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 has an exciting opportunity for a transportation planner who wants to have a major impact on making transportation work better in the Central Puget Sound region.
Our downtown Seattle office is searching for a dedicated and passionate Principal Planner on our Management of Mobility (MoM) team. This position supports WSDOT’s vision, mission, values, and goals through leading corridor planning studies, projects, and other various Management of Mobility Division programs and activities.
Candidates will have the proven ability to conduct research, analysis and studies related to transportation and land use. They will be able to translate highly technical information for varied audiences, including executives, policymakers, and the public.
What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Principal Planner will:
• Serve as subject matter expert for Environmental Justice and Community Engagement components of regional and corridor planning studies and complete streets implementation in coordination with Northwest Region and Urban Mobility and Access, and Megaprograms.
• Collaborate and support Community Engagement for complete streets implementation during pre-design and design.
• Responsible for tribal consultation for planning efforts as well as building and expanding tribal partnerships and engagement.
• Collaboratively plan, design, schedule, lead, facilitate, and document inclusive charrettes, workshops, and collaborative planning meetings for various planning processes.
• Develop planning processes and associated tasks for WSDOT teams and others in alignment with WSDOT Environmental Justice principles, Community Engagement Plan, other guidance/standards.
• Provide tracking and reporting as required in the Community Engagement Plan implementation plan for use in agency-wide reporting.
• Contribute to development of community engagement best practice for WSDOT reflecting EJ principles.
• Leads corridor studies with high levels of complexity and partnerships and develops reports in response to legislative provisos and direction.
• Conduct research and analysis using traffic studies, ridership forecasts, environmental justice studies, population forecasts, and travel demand modeling to make planning recommendations.
• Develop grant applications including conducting data analysis, developing descriptive content, developing supporting documentation, and requesting letters of support from stakeholders and the community.
Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:
• Bachelor’s degree involving major study in transportation, urban, regional or land use planning; engineering, natural or physical sciences or related study
• Four (4) years of professional transportation experience involving analysis and evaluation of transportation issues and problems. A Master’s degree in one of the above fields will substitute for one year of required experience.
OR
• Two (2) years as a Transportation Planning Specialist 4, Transportation Engineer 4 or equivalent classification in city or county agencies.
In addition, the following are required:
• Knowledge and/or experience with community engagement and outreach principles.
• Knowledge of transportation planning principles, related federal, state, and DOT policies, standards, and guidelines.
• Experience applying State and Federal transportation policies, procedures, and requirements to planning processes.
• Experience communicating with diverse audiences, verbally and in written format, and present complex information to large and small groups.
• Specific experience guiding, coordinating, and facilitating extensive, inclusive, collaborative, and transparent public engagement for planning processes
It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:
• Knowledge and/or experience with multimodal transportation modes, including active transportation, pedestrian, transit, etc.
• Knowledge and/or experience with Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
• Experience with writing and editing various reports and documents.
• Ability to speak or write a second language or ASL.
Important Notes
• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• Application review will begin on January 19, 2023. Candidate selection may take place at any time thereafter. It is to your advantage to apply as soon as possible.
• 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 salary listed includes the legislative approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County.
• 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 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.
Link to Job Posting and to Apply for Job: Click Here
