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 seeking a Program Specialist 5 to serve as the Career Opportunity Maritime Preparation and Support Services (COMPASS) Program Contract and Compliance Coordinator. This position is stationed at the Washington State Ferries’ (WSF) Seattle location. In collaboration with WSF’s Training Department, this position is the statewide subject matter expert and has agency-wide responsibility for the administration, direction, implementation, improvements and oversight of the Career Opportunity Maritime Preparation and Support Services Program at WSF, and other workforce development initiatives identified through WSDOT’s PASS Program. As the COMPASS Program Contract and Compliance Coordinator, you will also be responsible for assisting WSF with their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts both internally and externally, ensuring the agency's activities, policies, programs, and services do not have a disproportionate or disparate impact on individuals protected by the Civil Rights act of 1964 (e.g., Title VI). This vital role will also assist with statewide monitoring, auditing, and compliance oversight on WSDOT’s Community Workforce Agreement and Priority Hire Programs on WSF projects.

What to Expect
Under the administrative direction of the Office of Equity and Civil Rights (OECR) Workforce Development and Priority Hire Manager, this position uses specialized experience and expertise with contractual, statutory, regulatory, and policy requirements to manage the agency’s external workforce development programs.  
 
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the COMPASS Program Contract and Compliance Coordinator will:

• Be responsible for continuing program improvements to and development of strategic plans and objectives for the COMPASS Program and developing long-range program goals and initiatives. 
• Be responsible for annual performance reports as part of the Pre-Apprenticeship Support Services (PASS) Program annual report to the Legislature, and monthly program related budget and financial status reports to OECR.
• Assist with and prepare new Requests for Proposals or Requests for Quotes and Qualifications ahead of new funding; modify and improve contract processes and procedures. 
• Monitor contract agreements and task orders. 
• Collect and analyze all COMPASS program and demographic data to determine if goals are being met. 
• Develop marketing materials and other items to assist with the implementation of the COMPASS program for internal and external stakeholders. 
• Work cooperatively with community and technical colleges, existing maritime and pre-apprenticeship programs, L&I, and other community and contractor organizations to establish sustainable maritime and/or pre-apprenticeship programs.
• Analyze program outcomes with various methods to understand each program's strengths, impact, and efficiency.
• Conduct fleet and terminal visits to establish working knowledge and relationships with WSF employees.

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

• Bachelor’s degree in business, communications, grant management, sociology, or a closely allied field (professional experience or certifications may be substituted year for year for a degree).
• Three (3) years of professional experience with three (3) years grant, program, or project administration and/or contract management skills.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Highly developed interpersonal communication skills with the ability to navigate politically sensitive issues.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to convey complex subject matters in an easy-to-understand fashion.
• Extensive grant, program or project administration and management skills.
• Understanding of the construction industry, including trade unions.
• Understanding of the legislative process and policy development.

*To review the full Position Description, please contact the recruiter listed in the Contact Us section of this posting.

 Important Notes 

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.   
• This position may require occasional overnight travel, as well as training at WSF training locations.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• The salary listed includes the legislative approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County.
• Notification of interviews may be delayed due to upcoming holidays. 
• 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 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 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, Robyn Lovely at LovelyR@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 22DOT-HQ-05125 in the subject line. 

Supplemental Information

About the Office of Equity and Civil Rights
The Office of Equity and Civil Rights is responsible for managing the agency’s external civil rights programs (Disadvantaged Business Enterprises [DBE], State Minority & Women’s Business Enterprises [M/WBE], Small Business Enterprises [SBE], DBE Support Services, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, including Limited English Proficiency [LEP] and Environmental Justice [EJ], Equal Employment Opportunity Program [EEO], On-the-Job Training Support Services Program [OJT/SS], and Americans with Disabilities Act [ADA] Titles II, III/Rehabilitation Act Section 504).