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 Multimodal Planning and Data Division is currently seeking to fill two Transportation Planning Specialist 4 positions that will serve as Tribal and Regional Planners. These positions support the goals of the Multimodal Planning and Data Division in the Tribal and Regional Integrated Planning Office (TRIP). Although the duties include a wide range of statewide, Headquarters, and Region planning activities, a major focus is regional coordination, providing oversight, coordination, and technical and fiscal assistance Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) and Regional Transportation Planning Organizations (RTPOs) statewide. As such, it works closely with both Headquarters and Region planners, and MPO and RTPO staffs to ensure they understand and meet federal and state transportation planning requirements. 
 
What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within these roles, the Tribal and Regional Planners will:

• Serve as the tribal and regional coordination lead liaison with assigned MPOs and RTPOs. This includes, but is not limited to, performing evaluations of MPO and RTPO Unified Planning Work Programs (UPWPs) and budgets.
• Administer and coordinate state and federal grants for MPOs and RTPOs.
• Understand and analyze the respective federal and state laws and regulations. 
• Approve grant payments and reimbursements for assigned MPOs and RTPOs. 
• Coordinate annual reviews of MPO self-certifications for compliance with federal- and state-legislated activities.
• Coordinate review of metropolitan and regional transportation plans for conformity with federal and state requirements, respectively. 
• Review Transportation Improvement Programs (TIPs) and TIP amendments for assigned MPOs and RTPOs to ensure compliance with federal and state requirements, including, but not limited to, appropriate timeframes, project types, priority of projects, and demonstration of fiscal constraint. 
• Maintain communication and coordination with key WSDOT region planning staffs, and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) planning staffs. 
• Serve as team lead for one or more of the following:
  • Overseeing development of TIPs and the STIPs
  • Air quality conformity coordination process
  • Tracking, interpreting, and developing guidance related to state and federal regulations
  • Facilitating coordination between WSDOT and MPOs relative to Transportation Performance Management
  • Development of funding agreements and procedures to enhance WSDOTs fiduciary oversight of the MPO and RTPO programs

• A Bachelor’s degree involving major study in one or more aspects of planning (transportation, urban, regional, or land use), public administration, or other relevant field of study.
• Four (4) years of professional experience involving planning or policy development, including local government experience with local and/or regional transportation planning. 
• Five (5) years of equivalent transportation planning experience that includes local government planning may substitute for the degree requirement; a graduate degree may substitute for one (1) year of the required experience. 
• Knowledge of: 
  • Transportation planning principles and practices 
  • Metropolitan and regional planning 
  • Federal and Washington state transportation planning requirements 
  • Government budgeting processes 
  • Statewide and regional planning issues 
  • Regional transportation decision-making

• Experience working for an MPO or RTPO 
• AICP certification 
• Proficiency in ArcGIS 
• Experience managing or overseeing federal contracts
• Experience demonstrating or analyzing air quality conformity
• Experience implementing Performance-Based Planning and Programming and Transportation Performance Management
• Experience in reviewing and/or developing Transportation Improvement Programs

• This recruitment will be used to fill two TPS4 positions and may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• These positions are eligible for remote work up to 100%, per supervisor approval.
• 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 

• Work-Life Balance – We offer flexible work schedules that allow you time for your life outside of this excellent opportunity.
• 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. 

• 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. This information can be entered in the “References” section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment.