Salary: $64,788.00 – $87,144.00 Annually
Location: Thurston County – Lacey, WA
Job Type: Full Time – Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Department: Dept. of Transportation
Job Number: 22DOT-OR-32697m
Closing: 12/15/2022 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 is currently recruiting for multiple Transportation Planning Specialist 3 (Senior Planner) positions in the Olympic Region Multimodal Planning unit. Senior Planners, who to report to a Senior Planner – Team Lead, contribute to regional planning and project delivery efforts including supporting pre-design on fish passage and other projects; overseeing and completing corridor studies; reviewing local agency comprehensive plan amendments and periodic updates; participating on statewide plan and policy reviews; coordinating with regional planning organizations, local jurisdictions, and tribal nations; and maintaining good working relationships with internal and external customer. WSDOT’s mission is to provide safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation options to improve communities and economic vitality for people and businesses. 

WSDOT Olympic Region covers seven counties south of Seattle between the Cascade Mountains and Pacific Ocean, offering proximity to Washington State’s largest metropolitan areas with a more affordable cost of living. Olympic Region offers the perfect blend of cosmopolitan areas such as Tacoma and Olympia combined with unparalleled water and land recreation opportunities.  The Region’s two National Parks, three National Forests, ten Wilderness Areas, and 31 state parks provide year-round relaxation.

What to Expect:

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Senior Planner will:

  • Identify, coordinate, and conduct the appropriate analysis, technical research, community engagement, and related activities needed to support project pre-design.
  • Use geographic information systems (GIS) and other computer software to analyze and display geospatial information.
  • Oversee and review consultant work activities and deliverables for compliance with scope, schedule, and budget.
  • Organize and coordinate technical staff work efforts across WSDOT offices and organizations including headquarters, Project Management, Traffic, Project Engineer Offices, and Communications.
  • Lead and coordinate the preparation and/or update of various planning studies, analyses, and initiatives.
  • Monitor and review local agency comprehensive planning for compliance with Washington’s Growth Management Act and consistency with WSDOT policies and priorities.
  • Coordinate and facilitate communication and meetings with stakeholders such as citizen groups, local agencies, transit agencies, elected officials, tribal nations, other state agencies, federal agencies, and WSDOT support offices.
  • Summarize information in graphic, tabular, and narrative formats to clearly convey key findings, recommendations, and logic.
  • Develop and review technical documents, reports, and correspondence for accuracy, completeness, grammar, and adherence to WSDOT standards.
  • Present planning analysis and results orally and visually in public settings in a manner that is easily understood by audiences that are not familiar with the subject matter.

This position requires occasional travel and field work that involves driving and/or traveling in a motor vehicle and extended periods of standing in the outdoors. The work may include hazard exposure such as high-speed vehicle traffic, exhaust, weather-related risk, heavy construction equipment, walking over uneven group, and proximity to creeks and bodies of water. 

Qualifications:

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

  • A Bachelor’s degree involving major study in transportation, urban, regional or land use planning, engineering or natural or physical sciences AND two (2) years professional experience involving analysis, evaluation, and documentation of transportation or environmental issues. NOTE: A Master’s degree in one of the above fields may substitute for one (1) year of the required experience.

OR

In addition to the above, the following is also required:

  • Understanding of project management processes including budget tracking, scheduling, and team management.
  • Understanding of transportation planning principles, and related federal and state laws, standards, and guidelines.
  • Experience developing or reviewing transportation or environmental-related technical documents, reports, and correspondence.
  • Experience preparing for and conducting stakeholder and public meetings, collecting and recording meeting information; and preparing written summaries.
  • Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate with others both written and orally.
  • Experience using a personal computer to develop calculations, documents, spreadsheets, estimates, and project scheduling

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

  • Experience conducting geospatial analysis using computer software.
  • Experience presenting complex information to technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Knowledge and experience with the National Environmental Protection Act/State Environmental Protection Act (NEPA/SEPA) review processes. 
  • Knowledge and experience with Washington’s Growth Management Act (GMA).
  • Knowledge and experience with procedures for linking planning, scoping and design of transportation projects.
  • Demonstrated experience working with local and state agencies, Metropolitan Planning Organizations, Regional Transportation Planning Organizations, and tribal nations.
  • Ability to legally operate a state vehicle.

Important Notes:

  • This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.  
  • This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options consistent with work needs and supervisor approval.
  • Application review will begin on Monday, November 7. The Appointing Authority reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any time thereafter. It is to your advantage to apply as soon as possible. 
  • This recruitment will be used to fill three Transportation Planning Specialist 3 positions based out of the Olympic Region.
  • By issuance of proclamation, the Governor of Washington State mandates that all employees who work for executive cabinet agencies (which includes the Department of Transportation) must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. This 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 earn a minimum 14 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 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. 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, Alyssa Nastasi at NastasA@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 22DOT-OR-32697m in the subject line.