. The position is based in the NWR Dayton HQ office and reports to a regional Technical Services Supervisor, with support from the HQ Environmental Services Office (ESO) Hazardous Materials Program.

Requirements

Advanced knowledge of hazardous materials regulations, characterization methods, and cleanup strategies, including federal, state, and local environmental requirements.
Expert-level ability to interpret and analyze complex environmental data, including soil, groundwater, air, and material sampling results.
Advanced proficiency in developing, reviewing, and approving technical reports, including Environmental Site Assessments, Phase I and Phase II hazardous materials surveys, remediation plans, and contractor submittals.
Advanced experience leading or overseeing hazardous materials investigations, including scoping, field oversight, data evaluation, and coordination with multidisciplinary teams and contractors.
Comprehensive understanding of contaminant fate and transport, risk pathways, and conditions requiring mitigation or removal before and during construction or maintenance activities.
Strong ability to communicate technical concepts to project engineers, environmental specialists, contractors, regulatory partners, and other stakeholders.
Proven skill in applying environmental policy and technical guidance to support project design, permitting, construction, and emergency response activities.
Ability to provide mentorship, quality control, and technical direction to staff performing hazardous materials work.
Experience coordinating with regulatory agencies on cleanup requirements, reporting, and compliance expectations.
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize workload, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced transportation project environment.
Proficiency with environmental data systems, GIS, and other technical tools used for site evaluation and documentation.
Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
Takes action to meet the needs of others.
A valid driver’s license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.
Ability to report to WSDOT Shoreline office within three (3) hours from home office.
40-hour HAZWOPER certification (current with refresher) or acquire within three (3) months of hire.
Washington Registered Site Assessor certification (current with refresher) or acquire within six (6) months of hire.
AHERA Building Inspector certification (current with refresher) or acquire within three (3) months of hire.
Respirator and fit testing within six (6) months of hire.
First aid/Cardiopulmonary resuscitation certification or acquire within twelve (12) months of hire.

Nice To Haves

Working knowledge of environmental procedures and workflows for transportation or large infrastructure projects, including coordination with internal subject matter experts, construction offices, and maintenance.
Experience applying NEPA and SEPA requirements to hazardous materials review, documentation, and project decision-making.
Experience conducting hazardous materials reviews for transportation projects, including linear infrastructure and multimodal facilities.

Responsibilities

Facilitate resolution of technical hazardous materials and solid waste management issues within the NWR.
Coordinate HazMat program deliverables and services with others in NWR and occasionally with HQ-ESO to develop effective solutions, maximize efficiency, and expedite the environmental permitting and approval process.
Maintain advanced knowledge of hazardous materials and solid waste management sciences and resources and utilize advanced techniques in decision making.
Perform project field reviews to ensure appropriate techniques are being used to handle hazardous materials and waste.
Manage and direct work of hazardous materials for staff, consultants, and contractors when required; develop or review consultant scopes of work, budgets, and sampling and analysis plans.
In collaboration with HQ HazMat Program and other regions, implement training programs to establish and maintain needed level of hazardous materials and solid waste management related competence in construction.