Salary : $72,900.00 - $98,064.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Tumwater, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 26DOT-HQ-04041-1
Department: Dept. of Transportation
Division: Headquarters
Opening Date: 07/21/2026
Closing Date: 8/4/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Description
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 Stormwater Monitoring Specialist 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 withInstallation, 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 synthesizingused 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 Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in of the Washington Administrative Code.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.

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.
Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at . Please be sure to reference 26DOT-HQ-04041-1 in the subject line.
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective