Environmental Project Controller

Title: Environmental Project Controller (TPS4, In-Training)

Location: Seattle , WA, United States

Salary

$75,045.00 - $111,409.00 Annually

Location 

King County - Seattle – Other, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

25DOT-NWR-11973

Department

Dept. of Transportation

Division

Northwest Region

Job Description:

About WSDOT

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal organization with a global reputation for excellence! Our dedicated workforce is responsible to plan, design, build, and operate an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 18,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT manages the world's longest floating bridge, executes an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds a record for the world's widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation! 

The Opportunity

WSDOT is seeking a skilled and motivated Transportation Planning Specialist 4 to serve as the Environmental Project Controller in our Northwest Region. In this key role, you will bring a mindset of continuous improvement to support the Environmental Program, provide data-informed solutions, and oversee environmental project schedules, budget estimating, and reporting functions for all projects assigned to the NW Region Environmental Services Office, ensuring efficient and effective project delivery across the region.

You will work closely with a diverse team of environmental professionals, including noise specialists, biologists, permit coordinators, archaeologists and hydraulic engineers. Beyond the Environmental Program, you will also work with maintenance teams, project design and construction offices, specialty groups, program management, and headquarters environmental services.  Your efforts will help implement and manage a robust regional environmental project management system that drives consistency, accountability, and results.

In addition to providing day-to-day support for business functions, you will be a critical part of the NW Region Environmental Management Advisory Team (EMAT), supporting the Environmental Program Manager in making strategic business decisions that impact workforce allocation and project effectiveness and by gathering, synthesizing and presenting data to inform region and agency decision-making. This position may also supervise or direct the work of other environmental staff, providing leadership and guidance to strengthen the team's performance.

This is a unique opportunity to play a critical role in shaping WSDOT's environmental project management, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in alignment with local, state and federal environmental standards.

We are also offering this as an "in-training" opportunity, which means that depending on your current qualifications, you may begin at a lower level with a formal, structured training plan tailored to your success. Upon completing the plan, you'll earn a promotion to the next job class level-along with at least a 5% pay increase!

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Environmental Project Controller will:

• Provide data and interpretation to the Environmental Program Manager and supervisors.
• Supports the Environmental Program Manager and Environmental Management Advisory Team in making business-related decisions, particularly those that may affect the effectiveness and efficiency of workforce allocation and project delivery.
• Develop group and individualized project management tools and training for Environmental Office managers, supervisors and staff. 
• Identify and provide training on project management best practices.
• Assist with identifying process improvement opportunities and developing and instituting changes
• Serve as the point of contact for design offices and region program management to coordinate new project starts. Works with environmental supervisors to develop schedules and budgets for all project-related environmental deliverables.
• Identify and communicate project schedule and budget risks and recommendations to project coordinators, supervisors and the Environmental Program Manager as appropriate.
• Complete monthly schedule updates with environmental staff on all projects in P6.
• Assist environmental staff with updates on the Project Reporting Information System for Confidence and Construction Status Reports.
• Maintains office-wide workforce planning estimates and actuals to continuality improve future projection accuracy. 

Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:

• Education & Professional Foundation: Demonstrated knowledge of transportation, landscape architecture, environmental or urban/regional planning, engineering, public/business administration, economics, or natural/physical sciences, typically gained through a bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and applied experience. Ability to apply professional experience in transportation analysis, evaluation, and planning, including consideration of environmental impacts associated with transportation projects. Advanced knowledge gained through experience at the Transportation Planning Specialist 3, Transportation Engineer 3, or equivalent classification, or equivalent municipal agency experience. Master's degree in a relevant field may substitute for one year of required professional experience.
• Project Management & Technical Skills: Knowledge of project management principles, including critical path scheduling, variance tracking, and budget management. Ability to manage, track, and coordinate activities for multiple projects, including predecessor/successor relationships and project deliverables, while adhering to schedules and budgets. Proficiency with MS Word, MS Excel, Primavera, and other office/software tools to evaluate data, generate reports, maintain databases, and develop and deliver presentations. Ability to learn and apply environmental processes and deliverables required for WSDOT projects.
• Problem-Solving & Decision-Making: Ability to analyze complex project management issues, identify potential solutions, and negotiate to reach mutually agreeable outcomes. Skilled in strategizing efficient pathways to complete work tasks and manage workflow effectively. Experience conducting root cause analyses and resolving schedule or budget variances in project delivery.
• Communication & Collaboration: Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to convey information clearly under tight deadlines or stressful conditions. Skilled in meeting facilitation, training delivery, and presentations, effectively coaching and mentoring staff individually or in team settings. Proven ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams, internal and external stakeholders, and customers, maintaining professional relationships and providing excellent customer service.
• Technical Communication & Reporting: Ability to prepare professional reports, develop presentations, and evaluate project data to inform decision-making and support leadership in project planning and execution. Experience in communicating complex technical information to diverse audiences, including agency leadership, internal staff, external partners, and the public.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Transportation & Project Management Knowledge: Demonstrated understanding of transportation principles and practices, including planning, design, and delivery of transportation or other major public works projects. Knowledge and experience in contract development, review, and administration, ensuring compliance with project requirements and legal standards. Proven ability to manage consultants, including oversight of scope, schedule, and budget, ensuring successful project delivery. Skilled in project control functions, including building project schedules, preparing project management plans, and tracking costs and deliverables.
• Data Management & Technical Proficiency: Ability to analyze project data using WSDOT-specific tools such as PRI, PMRS Web Reporting, Cognos, and WSDOT Data Warehouse. Proficiency in Excel, databases, and data visualization tools to evaluate project performance and support decision-making.
• Environmental & Regulatory Knowledge: Knowledge of environmental regulatory processes and required deliverables for transportation projects, including understanding predecessor/successor relationships in project schedules and associated costs. Ability to integrate environmental compliance requirements into project planning, scheduling, and execution.
• Professional Credentials & Advancement: Advanced degree in Project Management or certification as a Project Management Professional (PMP) or equivalent, demonstrating commitment to professional growth and project management expertise.
• Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills: Proven ability to identify, analyze, and resolve project issues related to schedule, budget, or contract deliverables. Ability to develop strategies for efficient workflow and project execution, ensuring effective use of resources and timely delivery of project objectives.

Important Notes 

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.

• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.

• To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the "Contact Us" section of this posting.

• The salary listed includes the legislative approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County. 

• This is an in-training position that offers a career path and on-the-job training. This position allows you to progress upward through the Transportation Planning Specialist field and achieve the goal class of a Transportation Planning Specialist 4. Candidates will be considered for a Transportation Planning Specialist 3 or Transportation Planning Specialist 4, depending on their qualifications. The annual salary levels for each position are:

• Transportation Planning Specialist 3: $75,045 - $100,951

• Transportation Planning Specialist 4: $82,857 - $111,409

• 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. 

• 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 offer flexible work schedules that allow you time for your life outside of this excellent opportunity.
• Paid Leave - In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees may 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. This information can 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 recruiter listed.