Planner - Transportation Planning Specialist 3

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 a Transportation Planning Specialist 3 to serve as a Statewide Planner for the Public Transportation Division. This position can be based anywhere in Washington, Idaho, and Oregon. In this role, you will conduct planning research, analysis, and assignments; work with stakeholders to develop content, findings, and recommendations; and produce reports, briefing papers, and presentation materials. Topics include public transportation, transportation demand management, human services transportation, special needs transportation, ridesharing, rural mobility, greenhouse gas emissions reduction, safety, access, and equity. The work has far-reaching effects on a wide variety of transportation programs at the state, regional and local levels. Our top candidate will have strong project management skills, and problem-solving with others, and deliver excellent customer service!
 
What to Expect
This position can be based anywhere in Washington, Idaho, and Oregon. There will be occasional in-state travel to attend meetings or conferences. 
 
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Transportation Planning Specialist 3 will:

• Perform critical planning and program evaluations and lead the division’s engagement in planning processes by developing proposals; developing division, agency, and statewide partnerships; analyzing proposals for effects on state, division and local plans and policies; and influencing agency and external plans. 
• Independently plan and conduct statewide planning assignments; influence regional, local and corridor plans; and conduct advanced transportation studies. 
• Engage communities, public transportation stakeholders, vulnerable populations in overburdened communities, businesses, employers and others in Transportation Planning activities. 
• Determine the impact of federal, state, regional and local plans and regulations on the division and its partners and coordinate responses with internal and external stakeholders. 
• Organize internal resources for delivery needs, or contract and manage consultant work efforts needed to complete planning projects.
• Serve as policy specialist and subject matter expert on multi-function interdisciplinary teams formed to solve complex transportation problems.

• Three (3) years of experience in Transportation Planning; urban, regional, or land-use planning; engineering; public or business administration; economics; or analysis and evaluation of transportation issues and problems. An equivalent combination of education and experience, including volunteer or lived experience, can be used to meet this requirement. OR
• Bachelor’s degree involving major study in transportation; landscape architecture; environmental or urban, regional or land use planning, engineering, public or business administration; economics, biology, natural or physical sciences; or public policy, political science, or administration. OR
• Two (2) years as a Transportation Planning Specialist 2 or Transportation Engineer 2, Landscape Designer 2 or equivalent classification in city or county agencies.

• Ability to work in a high-pressure environment and manage multiple projects/programs.
• Ability to work independently or in large groups.

• Demonstrated ability to lead teams to collaboratively make decisions, establish and meet timelines and deliver results. 
• Track and analyze budgets, timelines, resources, contracts and organize and prioritize work despite tight deadlines, multiple customers and competing priorities. 
• Proficiency using data and analysis, including geospatial applications and data.
• Multiple years of experience in community engagement and public outreach including disadvantaged populations.
• Experience developing transportation plans focused on public transportation, human services transportation, transportation demand management and/or active transportation.
• Working knowledge of multimodal transportation networks, transportation best practices, industry standards, regulatory rules, agency policies and procedures related to complex transportation and land use issues. 
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate and interpret law, complex regulations, policies, and guidance.

• 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.
• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position offers remote work options, although occasional in-state travel may be required to attend and/or support meetings and conferences. 
• The official duty station for this position will be determined based on candidate preference and overall business needs. 
• 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.

• 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 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 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.