Transit Environmental Planner III

King County   Pioneer Square, WA   Full-time     Transportation
Posted on March 18, 2023
Salary
$79,768.00 - $112,486.40 Annually

Location
Seattle, WA

Job Type
Career Service, Full Time, 40 hrs/week

Department
MTD - Metro Transit

Job Number
2023AA17864

Division
Capital

Closing
4/2/2023 11:59 PM Pacific

Summary

King County Metro Transit's Environmental Planning team is recruiting for a Transit Environmental Planner III position to support engineers and transportation planners by applying highly developed environmental planning and technical skills to every Transit capital project and program, including bus bases (new and expanding), passenger facilities, bus rapid transit, layover, and corridor projects. This position will undertake environmental review of other agencies' major projects that affect the provision of transit services by Metro Transit.

A Great Employment Opportunity in Environmental Planning
Joining the Transit Environmental Planning team will be a significant career move for most environmental planners. Our work doubly supports the environmental mission: Not only is every project and program environmentally planned with the best techniques available, but because our cause is public transit and regional transportation, everything we build, or plan directly affects the environment. Each construction project and transit program we build, or implement is carefully planned to maximize its helpful impact on our region's environment. We are a leader in implementation of LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) Green Building standards in not only our office buildings but also our industrial buildings. Metro is also planning for the future by designing all-electric transit facilities with the goal of meeting King County's goal of being carbon-neutral by 2035.

About King County
As the only county in the United States named after Martin Luther King Jr, one of the most influential civil rights leaders in our nations' history, King County is a vibrant community with residents that represent countries from around the world. It is a region with increasing diversity that cherishes the artistic and social traditions of many cultures. Together, we are changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. We continue to build on an enduring legacy of shared values of equity and social justice, employee engagement, innovative thinking, and continuous improvement. With this commitment, King County has adopted a pro-equity agenda aimed at advancing regional change and is developing the systems and standards necessary to achieve better outcomes for all our residents, regardless of their race or income. All these qualities make King County one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.

An Employer to Be Proud Of
Working for Metro means working for a leader in this nation's public transportation industry. King County Metro Transit is a regional leader in getting people to work quickly, reducing commuter stress, greening the environment, and radically improving urban air quality, by providing comfortable, effective transit services for the thousands of commuters and other residents of King County, Washington. King County's Executive has instituted a strong, practical commitment to Green Building standards and a comprehensive response to the global warming crisis. Learn how Metro connects you with what matters.

Competitive Benefits
King County provides our employees with a free transportation pass and a competitive benefits package (see Benefits tab for more details). For additional information, regarding benefits please visit: Benefits, Payroll and Retirement - King County .

**NOTE: Salary range shown above is the 2018 rates; a new salary rates reflecting possible Cost-Of-Living and/or Market Adjustments since 2018 is currently proceeding to arbitration in April 2023. As a TEP III, you would be represented by the Technical Employees' Association (TEA Code W2). You may review the current contract at King County Labor Contracts - King County for more detailed information.

We are accepting applications from all qualified applicants. This recruitment will be used to fill 1 career service Transit Environmental Planner III. It will also be used to create an eligibility pool for future Career Service or Temporary (TLT/SDA/STT) vacancies that may become open in this classification in this division. The pool will be valid for 12 months and used at the discretion of the hiring manager or until exhausted.

Job Duties

Applying equity and social justice principles (ESJ) is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all King County employees. In this role, you will apply equity and social justice principles that exemplify shared values, behaviors, and practices to all aspects of the work. As the Transit Environmental Planner III, you will also:
  • Act as the environmental technical lead on multiple projects of varying size, complexity, and risk to obtain environmental approvals for Transit capital projects.
  • Obtain Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP), and other agency approvals and ensure implementation of mitigation commitments on capital projects.
  • Establish environmental project schedules, goals, policies, work plans, and deadlines.
  • Manage or oversee internal and/or consultant environmental studies and documentation.
  • Ensure environmental permits and approvals are obtained and meet schedules for project design and construction.
  • Administer Transit's lead agency role under the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) by making threshold determinations for Transit capital projects or programs to ensure compliance with state laws and administrative rules.
  • Review and verify environmental information submitted by consultants.
  • Provide in-house environmental subject matter expertise to engineering, operational, and planning functions, identifying, and implementing solutions to problems related to environmental approvals and permitting.
  • Manage consultant experts who perform contract work related to hazardous materials management, storm water, cultural resources, and noise.
  • Review other agency projects, policies, or programs for impacts on department operations and functions. Coordinate department, and county-wide comments and draft agency response letters for management signature. Coordinate inter-agency review processes.
  • Negotiate the environmental review process and mitigation measures for complex and high-risk agency projects with other departments and jurisdictions.
  • Represent the section or division on inter-agency or inter-jurisdictional projects and meetings regarding environmental issues and impacts.
  • Assist with developing strategies to facilitate public involvement in the environmental review and planning process. Make presentations to citizen groups and/or agencies or jurisdictions on environmental projects, processes, and outcomes. Respond to requests for information by governmental planning and regulatory agencies. Prepare summaries of complex technical information and findings for non-technical audiences.
  • Demonstrate a commitment to equity and sustainability. Promote an equitable, diverse, and inclusive work environment and support diversity and inclusion goals.
  • Work with staff to develop and implement policies and procedures for environmental review and compliance. Make recommendations to management on budgetary, staffing, and other internal agency needs.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills

