Salary: $64,788.00 – $87,144.00 Annually
Location: Thurston County – Olympia, WA
Job Type: Full Time – Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Department: Dept. of Transportation
Job Number: 22DOT-HQ-05116
Closing: 12/18/2022 11:59 PM Pacific

Learn more about this position and apply today at WSDOT’s Government Jobs page.

About WSDOT:

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is the steward of an integrated, multimodal transportation system that helps to ensure people and goods move safely and efficiently throughout the state. In addition to building, maintaining, and operating the state highway system, WSDOT operates the largest ferry system in the nation, manages the world’s longest floating bridge, and recently completed the world’s widest tunneling project.

The Opportunity:

WSDOT’s Active Transportation Division is seeking an Active Transportation Planning Specialist 3. This position will report to the active transportation programs manager and will conduct evaluations, provide planning assistance, support engagement and communication, and organize tasks and timelines for the active transportation funding programs process. Other duties include supporting Active Transportation Division staff and others in development and delivery of an equity-based approach to funding. As a part of this approach, this position will also independently provide active transportation planning assistance to local agencies, Tribes, public agencies, and nonprofit organizations with an emphasis on serving vulnerable populations in overburdened communities.

What to Expect:

This position will be responsible for a varied range of duties including:

  • Analyze local agency grant application materials that include, but are not limited to, online survey responses, emails, and file attachments, and make recommendations for funding based on program criteria. 
  • Develop and implement processes that facilitate coordination among team members 
  • Prepare quantitative analysis and other documents needed for the grant prioritization process, including independent research about equity and safety needs at project locations.
  • Provide technical assistance to local agencies, Tribes, WSDOT, and other public agencies to develop possible projects for active transportation funding. 
  • Promote and provide training opportunities for WSDOT staff, local agencies, and Tribes that support effective active transportation planning practices, application of methodologies from the state active transportation plan, and other best practices.
  • Participate in technical review of selected local, regional, Tribal, state, and federal transportation studies and plans for alignment with the state Active Transportation Plan; contribute to performance reporting and updates for the state plan.
  • Independently research and apply evolving state and federal requirements and guidance including the state Healthy Environment for All (HEAL) Act, federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Title VI, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and others. 
  • Provide input on active transportation division processes and programs to keep them consistent with legal requirements and agency processes.
  • Collect data from appropriate sources and conduct analysis to support active transportation division prioritization of projects based on equity, safety, network connectivity, and other criteria in the context of the Safe System Approach and program-specific requirements
  • Develop communication materials consistent with agency communication standards that provide clear overviews of active transportation programs and information suitable for a variety of audiences, including WSDOT colleagues, agency partners, elected officials, and the general public. 
  • Develop materials in a variety of formats and platforms including PowerPoint presentations, reports, web content, fact sheets, articles for the WSDOT blog and other publications, news releases, and social media posts. 
  • Regularly review web pages assigned to the division and recommend updates; periodically review pages maintained by others in the agency and recommend updates as needed to stay current and consistent with division communication.

Qualifications:

Experience for both required and desired qualifications can be gained through formal professional employment, volunteer experience, lived experience or a combination.

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

  • One (1) year of experience in a role directly responsible for active transportation planning, design, policy, or education/encouragement, or a closely related topic. 
  • Three (3) years of professional experience involving analysis and evaluation of transportation or environmental issues and problems (A master’s degree in a relevant field may substitute for one year of the experience).
  • Knowledge and/or experience in community engagement with those who have experienced transportation disparities and disadvantages and/or barriers to participation in public processes. This experience could be met by having lived experience as a member of such a community as well as through volunteer or professional experience.
  • Ability to work constructively with colleagues and stakeholders to develop a shared understanding of common goals and work to achieve them.
  • Ability to effectively coordinate complex activities with a variety of different individuals and teams, both internal and external to the agency, to maintain progress toward deadlines.
  • Ability to research, evaluate, and draw conclusions from data; support recommendations with facts and analysis; interpret and apply rules, laws, policies, and procedures. 
  • Ability to convey ideas, facts, and technical information orally and in writing using language the audience will best understand.
  • Ability to partner with clients to identify and resolve complex or sensitive issues.
  • Ability to develop positive, productive, respectful working relationships with clients and co-workers and to work effectively in virtual environments as well as in person.
  • Proficiency with Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and other Microsoft Office suite tools. 

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

  • An associate’s or bachelor’s degree involving major study in transportation; landscape architecture; environmental planning; urban, regional or land use planning; engineering; public or business administration; economics; natural or physical sciences; or another relevant field of study.
  • Training or experience in use of Geographic Information Systems.
  • Knowledge of or experience with Drupal (web page editing), use of listserv software for e-newsletters.
  • Experience with and an understanding of active transportation modes of travel.
  • Experience and knowledge of transportation and/or land use issues on a local, state, and/or national level affecting people identified as racialized in some way under the US Census, people with disabilities, people living on a limited income, immigrant and refugee community members, and others who may experience transportation barriers or challenges based on their identities.
  • Bilingual in one of Washington’s statewide top ten limited English proficient languages, as estimated by the state Office of Financial Management. 
  • Commitment to serving the public, particularly underserved and under-resourced communities, and advancing the intersection of equity and racial justice.
  • Ability to adapt to changing business needs, conditions, and work responsibilities to achieve successful solutions and results in dynamic situations.
  • Evidence of continuing education and/or relevant credentials such as Road Safety Professional certification, ADA Coordinator Training Certification with coursework in transportation and public rights-of-way, bicycle/pedestrian facilities planning or design courses.
  • Knowledge and skills in document design; graphic design; technical writing; document usability and ADA accessibility standards; English grammar, punctuation, spelling, tone, and diction; data use, design, analysis and presentation; print and electronic publishing and web design.
  • Knowledge of style guides and ability to apply information and graphic design best practices.

 Important Notes:

  • This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
  • This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
  • The official duty station for this position will be determined based on candidate preference and overall business needs. 
  • Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 357-16-197 mandates that all employees who work for executive cabinet agencies (which includes the Department of Transportation) must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Compliance with this mandate is a condition of employment with WSDOT. Exemption may be granted for religious or medical purposes; however, accommodations will be subject to approval based on the essential functions required of the position.  
  • WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system. 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 occasional telework for eligible positions.  
  • Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees could 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.
  • An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
  • 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.

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. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, as well as people of all sexual orientations and gender identities 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.

Contact Us:

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, Robyn Lovely, at LovelyR@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 22DOT-HQ-05116 in the subject line.