Salary range is $60k to $130k, with a midpoint of $95k.  New hires typically receive between minimum and midpoint, however, we may go slightly higher based on experience, internal equity and market.

GENERAL PURPOSE: 

Under general direction, the Permit Administrator oversees coordination of advanced level complex regulatory approval processes with multiple local, state, and federal agencies regarding construction, land use, and environmental issues for projects as geographically assigned within the Agency’s service area; provides guidance and expertise on technical issues observed during the preparation of all regulatory processes and approvals for Sound Transit  projects; serves as the subject matter expert for complex regulatory strategies  between Sound Transit and regulatory jurisdictional agencies; develops, updates, and implements  regulatory procedures, policies, and processes ensuring that all applicable and appropriate permits and approvals are in place to support the construction of projects within the Sound Transit service area; oversees permit conditions during construction to ensure all applicable jurisdictional requirements are observed; provides oversight to the diverse work products of dedicated consultants and assigned permitting staff in preparing permit process land use, construction, and water quality environmental applications with multiple jurisdictions that support ST goals and objectives.

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.

• Oversees and monitors the application of policy and regulatory programs to provide guidance and recommends updates and clarification on issues related to environmentally critical areas, land use, and high-capacity transit issues; researches the viability of existing codes and regulations (e.g., building, land use), performs and analyzes risk assessments; evaluates emerging trends and policy impacts, identifies the need for new code development and possible revisions.

• Develops, reviews, and implements draft permitting strategies and project regulatory requirement approvals with senior staff. Coordinates and manages the complex regulatory process to ensure permit compliance for Sound Transit’s major corridor projects, including small contract job orders (JOC) that support schedule, scope, and budget; tracks budget expenditures and prepares a trend analysis on a determined basis

• Serves as the subject matter expert for challenging field issues for resolution related to the permitting and regulatory environment; coordinates resources from construction management, contractors, and agencies having jurisdiction as necessary to keep the project on schedule, budget, and within scope.

• Provides oversight in the preparation and assembly of permit packages; tracks and monitors the process through multiple regulatory agencies; documents status of permit packages in process; tracks and records review and approval.

• Partners with other stakeholders to design, develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive permit tracking database.

• Provides technical expertise, support, and guidance to construction management (CM) teams in managing on-site permit conditions, field coordination, water quality related issues, permit closeout, and project substantial completion; and tracks and manages the early development and submittal of critical permit submittals with local jurisdictions to satisfy permit requirements.

• Partners with multiple regulatory agencies to develop strategies to help streamline ST major corridor projects, including smaller JOCs, and review processes; and develops and implements internal strategies for critical permit approvals necessary to meet multiple master schedules.

• Provides support and subject matter expertise to the department/division and others on matters as directed; serves as staff on a variety of committees as requested; 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 construction management, urban planning, environmental science, public policy, or closely related field and four years of experience providing technical support in the oversight and preparation of complex regulatory processes in construction, land use, and environmental regulation compliance; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Required Licenses or Certifications:

None.

Required Knowledge and Skills: 

• Operations, services, and activities of a permit process program.

• Pertinent federal, state, and local codes, laws, and regulations as related to environmental compliance.

• Regulatory agency processes.

• Architectural, urban planning, environmental science, engineering, structural, and other disciplines.

• Understanding of erosion control and water quality issues.

• Principles and procedures of record keeping.

• Customer service and public relations methods and techniques.

• Methods and techniques of research and analysis.

• Project management techniques and principles.

• Techniques to work effectively under pressure, meet deadlines, and adjust to changing priorities.

• Principles of business letter writing and 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.

• Utilizing personal computer software programs affecting assigned work and in compiling and preparing spreadsheets and reports.

• 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.

• Interpreting and applying applicable federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations.

• Applying advanced principles and practices of the regulatory approval process.

• Preparing and analyzing data and reports.

• Demonstrating a positive customer service orientation with both internal and external clients.

• Researching, analyzing, and evaluating new service delivery methods and techniques.

• Collaborating with multiple regulatory agencies in advancing agency goals.

• Working effectively under pressure, meeting deadlines, and adjusting to changing priorities.

• Applying appropriate oral and written communication techniques to various individuals.

• Applying project management techniques and principles.

• Working cooperatively with other departments, Agency officials, and outside agencies.

Physical Demands / Work Environment:  

• Work is performed in a standard office environment.

• Subject to standing, walking, bending, reaching, stooping, and lifting of objects up to 25 pounds; may occasionally be exposed to dangerous machinery and extreme noise when working in the field.

• 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.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)