Salary : $84,520.00 - $113,639.00 Annually
Location : King County - Seattle - Belltown, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 26DOT-WSF-91021
Department: Dept. of Transportation
Division: Washington State Ferries
Opening Date: 10/19/2026
Closing Date: 11/2/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
DescriptionThe OpportunityWSF, 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 ExpectAmong 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
QualificationsTo 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 Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in of the Washington Administrative Code.
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 for more information.
Check out this video to learn more:
How to ApplyApplications 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 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.
Contact UsFor inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at Please be sure to reference
26DOT-WSF-91021 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 BenefitsEmployees 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 CompensationState 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 SecurityAll 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 ForgivenessIf 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.
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