The Opportunity
The Northwest Region (NWR) Transportation Management Center (TMC) has an outstanding entry level opportunity in our new state-of-the-art facility. Candidates should have a passion for real-time traffic management, teamwork, and serving the people of Washington. Successful applicants will provide daily traffic management activities in the TMC consisting of operating traffic management systems, tunnel control systems, and radio communications. The goal of this position is to manage daily traffic, collisions, construction, and maintenance closures in WSDOT’s Northwest Region, which stretches from Federal Way to Blaine and includes the greater Seattle area, Bellingham, Island County, and parts of Mt. Rainier National Park. Decisions made by this position directly affect the safety of the travelling public and traffic flow on the freeway and adjacent arterial system.

 
WSDOT also offers outstanding benefits, a generous amount of paid time off (True Work-Life Balance), a defined benefit pension retirement plan, college tuition reimbursement, advancement opportunities, and much more. Go to the State Benefits Website for more information regarding our comprehensive benefits package.
Check out this video to learn more! Why WSDOT? 

What to Expect
 
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Transportation Management Center Technician will:

• Operate one of the nation’s most advanced Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). This includes devices and facilities such as ramp meters; roadside cameras; variable message signs (VMS); variable speed & lane control signs; highway advisory radio; toll systems on I-405, SR 167, SR 520, and SR 99; and reversible express lane facilities on I-5 to optimize traffic flow in a safe and efficient manner.
• Operate the I-90 and SR 99 tunnels central control system, supervising the fire suppression and life safety systems utilizing CCTV, traffic detection, incident detection cameras, carbon monoxide sensors, heat detection, and other detection systems. In the event of an incident, follow SOP as approved by fire marshals, tunnel maintenance, and/or supervising engineers. Coordinate incident response with emergency responders, maintenance crews, TMC operators, Radio, engineers, PIOs, management, and external agencies. 
• Use telephone and radio systems to communicate with WSDOT field crews, Washington State Patrol, local police departments, local transportation agencies, fire departments, Department of Ecology, etc. Note all communications and actions performed in TMC digital log.
• Monitor and verify toll rate and information display within I-405 and SR 167 Express Toll system. Respond to blocking incidents or planned closures with appropriate override messaging. Identify system and sign errors, troubleshoot, and escalate to appropriate staff.
• Conduct training and continuing education for new and current staff on a wide range of transportation-related topics
• Perform data retrieval, analysis, and reporting of traffic and tolling data. Collect operation data, system logs, and control information. Collect, review, and archive operator and system logs and digital voice recordings as legal records
• Other duties as assigned.

• Demonstrate adept verbal and written communication skills
• Posses strong interpersonal and customer service skills
• Ability to work independently and as a part of a team
• Experience working in a fast-paced environment and under stressful situations
• A strong working knowledge of computer operation along with the ability to rapidly multitask between multiple software applications in emergency situations; understanding of Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook
• Ability to independently manage time and study necessary information to complete an in-training plan
• Possess and maintain a valid driver's license
• Be amenable to work night shifts with at least one weekend day; be able to work shifts of various lengths ranging from 4 hours to 16 hours at a time; available to cover shifts as needed for overtime pay

• Prior operation of mission critical software suites, response to emergency situations, and/or previous transportation experience
• Associates Degree (AS or AA), higher education, and/or military experience is highly desired.
• Previous experience working in a major metropolitan TMC and corresponding knowledge of freeway management practices and principles
• Working knowledge of data collection, analysis, and reporting practices and principles - must be able to analyze and summarize data to create actionable reports for various traffic-related topics
• Ability to read, comprehend, and verify contract plans and specifications including traffic control plans

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• 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 listed salary includes the Legislative approved King County Premium, which provides higher base pay levels to counter higher living costs in King County.
• 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.
• This position requires the incumbent to work various shifts in the 24/7 facility including day, evening and night shifts ranging from 8 to 12 hours. These positions include shifts on weekends.
• This is an in-training position that offers both a career path and on-the-job training. This position allows you to progress through the Transportation Technician field and achieve the goal class of a Transportation Technician 3. Candidates will be considered a Transportation Technician 2 or Transportation Technician 3, depending on qualifications. Annual salary levels for each position are:
  • Transportation Technician 2: $51,445 - $69,224
  • Transportation Technician 3: $58,300 - $78,334