We are looking for candidates who meet the following minimum qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in environmental planning or related field, and progressive experience OR any combination of education and experience that provides the ability to perform the duties of the position.
  • Advanced knowledge of federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations, including the Washington State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and proficiency in their application.
  • Advanced knowledge of regulatory performance standards and measures (including field equipment) used to determine environmental impacts and conditions associated with transit facilities or operations, particularly air and water quality, noise levels, and traffic congestion and proficiency in their application.
  • Advanced knowledge of analytical methodologies, current FTA guidance on NEPA, environmental assessment guidelines, and GIS-based programs.
  • Knowledge of cultural resource protection laws and the Model Toxic Control Act (MTCA).
  • Knowledge of project management practices.
  • Knowledge of local government budgeting, procurement, and local environmental procedures.
  • Knowledge of technical, engineering, and/or scientific disciplines related to public facilities and infrastructure.
  • Knowledge of government contracting and federal grantee responsibilities.
  • Skill in leading and/or providing direction to staff.
  • Skill in evaluating technical concepts and making recommendations.
  • Skill in conflict resolution.
  • Ability to work well and respectfully with people from diverse cultures and socio-economic backgrounds.
  • Ability to motivate others to initiate and/or take action.
  • Ability to perform research and data analysis.
  • Ability to think conceptually, observe and evaluate trends, and to analyze and draw logical conclusions.
  • Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing.
  • Ability to work independently and as a team member.
  • Demonstrated proficiency with business applications, such as Microsoft Office suite.
Desired Qualifications:
  • Master's degree in environmental planning or related field.
  • 5 years' experience in Environmental Planning or related field.
Work Environment
  • Work is primarily performed in a hybrid work environment (teleworking) with occasional field visits involving monitoring or testing for noise, hazardous materials, historic preservation, and other environmental support activities. Selected candidate may travel occasionally to out of office meetings.
Supplemental Information

Forbes named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.

Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.

Guided by our "True North" , we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles - we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer

No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities 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. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.

To Apply

If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions, please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.
Application & Selection Process
Submit an online employment application online at https://www.kingcounty.gov/jobs answer the supplemental questions and attach a cover letter. Please make sure your cover letter describes how your education and/or experiences make you a good fit for this position. All your materials should demonstrate how you meet or exceed the qualifications posted.

Selection Process
All the application materials will be screened for qualifications, competitiveness, completeness, and communication skills. The most competitive candidates may be invited to participate in one or more interviews.

NOTE: Please answer ALL questions in the online employment application itself, with each of your jobs during the last 10 years listed (listing each position for each employer separately), duties explained, reasons for leaving etc.

Applications that are not complete, or do not include the required materials, may be rejected as incomplete, and not advanced in the process. Applicants who are unable to apply online should follow the instructions under Application Tips and FAQs at: www.kingcounty.gov/jobs .

Work Schedule
This position has a work week that is 40 hours, Monday through Friday. In addition, some of the work associated with this position may be performed remotely. This position is exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act, and therefore is not eligible for overtime pay. Work outside normal business hours may be required occasionally.

Work Location
The primary location of the position is at the King Street Center offices, 201 S. Jackson St., Seattle, WA 98104. However, this is a hybrid position (teleworking and in office). The work associated with this position will be performed or conducted through a combination of teleworking and onsite work and meetings. Employees will have access to shared workspaces at various King County facilities. Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.

Union Representation: This position is represented by Technical Employees Associate (TEA).
Class Code: 2423300 TEP III
Questions about this recruitment? Contact Angela Alcaraz, Sr. HR Analyst, 206-263-2466, aalcaraz@kingcounty.gov

King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being. Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:
  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage: King County pays 100% of the premiums for eligible employees and family members
  • Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents
  • Retirement: King County employees are eligible to participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan
  • Transportation program and ORCA transit pass
  • 12paid holidays each year (plus 2 personal holidays)
  • Generous vacation and paid sick leave
  • Paid parental leave, family and medical leaves, and volunteer leave
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Wellness programs
  • Onsite gyms and activity centers
  • Employee giving program
  • Employee assistance programs
  • Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position
  • Training and career development programs
For additional information about employee benefits please visit our Benefits, Payroll, and Retirement Page .

This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails. Also, in the event of any incorrect information in this document, applicable laws, policies, rules, CBAs, or official plan documents will prevail.

NOTE: Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position.Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.

For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting.