Senior Environmental Specialist-Operations Compliance

Sound Transit•Seattle, WA

5h•$81,000 - $176,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Environmental Compliance Division (ECD), part of the Environmental and Land Use group within the Capital Delivery Department’s Center of Excellence, ensures compliance with environmental laws and regulations throughout the acquisition, construction, and operation of Sound Transit facilities and systems. The Senior Environmental Specialist – Operations Compliance provides environmental compliance support primarily to the Operations department. This role coordinates technical and operational activities across multiple internal teams and external partner agencies to ensure alignment, compliance, and effective execution. Key areas of responsibility include hazardous materials management, waste handling, stormwater compliance, waste diversion, municipal stormwater permit compliance, spill response and support for the Environmental & Sustainability Management System. The position also provides technical guidance and support to Facilities and Operations staff. This is a hybrid position that includes a combination of in-office work, fieldwork at agency facilities, and remote work, with approximately two days per week worked from home. The role involves regular travel throughout the Sound Transit service area (approximately 30–50% field presence) and includes escorting regulators and auditors during facility inspections and site visits. The position operates with a high degree of independence and is responsible for leading compliance efforts, identifying risks, and recommending solutions in complex operational environments. It exercises independent judgment in interpreting regulations, resolving compliance issues, and advising operations leadership on risk and corrective actions. The role works closely with operations leadership, maintenance teams, regulatory agencies, and partner jurisdictions in a highly coordinated operating environment. This position may also support environmental due diligence, remediation oversight, construction activities, and other compliance needs across the agency, as appropriate. This role is critical to maintaining regulatory compliance across active transit operations and directly contributes to environmental risk management and operational continuity across the region. The work supports a complex regional transit system serving the Puget Sound area and helps protect natural resources while enabling safe, reliable, and sustainable public transportation.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering, geology or other sciences, environmental studies or closely related field is highly desirable.
Five years of experience in environmental compliance, environmental consulting, regulatory agency work, or facility operations support related to environmental compliance OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Valid state driver’s license.
Knowledge of environmental laws, regulations, and compliance practices
Understanding of facility operations and how they relate to environmental compliance
Knowledge of state and federal environmental and stormwater requirements
Familiarity with hazardous materials management, waste regulations, and recycling programs
Understanding of sustainability practices related to facility operations
Ability to apply environmental regulations in operational or industrial environments
Strong analytical, problem solving, and organizational skills
Ability to prepare reports and analyze data
Effective written and verbal communication skills
Proficiency with standard office software and data systems
Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships

Nice To Haves

Certification as a Professional Engineer and/or as a Licensed Geologist
40-hour HAZWOPER certification (or ability to obtain it)
Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM)
ISO Lead Auditor or similar
Stormwater certification (CESCL, CPESC, or Similar)

Responsibilities

Ownership of interdisciplinary procedures controlling for environmental risk at facilities
Conduct field based environmental compliance inspections at transit facilities
Support stormwater, hazardous waste, and environmental compliance programs
Assist with spill response and regulatory inspections
Provide technical guidance to operations and facilities staff
Supports and collaborates with agency staff in the Operations department to support agency operations in meeting environmental compliance requirements
Monitors and coordinates with Sound Transit’s interagency operating partners, including King County Metro, in coordination with agency staff to support compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations
Works with Facilities staff and the Stormwater Program Manager to support implementation of NPDES municipal stormwater permit requirements
Provides technical assistance and supports training for Operations staff on waste management, spill response, and stormwater system maintenance
Performs environmental compliance inspections and reviews at facilities, including hazardous materials handling, storage, and spill preparedness
Attends inspections with regulatory agencies including the Department of Ecology, WSDOT, local jurisdictions, wastewater districts, and the Environmental Protection Agency
Conducts regular site visits to observe and document compliance conditions at maintenance facilities, transit centers, rail yards, stations, and other operational locations, and supports adherence to permits and best management practices
Supports implementation of the Environmental and Sustainability Management System in alignment with ISO 14001 requirements, including audit support and program maintenance
Supports Environmental and Sustainability Management System initiatives, including participation in technical working groups and support of sustainability goals
Serves as a technical resource for waste diversion and supports efforts to improve waste diversion and efficiency
Participates in internal and external technical committees and working groups, prepares reports and correspondence, and maintains awareness of regulatory and industry developments
Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with staff, management, vendors, regulatory agencies, and the public
Supports compliance with environmental regulations including the Clean Water Act, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, Model Toxics Control Act, and CERCLA
Supports contract administration in accordance with agency procedures, including coordination, scope development, and invoice review for environmental services, and works with project managers and consultants
Uses environmental compliance tracking systems and reporting tools to document and track compliance activities
Works independently on assigned tasks with general guidance from senior staff or management
Demonstrates Sound Transit’s core values and contributes to a collaborative and inclusive work environment
Follows agency safety rules and integrates sustainability into daily work practices
Performs other duties as assigned consistent with the classification
This role supports facilities across the Sound Transit service area and requires regular travel to field locations
Other duties as assigned

Benefits

Two choices of medical plans, a dental plan, and a vision plan all at no cost for employee coverage
Comprehensive benefits for employees and eligible dependents, including a spouse or domestic partner.
Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance.
Employee Assistance Program.
401a – 10% of employee contribution with a 12% match by Sound Transit
457b – up to IRS maximum (employee only contribution).
Employees accrue 25 days of paid time off annually with increases at four, eight and twelve years of service.
Employees at the director level and up accrue additional days.
Observe 12 paid holidays
Provide up to 2 paid floating holidays and up to 2 paid volunteer days per year.
12 weeks of parental leave for new parents.
Pet Insurance discount.
All full-time employees will receive an ORCA card at no cost.
Sound Transit will pay up to $5,000 annually for approved tuition expenses.
Inclusive Reproductive Health Support Services.
Competitive salaries based on market rates and internal equity.
Work-life balance
Opportunities for professional development
Recognition from your colleagues.