Transportation Planning Specialist 4 - Washington State Ferries

State of Washington Dept. of Transportation; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid holidays

Vacation days

Tuition assistance

Healthcare options

State retirement program

Job summary

Washington State Ferries seeks a Hazardous Materials Specialist to lead materials management and stormwater compliance for vessels and shipyard facilities, primarily EHMF. You will drive regulatory adherence, develop policies, and guide cross-functional teams to ensure safe, compliant operations.

The role emphasizes independent program leadership, collaboration with IH&S, and actionable risk management to support decarbonization and safe ferry operations across Washington state.

Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge of hazardous materials management and environmental compliance across multiple regulatory frameworks (EPA, Ecology, OSHA, PHMSA, DOT, Coast Guard).
• Ability to independently lead complex HM and environmental programs with policies, training and guidance.
• Strong regulatory risk management and data-driven decision making.

Responsibilities

• Lead hazardous materials management and regulatory compliance across WSF vessels and facilities, primarily at EHMF.
• Oversee hazardous waste storage, profiling, transport, disposal, and regulatory reporting.
• Authorize hazardous materials transportation requests and ensure compliance with PHMSA permits.
• Analyze exposure data, coordinate with IH&S staff, and implement exposure controls and corrective actions.
• Develop HM policies, procedures, and training; lead source reduction and safety improvements.
• Manage EHMF environmental compliance including waste, wastewater, permits, and corrective actions under DOE and EPA rules.
• Update SWPPP/WQMP annually; conduct stormwater inspections and compliant sampling.
• Coordinate maintenance and modernization with vendors, engineers, and regulatory agencies.
• Uphold WSF priorities and values in leadership actions.

Skills

Hazardous materials

Regulatory compliance

Environmental safety

Leadership

Cross-functional

Policy development

Job 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!

Washington State Ferries (WSF) is an essential part of Washington’s transportation network. Every year, we carry nearly 20 million passengers across Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands on more than 400 sailings a day. Our dedicated teams with over 2,100 people work together to serve our communities and shape the future of ferry travel.

The Opportunity

WSF, a division of WSDOT, is currently seeking a Hazardous Materials Specialist to provide technical leadership in hazardous materials management and stormwater compliance throughout the shipyard and aboard vessels. This position helps protect employees, communities, and the environment while supporting safe, reliable ferry operations. Through proactive compliance strategies, collaborative problem solving, and continuous improvement, this role strengthens environmental accountability and supports compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. Join a team committed to responsible stewardship and public service that keeps Washington’s communities connected.

As we navigate a once-in-a-generation transformation to decarbonize our system — guided by our core values Serve, Respect, Trust, Grow Navigate, and bold strategic priorities Service Excellence, Improved Communication and Empowered People — there’s never been a more meaningful time to come aboard at Washington State Ferries.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you/the Transportation Planning Specialist 4 will:

• Lead hazardous materials management and regulatory compliance across WSF vessels and facilities, primarily at Eagle Harbor Maintenance Facility (EHMF).
• Oversee hazardous waste storage, profiling, transport, disposal, payments, inspections, and closeout documentation; complete Turbo Waste and regulatory reports.
• Authorize hazardous materials transportation requests and maintain compliance with Federal DOT PHMSA Special Permits.
• Analyze exposure samples, coordinate with Industrial Hygiene and Safety staff, and direct and verify exposure controls and corrective actions.
• Develop hazardous materials policies, procedures, and training; lead source reduction and cross-functional safety improvements.
• Manage EHMF environmental compliance, including waste, wastewater, site safety, shipyard permits, and corrective actions under DOE and EPA regulations.
• Update SWPPP and WQMP annually; conduct wet-weather inspections, stormwater and upland sampling, and conveyance and treatment inspections.
• Ensure compliance with the EHMF Superfund Site OMMP and coordinate maintenance and modernization with vendors, engineers, and consultants.
• Uphold WSF’s strategic priorities (Service Excellence, Improved Communication, and Empowered People) and values (Serve, Grow, Trust, Respect, and Navigate), ensuring they are embedded in WSF’s culture through leadership actions

Qualifications

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

• Growth Mindset – Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented – Demonstrates a willingness to take action to meet the needs of others.
• Technical Expertise – Advanced knowledge of hazardous materials management and environmental compliance, including the ability to interpret and apply applicable EPA, Washington State Department of Ecology, OSHA, PHMSA, DOT, U.S. Coast Guard, and other regulatory requirements.
• Program Leadership – Demonstrated ability to independently lead complex hazardous materials and environmental compliance programs, including developing and implementing policies, procedures, technical guidance, training, and program improvements.
• Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management – Demonstrated ability to identify, evaluate, and manage complex environmental and regulatory risks and develop effective compliance, corrective, preventive, and mitigation strategies.
• Technical Analysis – Ability to analyze environmental monitoring data, sampling and exposure results, inspection findings, compliance trends, and operational practices to identify risks and develop technically sound recommendations.
• Independent Judgment & Problem Solving – Demonstrated ability to independently analyze complex environmental, regulatory, and operational issues, evaluate alternatives, and develop practical, risk-based solutions with limited guidance.
• Technical Leadership & Influence – Ability to provide technical leadership, consultation, and direction across a complex organization and influence operational practices and decisions through subject matter expertise without direct supervisory authority.
• Collaboration & Relationship Building – Ability to establish effective working relationships and coordinate multidisciplinary efforts with operations, engineering, maintenance, safety, industrial hygiene, environmental staff, contractors, regulatory agencies, and other stakeholders.
• Communication – Ability to communicate complex technical and regulatory information clearly to technical and nontechnical audiences through consultation, reports, procedures, training, and presentations, and professionally represent WSF with regulatory agencies and external stakeholders.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Advanced professional knowledge in environmental compliance and hazardous materials management.
• Independent responsibility for complex environmental and regulatory programs.
• Experience leading agency or program-wide initiatives.
• Strong analytical and policy development skills.
• Technical expertise used to influence organizational decisions and improve statewide transportation operations.
• The ability to serve as a senior subject matter expert responsible for interpreting regulations, managing environmental risk, and developing long-term compliance strategies.

Important Notes

• This position is eligible for occasional telework, with an expectation of working in the office four days per week. Periodic travel to WSF terminals and vessels is required to support hazardous materials compliance, with frequency based on project schedules and business needs.
• The salary listed includes the legislative approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County.
• 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 are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals’ lifestyle.
• 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?

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at [e-mail]. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-WSF-91021 in the subject line.