Senior Environmental Specialist-Operations Compliance

Salary range is $81k to $176k with a midpoint of $122k. New hires typically receive between minimum and midpoint, however, we may go slightly higher based on experience, internal equity and market.

Sound Transit also offers a competitive benefits package with a wide range of offerings, including:

• Health Benefits: We offer two choices of medical plans, a dental plan, and a vision plan all at no cost for employee coverage; comprehensive benefits for employees and eligible dependents, including a spouse or domestic partner.
• Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Retirement Plans: 401a – 10% of employee contribution with a 12% match by Sound Transit; 457b – up to IRS maximum (employee only contribution).
• Paid Time Off: Employees accrue 25 days of paid time off annually with increases at four, eight and twelve years of service. Employees at the director level and up accrue additional days. We also observe 12 paid holidays and provide up to 2 paid floating holidays and up to 2 paid volunteer days per year.
• Parental Leave: 12 weeks of parental leave for new parents.
• Pet Insurance discount.
• ORCA Card: All full-time employees will receive an ORCA card at no cost.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Sound Transit will pay up to $5,000 annually for approved tuition expenses.
• Inclusive Reproductive Health Support Services.
• Compensation Practices: We offer competitive salaries based on market rates and internal equity. In addition to compensation and benefits, you’ll find that we provide work-life balance, opportunities for professional development and recognition from your colleagues.

GENERAL PURPOSE:

The Environmental Compliance Division (ECD), part of the Environmental and Land Use group within the Capital Delivery Department’s Center of Excellence, ensures compliance with environmental laws and regulations throughout the acquisition, construction, and operation of Sound Transit facilities and systems.

The Senior Environmental Specialist – Operations Compliance provides environmental compliance support primarily to the Operations department. This role coordinates technical and operational activities across multiple internal teams and external partner agencies to ensure alignment, compliance, and effective execution. Key areas of responsibility include hazardous materials management, waste handling, stormwater compliance, waste diversion, municipal stormwater permit compliance, spill response and support for the Environmental & Sustainability Management System. The position also provides technical guidance and support to Facilities and Operations staff.

This is a hybrid position that includes a combination of in-office work, fieldwork at agency facilities, and remote work, with approximately two days per week worked from home. The role involves regular travel throughout the Sound Transit service area (approximately 30-50% field presence) and includes escorting regulators and auditors during facility inspections and site visits.

The position operates with a high degree of independence and is responsible for leading compliance efforts, identifying risks, and recommending solutions in complex operational environments. It exercises independent judgment in interpreting regulations, resolving compliance issues, and advising operations leadership on risk and corrective actions. The role works closely with operations leadership, maintenance teams, regulatory agencies, and partner jurisdictions in a highly coordinated operating environment.

This position may also support environmental due diligence, remediation oversight, construction activities, and other compliance needs across the agency, as appropriate.

This role is critical to maintaining regulatory compliance across active transit operations and directly contributes to environmental risk management and operational continuity across the region. The work supports a complex regional transit system serving the Puget Sound area and helps protect natural resources while enabling safe, reliable, and sustainable public transportation.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The following duties are a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

Primary Duties

• Ownership of interdisciplinary procedures controlling for 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
• This role includes a combination of field work, coordination with operations and maintenance staff, regulatory interaction, and environmental program support.

Additional Duties

• Supports and collaborates with agency staff in the Operations department to support agency operations in meeting environmental compliance requirements
• Monitors and coordinates with Sound Transit’s interagency operating partners, including King County Metro, in coordination with agency staff to support compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations
• Works with Facilities staff and the Stormwater Program Manager to support implementation of NPDES municipal stormwater permit requirements
• Provides technical assistance and supports training for Operations staff on waste management, spill response, and stormwater system maintenance
• Performs environmental compliance inspections and reviews at facilities, including hazardous materials handling, storage, and spill preparedness
• Attends inspections with regulatory agencies including the Department of Ecology, WSDOT, local jurisdictions, wastewater districts, and the Environmental Protection Agency
• Conducts regular site visits to observe and document compliance conditions at maintenance facilities, transit centers, rail yards, stations, and other operational locations, and supports adherence to permits and best management practices
• Supports implementation of the Environmental and Sustainability Management System in alignment with ISO 14001 requirements, including audit support and program maintenance
• Supports Environmental and Sustainability Management System initiatives, including participation in technical working groups and support of sustainability goals
• Serves as a technical resource for waste diversion and supports efforts to improve waste diversion and efficiency
• Participates in internal and external technical committees and working groups, prepares reports and correspondence, and maintains awareness of regulatory and industry developments
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with staff, management, vendors, regulatory agencies, and the public
• Supports compliance with environmental regulations including the Clean Water Act, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, Model Toxics Control Act, and CERCLA
• Supports contract administration in accordance with agency procedures, including coordination, scope development, and invoice review for environmental services, and works with project managers and consultants
• Uses environmental compliance tracking systems and reporting tools to document and track compliance activities
• Works independently on assigned tasks with general guidance from senior staff or management
• Demonstrates Sound Transit’s core values and contributes to a collaborative and inclusive work environment
• Follows agency safety rules and integrates sustainability into daily work practices
• Performs other duties as assigned consistent with the classification
• This role supports facilities across the Sound Transit service area and requires regular travel to field locations
• Other duties as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering, geology or other sciences, environmental studies or 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.

Required Licenses or Certifications:

Valid state driver’s license.

Preferred Licenses or Certifications:

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

Required Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge of environmental laws, regulations, and compliance practices
• Understanding of facility operations and how they relate 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

Physical Demands / Work Environment:

Work is performed in a hybrid office environment which will include routine facility visits. Anticipated average office and facility visit time is 3 days per week.

Subject to standing, walking, bending, reaching, stooping, and lifting of objects up to 50 pounds; depending on area of assignment, may occasionally be exposed to dangerous machinery, extreme weather conditions, hazardous chemicals, and extreme noise when working in the field conducting site visits.

The Agency promotes a safe and healthy work environment and provides appropriate safety and equipment training for all personnel as required.

Sound Transit is an equal employment opportunity employer. No person is unlawfully excluded from employment action based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status or other protected class.