About WSDOT

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal organization with a global reputation for excellence! Our dedicated workforce is responsible to plan, design, build, and operate an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 18,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT manages the world’s longest floating bridge, executes an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds a record for the world’s widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation! 

The Opportunity

WSDOT is seeking an experienced transportation professional to fill a Transportation Planning Specialist 5 position in Olympia, WA. Reporting to the Statewide Planning Manager, this position will serve as a Principal Statewide Planner for statewide plan delivery within the Statewide Planning and Community Engagement Office of the Multimodal Planning and Data Division. This position is responsible for leading the development and delivery of WSDOT’s Statewide Multimodal Transportation Plan (RCW 47.06.040), Highway System Plan (RCW 47.06.050(1)), and other plans as assigned. The person in this position will act as a technical expert on transportation analysis tools and methods regarding statewide plans. In this role, you will also be responsible for coordinating and collaborating with other offices on the development of the contents of statewide plans including transportation vision, goals, needs, deficiencies, strategies, and solutions on the state highway network. Our ideal candidate possesses multimodal expertise and a passion for equitable and sustainable transportation.   

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Principle Multimodal Planner for statewide plan delivery will:

  • Perform and supervise complex development of statewide transportation plans.
  • Develop, coordinate, and/or supervise community engagement during plan development. 
  • Represent WSDOT externally with local agencies, tribes, MPOs/RTPOs, community-based organizations, and interested parties.
  • Develop, coordinate, and/or supervise the analysis of the state transportation network to identify vision, goals, objectives, multimodal level of service standards, deficiencies, and proposed strategies and solutions.
  • Develop, coordinate, and/or supervise the agency process to update the level of service standards for highways of statewide significance as part of the Highway System Plan. (RCW 47.06.140). 
  • Oversee consultant contracts in support of statewide plans.
  • Serve as consulting expert advocating for and promoting office, division, agency, and national efforts in developing multimodal transportation systems and statewide planning programs.

Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity, at least one of the following are required:

  • One (1) year as a Transportation Planning Specialist 4, Transportation Engineer 4, or equivalent classification. OR
  • Seven (7) years of progressive experience with knowledge, skills, and abilities related to the position. OR
  • A bachelor’s degree with a major study in transportation planning, land use planning, engineering, community development, geography, landscape architecture, public policy, public/business administration, social sciences, economics, natural or physical sciences, and five (5) years of progressive experience with knowledge, skills, and abilities related to the position. OR
  • A bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in a field listed above and four (4) years of professional experience with the knowledge, skills, and abilities related to the position. 

In addition to one of the above, the following are also required:

  • Knowledge of current tools, methodologies, and techniques related to statewide transportation planning. 
  • Knowledge of multimodal transportation planning approaches. 
  • The ability to facilitate engagement and involvement of people and organizations that have not historically been invited, enabled, or empowered to participate in transportation planning. 
  • Skills to clearly convey information and ideas through a variety of media to individuals or groups in a manner that engages the audience and helps them understand and retain the message. 
  • The ability to train others on the basic principles of transportation analysis and cost-effective alternative development for use in the Highway System Plan and other statewide planning processes. 
  • Knowledge and understanding of federal, state, regional, and local transportation policies, standards, statutes, and regulations. 

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

  • Knowledge of community design related to land use, connectivity, urban design practices, and analytical tools and techniques that support livable communities. 
  • Skilled at meeting facilitation that creates opportunities for all to participate effectively, using techniques such as Liberating Structures and others that support equitable engagement. 
  • Experience in organizational change/development and multidisciplinary team building. 
  • Experience working effectively in or with local government, tribal government, and/or a metropolitan or regional transportation planning organizations. 
  • Experience in planning or other disciplines for multiple modes of transportation. 
  • American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification, Professional Engineer, or another relevant professional credential/certification. 
  • Demonstrated ability to create graphics, presentations, and documents using common software tools such as PowerPoint and Adobe Creative Suite. 

*To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the Contact Us section of this posting.

Important Notes 

  • The recruiting efforts for this position may be extended beyond the displayed closing date for as long and until a sufficient candidate pool has been established. However, the first review of applications will be conducted on December 17, 2024. The Appointing Authority reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any time thereafter. It is to your benefit to submit your application as soon as possible.
  • This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.   
  • This position requires the ability to conduct site visits using available modes of transportation and attend meetings on short notice in person and some overnight travel. 
  • 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 position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
  • 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 occasional telework 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. NOTE: This information may 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 via email.

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, at Robyn.Lovely@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 24DOT-HQ-00120 in the subject line. 

View full listing and apply today!