Director-Environmental Compliance

Salary range is $145K to $247K with a midpoint of $196K. 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.

• 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.
• 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:

Under general direction, plans, prioritizes, assigns, supervises, and reviews the work of environmental staff and manages resources for environmental teams; outlines strategy and establishes methods for supporting all projects during planning, design, pre-construction, construction, and operations; participates in the development of environmental goals and objectives as well as policies and procedures; maintains a thorough understanding of the environmental regulations and other requirements and maintains effective relationships with agencies, regulators, and local jurisdictions that administer and enforce environmental programs applicable to Sound Transit.

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.

• Leads the Environmental Compliance Program in the Office of Environmental and Land Use (ELU).
• Plans, directs, coordinates, and reviews the work of assigned staff; assigns work activities and coordinates schedules, projects, and programs; provides constructive feedback; reviews and evaluates work and makes effective suggestions and recommendations.
• Coaches, trains, and motivates staff; coordinates and/or provides staff training; and manages employee relations; manages the workflow and prioritization of projects and measures the performance of the division and all related staff; provides advice and counsel to staff; develops developmental work plans for staff; implements or recommends corrective actions, discipline, and termination procedures as appropriate/necessary. 
• Collaborates with peers to integrate and align ELU program staff with Sound Transit capital project development and delivery teams as appropriate. 
• Establishes schedules and methods for supporting all projects during all phases of project delivery, from planning through operations; identifies and forecasts resource needs; reviews needs with appropriate management staff; and allocate resources accordingly. 
• Maintains a thorough understanding of the environmental processes and regulations in order to help ensure that environmental requirements are adequately addressed in a timely manner for Sound Transit’s capital projects and facilities; participates in the development of environmental goals and objectives as well as policies and procedures; make recommendations for changes and improvements to existing standards, policies, and procedures; participates in the implementation of approved policies and procedures; monitors work activities and products for compliance with established policies and procedures; oversees compliance with relevant regulatory programs including NPDES and Clean Water Act; third party regulations and jurisdictional permits.
• Oversees emergent situations; responds to and investigates reports from community members, affected property owners, agencies, regulators, inspectors, and businesses; recommends and approves corrective action; responds to and resolves difficult environmental issues; and briefs management on sensitive issues and prepares strategies to resolve them.
• Assists in overseeing performance and evaluates work carried out by staff, contractors, and consultants for compliance with Agency, departmental, and project objectives.
• Manages budgets for contract tasks; maintains records concerning projects and programs; and prepares reports on environmental activities.
• Assists in developing and/or updating procedures for the Office of Environmental Affairs & Sustainability; implements policies and procedures and ensures consistency with the Agency’s Environmental and Sustainability Management System (ESMS).
• Provides support to the Deputy Executive Director and others on matters as directed; participates on the ELU leadership team and helps develop and implement the overall strategic priorities for the Office; serves as staff on a variety of committees; prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary correspondence; attends and participates in professional group meetings; maintains awareness of new trends and developments in the fields related to area of assignment; incorporates new developments as appropriate; ensures processes, policies, and practices are interpreted and applied consistently and effectively; ensures accountability and compliance with all current and applicable state and federal laws, Agency policies and procedures, rules and regulations.
• Champions and models Sound Transit's core values and demonstrates values-based behaviors in everyday interactions across the agency.
• Contributes to a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion in alignment with Sound Transit’s Equity & Inclusion Policy.
• It is the responsibility of all employees to follow the Agency safety rules, regulations, and procedures pertaining to their assigned duties and responsibilities, which could include systems, operations, and/or other employees. 
• It is the responsibility of all employees to integrate sustainability into everyday business practices. 
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies, Urban Planning, Environmental Sciences, Earth Sciences, Environmental Management, or closely related field. Eight years of experience working in the environmental field including familiarity with environmental planning and compliance, OR an equivalent combination of education and experience. Six years of leadership, budgetary, planning and workforce management experience.

Required Licenses Or Certifications:

• Valid state driver’s license. This position is responsible for bringing equipment along for site visits, in a variety of locations.

Required Knowledge And Skills:

• Environmental management and policy. 
• Federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations, particularly National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, and permitting requirements.
• Federal, state, and local transportation planning requirements.
• Environmental impact analysis methods and issues.
• Principles of management, supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
• Compliance with environmental regulations and standards.
• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
• Public sector procurement and contracting requirements.
• Customer service principles and practices.
• Methods and techniques of data collection, research, and report preparation.
• Principles and practices of record keeping and records management.
• Principles and practices of program and project development and administration.
• Principles of business letter writing and basic report preparation.
• English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Modern office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and statistical databases.
• Supervising, leading, and delegating tasks and authority.
• Developing and monitoring divisional and program/project operating budgets, costs, and schedules.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other department staff, management, vendors, outside agencies, community groups, and the general public. 
• Interpreting and administering policies and procedures sufficient to administer, discuss, resolve, and explain them to staff and other constituencies. 
• Applying principles and practices of community outreach.
• Applying project management techniques and principles.
• Working cooperatively with other departments, Agency officials, and outside agencies.
• Conducting research and analysis and providing appropriate recommendations based on findings.
• Preparing and analyzing complex data and comprehensive reports.
• Responding tactfully, clearly, concisely, and appropriately to inquiries from the public, Agency staff, or other agencies on sensitive issues in area of responsibility.
• Working effectively under pressure, meet deadlines, and adjust to changing priorities.
• Applying appropriate oral and written communication techniques to various individuals ranging from Agency employees, the general public, elected officials, community leaders, and local, state, and federal agencies.
• Utilizing personal computer software programs affecting assigned work and in compiling and preparing spreadsheets and reports. 

Physical Demands / Work Environment:

• Work is performed in a hybrid, field and office environment.
• This position is expected to be visiting various types of construction sites, and carrying field equipment. May be subject to standing, walking, bending, eye/hand coordination, grasping, kneeling, sitting, seeing, reaching, and carrying/lifting of objects up to 25 pounds.
• This position may occasionally be exposed to dangerous machinery, extreme weather conditions, potential physical harm, and extreme noise when working in the field.
• This position may require nights/weekends depending on construction contractor schedule(s) for specific projects and contracts.
• 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.