Senior Environmental Specialist-Operations Compliance

Sound Transit•Seattle, WA

10d•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 in hazardous materials management, waste handling, stormwater compliance, waste diversion, municipal stormwater permit compliance, spill response, and the Environmental and Sustainability Management System (ESMS). It also provides technical guidance to Facilities and Operations staff. This is a hybrid position combining in-office work, fieldwork at agency facilities, and remote work, with approximately two days per week at home. The position requires regular travel throughout the Sound Transit service area, approximately 30–50% field presence, and escorting regulators and auditors during inspections and site visits. The specialist works with considerable independence, leads compliance efforts, identifies risks, recommends solutions, interprets regulations, resolves compliance issues, and advises operations leadership on risk and corrective actions. The role works closely with operations leadership, maintenance teams, regulatory agencies, and partner jurisdictions. It may also support environmental due diligence, remediation oversight, construction activities, and other agency compliance needs. The position supports regulatory compliance across active transit operations and contributes to environmental risk management and operational continuity. Work supports the regional transit system serving the Puget Sound area, helping 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 a 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 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 travel regularly to field locations across the Sound Transit service area.
Ability to meet physical demands that may include standing, walking, bending, reaching, stooping, and lifting objects up to 50 pounds.
May occasionally work around dangerous machinery, extreme weather, hazardous chemicals, and extreme noise during field site visits.

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) certification.
ISO Lead Auditor or similar certification.
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 support compliance with environmental requirements.
Coordinate with interagency operating partners, including King County Metro, on applicable environmental compliance.
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 compliance, 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 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 ESMS technical working groups and support 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.
Maintain effective working relationships with staff, management, vendors, regulatory agencies, and the public.
Support compliance with environmental regulations including the Clean Water Act, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, Model Toxics Control Act, and CERCLA.
Support environmental services contract administration, including coordination, scope development, and invoice review, and work with project managers and consultants.
Use environmental compliance tracking systems and reporting tools to document and track 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.
Perform other duties as assigned consistent with the classification.

Benefits

Medical plans, dental plan, and vision plan at no cost for employee coverage, with benefits available for eligible dependents.
Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance.
Employee Assistance Program.
401a retirement plan with 10% employee contribution and a 12% employer match.
457b retirement plan with employee contributions up to the IRS maximum.
25 days of paid time off annually, with increases at four, eight, and twelve years of service.
12 paid holidays, 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.
Free ORCA card for full-time employees.
Tuition reimbursement up to $5,000 annually for approved expenses.
Inclusive Reproductive Health Support Services.
Work-life balance, professional development opportunities, and recognition from colleagues.