Aviation Deputy Director (Wms2)

Salary : $95,820.00 - $122,844.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Tumwater, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Remote Optional
Job Number: 23DOT-HQ-0W663
Department: Dept. of Transportation
Division: Headquarters
Opening Date: 11/29/2023
Closing Date: 12/20/2023 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
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 an aviation professional to serve as the Aviation Deputy Director in Tumwater, WA. This position, on behalf of the Director, will advocate for, develop, and implement statewide programs that protect and promote aeronautics and aviation, airport improvements and investments, and the state's aviation system in partnership with federal and local agencies, pilots, airport users, aviation stakeholders, airport-impacted communities, businesses, and the public. The Aviation Deputy Director will foster development of aeronautics and the state's aviation system with direct management of the Airport Aid Program. This position will have oversight of the planning and airport management programs, while coordinating the rest of the division's activities. The successful candidate will help to develop, establish, and implement staffing plans as well as mentoring division staff ensuring coordination and communication with all aviation stakeholders. This position acts on behalf of the Director and requires a close working relationship with the agency's Multimodal Development and Delivery (M2D2) senior leadership including their direct reports and other stakeholders.
What to Expect
The WSDOT Aviation Division fosters the development of aeronautics and the state's aviation system to support sustainable communities and statewide economic vitality. The Aviation Division promotes multimodal cooperative solutions that strengthen the state's transportation system and public use airports under WSDOT's M2D2 organization.
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Aviation Deputy Director will:

• Provide strategic and tactical management to the Airport Planning and Management section of the Aviation Division; provide guidance and support for all section audit activities.
• Manage, coordinate, direct, review and approve contracts and the development of designs and specifications by private design firms for the construction or improvement of airports.
• Manage the improvement grants to Washington State airports and reporting activities.
• Analyze proposed legislation against existing and planned practices and procedures to ascertain the effects on the Division, Department, stakeholders, and current legislation.
• Provide strategic vision and creativity including project management and coordination with executive management for high-profile, public-facing legislative and special-needs projects. Ensure quality and compliance with federal, state, and agency standards and guidelines.
• Provide strategic counsel and leadership for aviation/aeronautics issues. Provide recommendations to the Aviation Director and Aviation staffs.
• Provide sound counsel and support to the Aviation Director. Act in the Director's absence with full authority; is the appointing authority in absence of the Director.

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

• A bachelor's degree in aviation management, business, engineering, planning, or public administration or a closely related field and three (3) years of management experience with state aviation grants; OR ten (10) years of documented aviation experience to include four (4) years in professional airport management, planning, or airport construction management and knowledge of, or experience with state and/or federal grants.
• Strong understanding and experience with airport operations, planning, organizations, and issues; and the political environment surrounding those issues.
• Strong strategic leadership, communication, and negotiation abilities.
• Solid understanding of legislative and government administrative budget processes.
• Strong verbal, written, and public presentation communication skills.
• Strong ability to develop staff skills, effectively coaching, mentoring, and providing and encouraging use of available training.
• The ability to work effectively with statewide and local elected officials and their staffs, the Governor's office, aviation customers and stakeholders, citizen groups, the media, the general public, and federal, state, and local government agencies, and the private sector.
• The ability to maintain strict confidentiality and confidence of information.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Experience managing aviation emergency operations.
• Strong understanding and experience with aviation issues in Washington State, as well as the political environment surrounding those issues.
• Proven leadership, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Possession of a current commercial FAA Pilot (Airman's) Certificate or military equivalent with an instrument rating.
• Possession of Accredited Airport Executive credential.
• Comprehensive knowledge of all federal and state statutes and regulations that affect aviation statewide.
• Comprehensive knowledge of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) programs, policies, advisory circulars, and standards.
• Strong time and project management skills, including prioritization and multi-tasking abilities.

*To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the Contact Us section of this posting.
Important Notes

• This position requires the ability to work extended hours and travel with possible overnights as necessary.
• 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 Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in of the Washington Administrative Code.
• This position is eligible for remote work up to 100%, per supervisor approval.
• 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. However, the first review of applications will be conducted December 20, 2023. 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, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit

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 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 for more information.

Check out this video to learn more:
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. 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. 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, at Please be sure to reference 23DOT-HQ-0W663 in the subject line.
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (inc...