Principal Landscape Architect & Environmental Mitigation Program Supervisor (TPS5)

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!

The Opportunity WSDOT is currently seeking a non-permanent Transportation Planning Specialist 5 to serve as the Principal Landscape Architect & Environmental Mitigation Program Supervisor to provide leadership and technical expertise in landscape architecture, roadside restoration, environmental assessment, and roadside asset management throughout the Southwest Region. This position supports project development and delivery through policy, research, training, analysis, and specialized technical guidance while balancing complex and competing roadside needs, policies, and priorities across multiple programs. The candidate selected for this role will integrate WSDOT facilities into the natural and built environment, preserve ecosystem and cultural resources, and promote livable, healthy communities that are resilient to a changing climate.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you will:

• Provide guidance, direction, and approval for agency staff, consultants, design-builders, developers, utilities, other jurisdictions, and the public for WSDOT Roadside Policies.
• Perform senior level professional landscape architectural work that constitutes the practice of Landscape Architecture.
• Design, stamp, and ensure development of regulatory approved wetland mitigation sites and agency appropriate roadside restoration contract plans.
• Lead and direct the planning, scoping, preparation of technical reports, design, and contract plan preparation for complex roadside restoration and environmental mitigation design projects and studies.
• Provide technical expertise, guidance, oversight, approval, and documentation for environmental and roadside elements of construction projects.
• Supervise two direct reports (Transportation Planning Specialist 3).
• Provide technical expertise, guidance, and policy direction to the Wetland Assessment and Environmental Mitigation Planning Program to ensure accuracy and compliance with regulations, procedures, and policy.
• Implement the scoping, setup, and management of I-4 funds for all environmental and roadside mitigation projects.
• Provide Visual Quality, Architectural Treatment, and Resource Conservation Area (RCA) expertise.

Qualifications

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

• Landscape Architecture Technical Expertise and Leadership: Advanced expertise in landscape architecture, including evaluating complex site conditions, developing technical solutions and design alternatives including irrigation design, reviewing technical and contract documents, and providing authoritative recommendations for project design, construction, compliance, and implementation.
• Construction Inspection and Contract Compliance Expertise: Expertise in leading construction compliance evaluations, identifying complex deficiencies and impacts, assessing alternatives, and providing defensible technical recommendations that support quality, compliance, timely resolution, and successful project delivery.
• Wetland Assessment and Environmental Mitigation Expertise: Expertise in wetland science, delineation, assessment, classification, and management, including evaluating complex aquatic resource conditions, conducting and overseeing delineations, interpreting regulatory requirements, assessing impacts, and developing sound recommendations for protection, restoration, mitigation, and impact minimization.
• Communication: Demonstrated ability to communicate complex technical and programmatic information clearly, effectively, and appropriately to diverse audiences through oral presentations, written materials, meetings, and interpersonal interactions; ability to adapt communication strategies to the audience and situation.
• 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:

• Current registration as a Professional Landscape Architect in Washington State (RCW 18.96) or currently holding a Professional Landscape Architect license from another state with the ability to obtain Washington State licensure within six (6) months of hire.
• Ability to travel regularly in Southwest Region to and from project sites for site analysis, meetings, and construction oversight and inspection. Occasional travel to other office locations to attend meetings or training.
• Ability to conduct field work, which may include occasional light physical activities including walking/standing outdoors on highway roadsides and construction sites for extended periods of time and during inclement weather and negotiating sloped/uneven/unstable walking surfaces and obstacles, such as downed logs, dense brush, and shallow streams.
• Ability to maneuver and transport various materials and/or equipment weighing up to 30 pounds.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

• Supervision and Staff Leadership: Expertise in supervising, coaching, developing, and evaluating professional and technical staff. Proven ability to set clear expectations, address performance issues, and foster accountability and professional growth.
• Roadside Program Evaluation: Experience evaluating transportation projects, construction activities, and maintenance practices for consistency with roadside policies, design principles, environmental requirements, safety considerations, and long-term asset performance
• Team and Workload Management: Demonstrated ability to effectively lead and manage a team with substantial and competing workloads, prioritize and allocate resources, monitor progress, address emerging issues, and adjust priorities as needed to ensure high-quality work is completed within project deadlines.
• Certifications:
• Certification as a Professional Wetland Scientist (Society of Wetland Scientists)
• Current WSDA Pesticide Public Operator License with Right of Way and Aquatic endorsements
• Certified Erosion and Spill Control Lead (CESCL) Certification
• Certification as an Arborist (International Society of Arboriculture)
• Vegetation and Natural Resource Management: Demonstrated ability to apply professional knowledge and technical judgment when advising construction inspectors on vegetation protection and impact minimization, soil restoration, soil bioengineering techniques, irrigation system installation, planting best management practices, and vegetation management; ability to evaluate site conditions and recommend practical, environmentally appropriate solutions.
• Computer-Aided Design and Technical Software: Advanced proficiency in applying computer-aided drafting and design (CADD) software to develop, modify, review, and manage technical drawings, plans, and project documentation. Demonstrated ability to effectively use MicroStation or AutoCAD, Revu Bluebeam and Microsoft Office applications to support project planning, design, inspection, and delivery.

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.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• 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.
• This is a non-permanent opportunity, expected to last a minimum of 12 months.
• 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. As such, there are a number of flexible schedule options available, including telework options for eligible positions.
• 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?

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. 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.

WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. All persons, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/ or gender identity, are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter. 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.

Contact Us For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at olivia.dietrich@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-SWR-40575 in the subject line.Benefits 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 Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave) Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave Leave Sharing Parental Leave Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026