- Salary: $71,472.00 – $96,144.00 Annually
- Location: Thurston County – Tumwater, WA
- Job Type: Full Time – Permanent
- Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
- Job Number: 26DOT-HQ-04041
- Department: Dept. of Transportation
- Division: Headquarters
- Opening Date: 05/12/2026
- Closing Date: 5/26/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
About WSDOT
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal agency with a global reputation for excellence. Our dedicated workforce plans, designs, builds, and operates an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 20,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, manages the world’s longest floating bridge, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!
The Opportunity
WSDOT is seeking a detail-oriented Transportation Planning Specialist 3 to support all phases of stormwater data management and field data collection, including sample collection, site preparation, sample processing, and coordination of sample delivery to contract laboratories. This role contributes to accurate data entry, reporting, and database maintenance, ensuring the integrity and usability of environmental data. The position requires a strong working knowledge of electronic environmental monitoring equipment and stormwater hydrology and plays a key role in maintaining compliance with stormwater monitoring and reporting requirements under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and the State Waste Discharge Municipal Stormwater General Permit.
What to Expect
This position performs hands-on field data collection work while exposed to hazardous conditions or materials at varies locations including fields, sites, roadways, construction or right of way activity, warehouses, or manufacturing. The position will spend an extensive amount of time driving between study sites to perform site maintenance and collecting samples.
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Transportation Planning Specialist 3 will:
- Provide direct technical support and assistance to the Stormwater Data Management and Reporting Lead and the Stormwater Monitoring Lead.
- Assist with the development and implementation of Quality Assurance Project Plans (QAPPs).
- Compose and follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
- Assist in the development and review of monitoring reports including writing and formatting text, conducting literature searches, and preparing reports for publication and distribution.
- Conduct verification of field forms, forecasting records, hydrology, and other analytical data.
- Assist in tracking sample quantity and type to ensure permit compliance.
- Conduct initial quality assurance of both hydrology and chemistry data.
- Assist and support the Lead with data entry, loading databases, and preparation of data for annual reporting.
- Assist storm forecasting and record keeping.
- Assist with field sampling and data collection including deployment, site maintenance, collection and preservation of grab samples, processing of compositor samples, and completing field and laboratory forms.
Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following competencies are required:
- Stormwater or Water Quality Monitoring: Professional experience in stormwater or water quality monitoring, and analysis of environmental issues and managing and analyzing stormwater or water quality data. Experience following QAPPs and SOPs for stormwater and/or water quality monitoring.
- Environmental Data Analysis & Statistical Methods: Ability to independently analyze large datasets, validate results, and select appropriate analytical techniques.
- Technical Writing & Scientific Documentation: Ability to write clear, compliant, and technically accurate reports (TERs, white papers, permit deliverables).
- Data Management & Database Stewardship: Competence in managing data repositories and guiding staff on data entry, validation, and tracking.
- Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
- Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.
The following qualifications are also required:
- A valid driver’s license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.
- Ability to move and transport up to 25 pounds up and down slopes.
- Ability to travel for up to five consecutive days across the State of Washington.
- Ability to work any time of day or night to collect permits required stormwater monitoring samples during storm events.
- Ability to calculate basic mathematic functions, such as area, percentage, addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division for planning requirements, budgeting, and inventory.
It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:
- Environmental and Physical Sciences Expertise: Demonstrated applied understanding of environmental, natural, or physical science principles relevant to stormwater systems, data collection, and environmental analysis typically obtained through formal education and/or extensive professional experience.
- Automated Composite Samplers: Experience with Installation, calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting automated composite samplers.
- Stormwater or Water Quality Databases: Experience with loading, maintaining, and quality-checking hydrology and water chemistry datasets.
- Field Operations Proficiency: Performing storm deployments, grab/composite sampling, and equipment handling under field conditions.
- Environmental Monitoring Equipment: Experience using calibration and performing maintenance of digital and analog sensors.
- Telemetry Systems: Understanding of remote data transfer, logger configuration, and troubleshooting.
- Knowledge of the WSDOT NPDES Municipal Stormwater Permit: Familiarity with permit structure, monitoring requirements, and reporting expectations.
- Geographic Information Sytems: Ability to use GIS software for creating maps and identifying potential study sites.
- Advanced Organization & Coordination Skills: Managing multiple deadlines, field schedules, and complex project logistics.
- Research Skills & Expertise: Experience conducting literature reviews and synthesizing used to support TERs, white papers, or research recommendations.
*To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the Contact Us section of this posting.
Important Notes
- This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
- In addition to base salary, employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type, duties, or location of the position. For union-represented positions, more information on other forms of compensation can be found in the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements. Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in Chapter 357-28 of the Washington Administrative Code.
- This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
- 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 www.uscis.gov
Why WSDOT
- Work-Life Balance – We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals’ lifestyle. As such, there are a number of flexible schedule options available, including telework options for eligible positions.
- 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 eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness.
- Plan For Your Future – WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options. Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information.
Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?
How to Apply
Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine salary. Therefore, it is very important that the “Work Experience” portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible.
In order 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; does not require an additional attachment.
Please click the “APPLY” button to proceed. Note that you will be prompted to either sign in or create an account. This step is required in order to submit an application to this opportunity.
WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. All persons, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/ or gender identity, are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter.
Contact Us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at Robyn.Lovely@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-HQ-04041 in the subject line.
Employer: State of Washington
Address: View Job Posting for Agency Information, View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504
Website: http://www.careers.wa.gov
