Project Manager I, Environmental

Project Manager I, Environmental is part of the Permitting group that is responsible for managing projects that support the Port’s environmental policies, strategic plan, and business objectives. This position is responsible for ensuring the Port’s developments, assets management, operations, plans, initiatives, and routine activities comply with environmental laws and regulations and assisting with the development of environmental policies and programs.

This position manages the Port-wide habitat monitoring program and mitigation planning, as well as the biological evaluation process for development projects. Manages Port’s vegetation management and invasive species programs, as well as the Stewardship and Community Outreach Program for its habitat sites.

Primary Functions

• Reviews and comments on project environmental documents; ensures all Port projects and operations are properly vetted, and permitted, and permit conditions are met consistently according to regulatory requirements.
• Manages project schedules, budgets, Port resources, and internal coordination needs on projects as assigned. Make recommendations to address technical, legal, and community issues relating to assigned projects.
• Identifies environmental consultant needs for projects as assigned; develops budgets and scopes of work; presents consultant contract funding requests to Executive Director and Port Commission; negotiates consultant contracts; directs/supervises consultant work; manages budget; and monitors and reviews consultant billings and change orders.
• Prepares and presents written and oral briefings to Port Commission, agency heads, elected officials, and at community or public hearing forums on assigned projects and associated environmental issues.
• Tracks and ensures compliance with applicable terms and conditions for sites that are still in their performance periods. Provides agency notifications and reporting as required. Monitors sites that are beyond their performance period to ensure they are still performing as intended.
• Ensures Port-wide mitigation report and Strategy are kept current. Identifies and evaluates opportunities for advance/banked mitigation. Supports Port mitigation banking efforts. Leads mitigation conceptual design efforts. Engages the community and external stakeholders on Port mitigation and habitat efforts.
• Coordinates closely with applicable regulatory authorities, tenants, and internal teams to effectively control invasive species at the Port (e.g., noxious weeds, Mediterranean vineyard snails, ballast water, etc.). 
• Promotes community partnerships to accomplish stewardship activities. Manages community outreach as related to the Port’s habitat mitigation and restoration efforts. Finds innovative and creative ways to engage the public on the Port’s environmental programs.

Required Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in environmental studies, environmental planning, resource management, geology, or environmental engineering is required. 

Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in positions requiring analytical ability, working knowledge of environmental laws and programs, and environmental science; public speaking, written communication, coordination, and troubleshooting are required. A relevant master’s degree may be substituted for up to two (2) years’ work experience. Project and contract management experience with professional consultants is preferred. 

Additional Requirements

The incumbent must have knowledge of two (2) or more of the following: hazardous/solid waste management, “Superfund” and MTCA site investigation and cleanup programs; environmental engineering; contract management; environmental audits; Environmental Management System (EMS) programs and ISO 14001 Standard; industrial hygiene and environmental health and safety programs; stormwater, sustainable practices, permitting and compliance programs; air quality issues and emission reduction programs; habitat, surface, and groundwater protection and hazardous materials and waste management, or other regulatory programs affecting ports. Skilled in public speaking, written communication, coordination, negotiation, and conflict resolution is also required. 

Advanced technical understanding of environmental concepts, methodologies, and techniques is required, as broad knowledge and training in environmental requirements and issues encompassing local, state, and federal regulatory requirements and permit processes. The successful candidate will have effective interpersonal skills, and the ability to establish positive relations based on trust, accessibility, and accountability that lead to collegial working relationships with public entities, public and private organizations state and local government municipalities, community organizations, Port staff, and Port customers. 

Proficient computer skills including the use of Microsoft Office Suite applications, Computer Aided Design and Geographic Information Systems, SQL database software, and knowledge of digital data management and maintenance practices required. 

This individual must demonstrate a caring customer service attitude, a strong commitment to operational excellence, and be able to display behaviors and a commitment to the organization’s core values. Under the direction of the Executive Director, the organization’s culture is built on the following values: Integrity and Transparency, Excellence, Adaptability, Stewardship, Teamwork and Partnerships, Health and Safety, and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. The Port seeks candidates who can align and model these values both internally and externally and understand what it means to carry out these values in their everyday work. We value an individual who also brings an impeccable work ethic, is honest, models a high level of integrity, and displays enthusiasm, energy, and a drive to succeed.

The Port of Tacoma has implemented a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy to safeguard the health of Port employees, their families, and the public we serve, as well as to meet the requirements of Executive Order 14042, which requires federal contractors like the Port to adopt and enforce a mandatory vaccination policy. Effective 12/8/2021 the federal mandate and Port policy have been suspended due to a federal court injunction until further notice.

In accordance with the Immigration Control and Reform Act of 1986, all persons offered employment must provide acceptable proof of identity and authorization to work in the United States. A proof will be required prior to employment.

The successful candidate must possess (or obtain within 30 days of employment) a valid driver's license. Candidate must be able to successfully complete a post-offer substance abuse test (includes both drug and alcohol) and background investigation. The candidate must also be able to obtain/maintain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC), which is a program managed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

THE PORT OF TACOMA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER COMMITTED TO PROMOTING AND ENCOURAGING DIVERSITY IN THE WORKPLACE.