Assistant Region Traffic Engineer (Wms Band 3)

• Extended closing date to grow applicant pool.

About WSDOT

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal organization with a global reputation for excellence! Our dedicated workforce is responsible to plan, design, build, and operate an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 18,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT manages the world's longest floating bridge, executes an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds a record for the world's widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

The Opportunity

WSDOT is eager to hire an experienced engineer looking for career advancement into a unique transportation leadership role as the Assistant Region Traffic Engineer located in Shoreline, a few minutes north of Seattle. As the Assistant Region Traffic Engineer, the successful candidate will be responsible for managing WSDOT's nationally recognized Freeway Operations Program, which includes traffic management software development and maintenance, and Traffic Management Center (TMC) and Incident Response (IR) operations.  This leadership position is also responsible for highway maintenance of traffic control devices including striping, pavement markings and signage.  The successful candidate will have background and experience with providing strategic direction and managing multiple organizations, programs, and projects, as well as have the technical expertise to lead innovation in these critical WSDOT functions.

To achieve program success, this position directly manages a multimillion-dollar budget in operational and capital funding, including management of a multimillion-dollar fleet and facilities. The Assistant Region Traffic Engineer leads a combined staff of engineers, technicians, highway maintenance workers and IT personnel, working from multiple locations within the Region.  Staff are represented by two unions, as well as several are in non-represented positions.  A portion of the workforce covers 24/7 TMC operations.

If you are interested in taking on this rewarding challenge, we invite you to apply to lead this exciting and highly successful multimillion-dollar program, joining a diverse team of outstanding staff, technicians, and engineers to deliver the safety of the transportation infrastructure system throughout the region.

What to Expect

• Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Assistant Region Traffic Engineer will:

• Directly manage an operating budget in excess of $20 million per biennium, which includes TMC and freeway operations, software development and integration, highway incident response staff and fleet, and emergency management; with key influence on capital project scope within the largest WSDOT Region.

• Provide strategic planning for responsible traffic functions, integrate planning among the organizations, and assist in the development of the state strategic plans.

• Develop and consult on state policy for TMC/freeway operations, emergency management, ITS design and operations, and Traffic maintenance.

• Balance the scope, mission, and resources of WSDOT with existing and proposed budgets and communicate and resolve associate issues.

• Lead the research, development, and implementation of innovative transportation management strategies such as Cooperative Automated Transportation (CAT), and Active Transportation Demand Management (ATDM).

• Oversee the implementation of policies and practices which support employee diversity, career development, training, and recognition. Administer WSDOT policies, labor contracts, and work rules.

• Serve as a primary Point of Contact and represent WSDOT at meetings and events with the media, local community, legislature, and other internal and external partners.

• Serve a key role in emergency response in the region and assist with the implementation of the region's emergency operations, security, and incident response plans.

Qualifications

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

• Current Driver's License

• Bachelors of Science in Civil Engineering (Four (4) years of relevant work experience will substitute for the Bachelors degree)

• Current Professional Civil Engineers License

• Ten (10) years of experience managing the operations and development of complex transportation management systems.

Expert Knowledge of:

• Traffic engineering principles, practices, policies & regulations in the areas of traffic operations, freeway operations, traffic control devices, traffic design & maintenance, traffic safety management, and transportation planning

• Current national & state standards/guidelines in traffic engineering, channelization design, application of the MUTCD, and applications of regional laws affecting the operations of roads and highways.

• Budget development, implementation & management of a large and complex operating budgets.

• Performance measurement standards & applications aligned with public agency expectations, both at the project & program level

• Advanced management principles.

In addition to:

• Ability to develop, manage, and implement a large and complex multimillion-dollar budget.

• Ability and willingness to act and be on a standby/on-call status, responding to emergencies 24x7 and working planned and unplanned overtime on an as needed basis.

• Ability to develop effective professional working relationships with a variety of public and private individuals and stakeholder groups, including high-level agency managers, executive management, and policy makers.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Master of Science in Civil Engineering with an emphasis in Traffic Engineering & Operations

• Registered Professional Transportation Operations Engineer

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.

• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.

• The salary listed includes the legislative approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County.  In addition to the salary range listed, a general wage increase of 3% will be applied for all state employees on July 1, 2024.

• 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. 

• WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). 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 may 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 of 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.

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.

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, Amanda Strebeck, at strebal@wsdot.wa.gov . Please be sure to reference Assistant Region Traffic Engineer #1W123 in the subject line.