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 seeking a visionary and strategic leader to fill the role of Mt Baker Area (MBA) Planning Director in Northwest Region (NWR). This position is accountable for identifying, developing, and fostering unique transportation planning partnerships with local agencies, tribes, regulatory agencies, special interest groups, partners in Canada, and private parties. This work includes fostering and providing leadership for effective and inclusive engagement with the public.

Given the demands rapid growth is placing on the regional transportation system, a forward thinking approach to this position is essential. The planning focus is on both short and long range periods to optimize resource investments and mobility outcomes. In this position, you will work closely with the region leadership team to direct, develop, and deliver all planning related programs and services, including land-use expertise and policy direction, to maintain safe and reliable travel mobility options for all modes.

What to Expect

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

• Provide leadership for the MBA/NWR Planning Office, and develop and implement strategies and policies on behalf of the region and the agency.
• Represent WSDOT programs, projects, and policies within the region as a member and/or alternate alongside elected or appointed officials on boards and committees including the region's MPOs and RTPOs and in bi-state coordination.
• Represent the department's planning activities in the MBA ensuring WSDOT's statewide policy interests are recognized in regional decision-making.
• Work with various WSDOT divisions to ensure freight, transit, bicycle, pedestrian, TDM/TSM, sustainability and other specialty subjects are integrated into region planning and that regional planning activities in these areas are accurately represented in statewide plans.
• Identify, develop, and foster partnerships with local agencies, tribes, private parties and advocacy groups that serve WSDOT's mission.
• Communicate the state's position on transportation related issues with local jurisdictions, tribes and agencies, the business community, community groups and private citizens.
• Ensure state interests are recognized and incorporated in decision making in regional and local forums, planning policies and implementations, Regional Transportation plans, transit planning and other relevant areas.
• Develop, monitor, and execute partnership projects/planning studies with local agencies, developers, and WSDOT Highways and Local Programs.   Incorporate innovative strategies are utilized Complete Streets administration.
• Manage and administer the MBA Planning Office budget to ensure the goals and objectives of the office are met within available resources; develop and administer consultant contracts as needed.
• Provide leadership on region development and goals related to the adoption and integration of resilience, diversity, equity and inclusion, and workforce development as well as all agency development, goals and strategies.
• Manage the development services program of the MBA to protect the safety and mobility interests of the state highway users from public or private development impacts.

Qualifications

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

• Bachelors degree in Planning, Engineering, Environmental, or related field. 
• Certification by American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) or five (5) years of leadership level experience in transportation planning, land use, or economic development.
• Knowledge of state and federal legislation (GMA, SEPA, NEPA, EAS, transportation funding bills); transportation and other related planning principles, processes and methods; public involvement methods; WSDOT programming and management methods and techniques.

In addition to:

• Understanding of other governmental agencies (local, state or in other states) are organized and governed and how demographic, political, economic and cultural differences impact transportation planning practices.
• Understanding of WSDOT design process, procurement processes, organization and policies; union contracts and other employment rules, processes and policies.
• Experience in workforce planning and personnel management.
• The ability to communicate effectively with a wide variety of stakeholders including customers, private sector, public agencies, elected officials and other decision makers, workforce, public and media.
• The ability to successfully lead and foster a diverse workforce.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

Important Notes 

• 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.   
• This position offers flexible/hybrid work options
• In addition to base salary, employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type, duties, or location of the position. For union-represented positions, more information on other forms of compensation can be found in the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements. Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in Chapter 357-28 of the Washington Administrative Code. 
• 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.
• 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!
• 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 – 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.  

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. All persons, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity, 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 via email.
 

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 23DOT-NWR-1W061 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.