About WSDOT

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is the steward of an integrated, multimodal transportation system that helps to ensure that 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 eager to hire an experienced program manager to serve as our next Planning Manager for our Management of Mobility Division in Seattle. As the Planning Manager, the primary focus of this position is to serve as the Division’s lead for Central Puget Sound focusing on long term planning through a practical solutions approach to maintain equitable, safe, and reliable travel mobility options for all modes. The Planning Manager will also be the lead contact on state and federal planning requirements for the Management of Mobility Division, as well as the lead for coordinating local land use and transportation planning. If you are interested in taking on this rewarding challenge, we invite you to apply to lead our Management of Mobility Division, joining a diverse team of outstanding staff who are committed to delivering the long-term success the transportation infrastructure system throughout the region. 

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Planning Manager will:

• Be responsible for the coordination and planning of integrated long-range multimodal, equitable transportation programs and projects in the Central Puget Sound region. 
• Lead the corridor planning function in Snohomish and King counties in coordination with the Northwest Region office, and work closely in support, and at times lead, with the Olympic Region on planning issues in Pierce County. 
• Coordinate planning activities internally with headquarters and regional offices, and externally with local and regional partners.
• Develop and manage corridor planning and targeted studies in close coordination with local communities, headquarters, Northwest and Olympic Regions as well as PSRC, cities and counties and transit operators.
• Ensure that transportation system management and operations are considered in close coordination with partner agencies.
• Lead partnerships both internal and external to the agency, focused on developing new multimodal strategies and applications to improve equity, mobility, and safety within Central Puget Sound.  
• Serve, in partnership with the Mobility and Technology Manager, in the potential piloting of new technologies such as connected/autonomous vehicle, new mobility and other system management innovations.    

Qualifications

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

• Eight (8) years of progressive experience successfully managing transportation planning and public policy-focused teams and programs, with understanding of local, regional, state, and federal transportation planning processes and demonstrated accountability for supervision, management, and tactical decision making as well as success in developing strategies. 
• Ten (10) years of experience in public relations, planning, transportation systems management, and or operations, with a focus on urban and arterial multi modal system operations, including aspects of strategic planning, and development. 
• Extensive experience developing effective professional working relationships with a variety of public and private individuals and stakeholder groups, including high-level agency managers, executive management, and policy makers. 

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Bachelor’s degree in planning, engineering, public policy, or related field. 
• Comprehensive knowledge of transportation and land use planning methods and policy and/or demonstrated experience and competency in current or long-range planning under the Growth Management Act, ideally at the local, regional, and state levels. 
• Working knowledge of the communication protocols and practices, innovative operations technologies, and methodologies used by multiple disciplines lead by and reporting to this position, including various demand management as well as an understanding of multimodal and land use planning.

Important Notes 

• 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.
• The information provided on your application profile, any supplemental material attached to your application, and the responses to the supplemental questions will be used to determine qualifications for interview selection. Therefore, it is to your advantage that your application packet be completed in as much detail as possible. 
• The listed salary includes the Legislative approved King County Premium. 
• 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. 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.

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 to staff, including occasional telework for eligible positions.  
• Paid Leave – In addition to 10 paid holidays, full-time employees earn a minimum 14 paid vacation days per year!
• Plan For Your Future – WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options, and free dental coverage! Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information.
• Tuition Assistance – Our 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.  

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 details your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
• Contact information to be included in the “References” section of the online application for a minimum three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, knowledge base, and job-related competencies.

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.

WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system. For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov

Contact us: 

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, Eric Saniatan, at SaniatE@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 21DOT-NWR-0W518 in the subject line. 

Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter.