Salary : $86,736.00 – $111,240.00 Annually
Location : Spokane County – Spokane, WA
Job Type: Full Time – Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 23DOT-ER-6W045
Department: Dept. of Transportation
Division: Eastern Region
Opening Date: 06/28/2023
Closing Date: 7/26/2023 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 Assistant Program Manager in Spokane, WA. The Assistant Program Manager will work in coordination with the Region and the Capital Program Development and Management Office and be responsible for managing the development of all future Highway Construction Programs (HCP) for Eastern Region, including scope, schedule, project estimates and prioritization of all individual projects within the HCP. The HCP consists of those transportation projects in the six-year program to be delivered by the Eastern Region.
What to Expect
Position may require travel between Spokane WA and Olympia/Seattle WA WSDOT HQ offices and project work sites. Occasional overnight travel may be necessary.
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Assistant Program Manager will:
- Manage the progress and delivery of the Eastern Region Highway Construction Program including managing changes in project scope, schedule and costs.
- Lead the development and maintenance of all Highway Construction Program progress and delivery reporting for the Eastern Region including recommended courses of action.
- Manage and develop scope, schedule, project estimate and prioritization for each new project consistent with planning, policy and goals of the WSDOT.
- Represent the Eastern Region to Headquarters management to establish policies, guidelines and procedures to accomplish program building.
- Prepare presentation material for and represent the Eastern Region at the Semi-Annual Region Visit meetings.
- Manage the Eastern Region portion of the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program.
- Manage the development of biennial supplemental transportation budgets including creating various budget scenarios based on variable revenue projections.
- Manage the initiation and maintenance of funding on all Highway Construction Program projects.
Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:
- At least three (3) years of experience in a Project Manager role responsible for managing project scope, schedule, and cost; identifying and managing risk; and documenting change.
- A strong command in Budget Preparation, Priority Programming, Performance Measurements, Design, Project Definition, Construction, Legislative process and Laws and Regulations pertaining to the transportation program.
- Proficient in the principles and processes in the development of major capital construction programs including knowledge of the impacts, laws, regulations and processes have on schedules and budgets.
- Proficient in the project definition process, performance reporting, estimating and construction requirements.
- Knowledge of:
- Management, leadership and strategic planning principles.
- Transportation, structural and civil engineering practices and standards.
- Environmental and highway design laws and regulations, federal regulations, requirements and mandates.
- Project development and delivery requirements, personnel administration and merit system rules, regulations and policies.
- Understanding of government to government relations, legislative process and protocol and the principles and application of benefit cost analysis in prioritizing projects.
- Ability to build trust with the public and other agencies, build consensus and facilitate competing interest groups/individuals in solving complex problems.
- Good written and verbal communication skills including the ability to communicate complex information to diverse technical and nontechnical groups.
- Ability to make decisions with few prescribed or established approaches.
- Engineering problem solving, influence actions and outcomes, integrate short term needs with long term strategic goals.
- Deal with multiple complex short and long term issues simultaneously and mentor staff.
It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:
- Proficient in working in the Work Order Authorization system, the Transportation Executive Information System, the Capital Program Management System, Cognos, and the scoping process and the biennial budget building process.
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 range listed includes all legislative approved wage increases, effective on July 1, 2023.
- 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.
- Position may require travel between Spokane WA and Olympia/Seattle WA WSDOT HQ offices and project work sites. Occasional overnight travel may be necessary.
- WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system. For more information, please visit
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 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 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.
WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system. For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov
Contact us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, Daisha Jordan, at Please be sure to reference 23DOT-ER-6W045 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 (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 12-31-2022
01
Please select the response that best describes your highest level of completed education:
- Master’s degree or higher
- Bachelor’s degree
- Associate or Technical (2-year) degree
- Some college, no degree
- High School Diploma
- None of the above
02
If you indicated completion of a degree, please list your degree and field of study. Otherwise, please note ‘N/A’.
03
Please select the response that best describes your total years of experience in program management:
- More than 15 years
- 12-15 years
- 10- 12 years
- 5-7 years
- 3-5 years
- Less than 3 years
- None
04
Please briefly describe your knowledge and experience with program management, including managing project scope, schedule, and cost, identifying and managing risk, and documenting change. If you do not have this experience, please note ‘N/A’.
05
Please briefly describe your knowledge and experience of financial planning and budget management for an agency. If you do not have this experience, please note ‘N/A’
06
Please select the response the best describes your total years professional transportation experience:
- More than 15 years
- 12-15 years
- 10- 12 years
- 5-7 years
- 3-5 years
- Less than 3 years
- None
07
Please select the response that best describes your total years of leadership or supervisory experience:
- More than 15 years
- 12-15 years
- 10- 12 years
- 5-7 years
- 3-5 years
- Less than 3 years
- None
08
Please briefly describe your leadership or supervisory experience. If you do not have this experience, please note ‘N/A’.
09
Do you have a valid driver’s license?
- Yes
- No
10
Do you have a Professional Engineering license?
- Yes
- No
11
Please list any credentials or professional certifications/licenses you currently possess:
12
Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for an employment visa?NOTE: For purposes of this question “sponsorship for an immigration-related employment benefit” means “an H-IB visa petition, an 0-1 visa petition, an E-3 visa petition, TN status and ‘job flexibility benefits’ (also known as 1-140 portability or Adjustment of Status portability) for long-delayed adjustment of status applications that have been pending for 180 days or longer.” Please ask us if you are uncertain whether you may need immigration sponsorship or desire clarification.
- Yes
- No
13
If you have a visa, how much time remains on your current visa?
14
How did you learn of this employment opportunity?
- Indeed
- Direct Email Notification
- WSDOT social media (Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, etc)
- Career Fair
- Monster
- WorkSource
- Handshake
- AASHTO
- NACTO
- COMTO
- APWA
- “NOW HIRING” banner/sign
- Radio advertisement
- WSDOT Employment Site
- Careers.wa.gov
- governmentjobs.com
- Other (specify below)
15
If you selected ‘Other’ on the previous question, please specify how you learned of this employment opportunity in the space provided:
Required Question