Senior Environmental Specialist-Operations Compliance

Sound Transit•Seattle, WA

10d•$81,000 - $176,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Environmental Specialist – Operations Compliance provides environmental compliance support primarily to Sound Transit’s Operations department. The role coordinates technical and operational activities across internal teams and external partner agencies to support compliance and effective execution. Areas of focus include hazardous materials management, waste handling and diversion, stormwater and municipal stormwater permit compliance, spill response, and support for the Environmental and Sustainability Management System. The position provides technical guidance to Facilities and Operations staff and may also support environmental due diligence, remediation oversight, construction activities, and other agency compliance needs. The position works with a high degree of independence, leading compliance efforts, identifying risks, interpreting regulations, resolving compliance issues, and advising operations leadership on risk and corrective actions. It collaborates with operations leadership, maintenance teams, regulatory agencies, and partner jurisdictions. The role supports environmental risk management and operational continuity across Sound Transit’s regional transit system. This is a hybrid position combining in-office work, fieldwork at agency facilities, and remote work, with approximately two days per week worked from home. It requires regular travel throughout the Sound Transit service area, with approximately 30–50% field presence, and includes escorting regulators and auditors during facility inspections and site visits. Work is performed in a hybrid office environment with routine facility visits; anticipated average office and facility visit time is three days per week. The position may involve exposure to dangerous machinery, extreme weather, hazardous chemicals, and extreme noise during field visits. The salary range is $81,000 to $176,000, with a midpoint of $122,000. New hires typically receive between the minimum and midpoint, though offers may be higher based on experience, internal equity, and market considerations.

Requirements

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 their relationship 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.
Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, stoop, and lift objects up to 50 pounds.
A bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering, geology or other sciences, environmental studies, or a closely related field is highly desirable.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Own interdisciplinary procedures that control 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.
Collaborate with Operations staff to help meet environmental compliance requirements.
Coordinate with interagency operating partners, including King County Metro, on compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations.
Work with Facilities staff and the Stormwater Program Manager to support implementation of NPDES municipal stormwater permit requirements.
Provide technical assistance and training to Operations staff on waste management, spill response, and stormwater system maintenance.
Inspect and review facility practices, including hazardous materials handling, storage, and spill preparedness.
Attend inspections with regulatory agencies, including the Department of Ecology, WSDOT, local jurisdictions, wastewater districts, and the Environmental Protection Agency.
Conduct site visits at maintenance facilities, transit centers, rail yards, stations, and other operational locations; document compliance conditions and support adherence to permits and best management practices.
Support implementation and maintenance of the Environmental and Sustainability Management System in alignment with ISO 14001 requirements, including audit support.
Participate in technical working groups and support Environmental and Sustainability Management System initiatives and sustainability goals.
Serve as a technical resource for waste diversion and support improvements to waste diversion and efficiency.
Participate in internal and external technical committees and working groups; prepare reports and correspondence; and monitor regulatory and industry developments.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, management, vendors, regulatory agencies, and the public.
Support compliance with the Clean Water Act, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, Model Toxics Control Act, CERCLA, and other environmental regulations.
Support contract administration, including coordination, scope development, and invoice review for environmental services, and work with project managers and consultants.
Use environmental compliance tracking systems and reporting tools to document and track compliance activities.
Work independently on assigned tasks with general guidance from senior staff or management.
Demonstrate Sound Transit’s core values and contribute to a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
Follow agency safety rules and integrate sustainability into daily work practices.
Travel regularly to field locations across the Sound Transit service area.
Perform other duties as assigned consistent with the classification.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision plans, with employee coverage at no cost and coverage options for eligible dependents.
Long-term disability and life insurance.
Employee Assistance Program.
401a retirement plan with a 12% Sound Transit match on a 10% employee contribution.
457b retirement plan with employee contributions up to the IRS maximum.
25 days of paid time off annually, with increases after four, eight, and twelve years of service.
12 paid holidays and up to two paid floating holidays per year.
Up to two paid volunteer days per year.
12 weeks of parental leave for new parents.
Pet insurance discount.
ORCA card at no cost for full-time employees.
Tuition reimbursement of up to $5,000 annually for approved expenses.
Inclusive reproductive health support services.
Work-life balance, professional development opportunities, and recognition from colleagues.