FHWA & Local Government Financial Report Expert (TPS5)

Salary : $78,900.00 – $106,152.00 Annually

Location : Thurston County – Olympia, WA

Job Type: Full Time – Permanent

Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number: 23DOT-HQ-01761

Department: Dept. of Transportation

Division: Headquarters

Opening Date: 06/07/2023

Closing Date: 6/25/2023 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 a FHWA & Local Government Financial Report Expert to assist the Budget & Financial Analysis Division by managing the development of the annual FHWA 500 series federal reports, which reflect transportation financial statistics. The incumbent of this position will also be responsible for performing economic impact and benefit costs analyses of transportation investments, as well as coordinating with other agency staff for the development of the transportation revenue forecasts, compiling and transmitting quarterly forecast information to the Revenue Forecast Council and conducting and/or evaluating special transportation studies and analysis as needed.

What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the FHWA & Local Government Financial Report Expert will:

Provide expert technical assistance to local partners and serve as the agency expert on FHWA series 500 reporting, while independently planning and prioritizing work to meet federal reporting requirements.
Consult as an expert in statewide economic impact analyses and in the calculations of transportation project benefits and highway system models.
Evaluate proposals and provide expert economic and financial impact analysis and recommend changes in law to eliminate ambiguities, to promote simplification, and to increase effectiveness in achieving legislative intent for transportation finance issues.
Assist regional and metropolitan transportation planning organizations with local level revenue forecasts for their long-range planning.
Research, interpret, analyze, summarize, communicate, and present information to multiple audiences, such as the public, media, Transportation Commission, legislature, Governor, and other elected officials.
Create ad hoc reports in the Enterprise Reporting System and extract data from various database and applications.

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

Bachelor’s degree, involving major study in transportation, public or business administration or economics.
Four (4) years professional experience in analysis and evaluation of transportation economic or financial issues and economic forecasting (a master’s degree in economics or related field will substitute for one year of required professional experience).
One (1) year of experience in econometric modeling, forecasting, and/or economic impact modeling.
Knowledge of local, state, and federal transportation finance, economic analysis, financial analysis, taxation, and statistics as they relate to all modes of transportation.
Financial data skills and the ability to prepare statistical reports in accordance with Federal Highway Administration guidelines for reporting highway statistics.
The ability to prepare, plan, organize and review for accuracy the details contained in federal reports submitted by WSDOT to FHWA.
The ability to understand complex federal and state laws and prepare analysis of proposed federal and state legislation for impact and accuracy.
Effective interpersonal and conflict resolution skills to resolve conflicts to the benefit of everyone.
Effective project management skills.
The ability to perform quantitative analysis using economic, financial, analytic, and mathematical skills.
The ability to prepare, monitor and analyze complex financial and statistical data, charts, graphs, and reports using software such as Excel, and Word.
The ability to comprehend, analyze and summarize complex financial and policy issues and formulate effective solutions to problems.
The ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
The ability to demonstrate adaptability and flexibility; solve problems, consider different perspectives, and find new creative ways to accomplish work more efficiently and effectively.
The ability to demonstrate kindness to others and promote a work culture that supports the agency’s strategic goals.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

Knowledge of state and local budgeting process.
Knowledge to research written and numeric information for special transportation projects and specialized knowledge of federal and state legislation and other requests.
Detailed knowledge of local government finance structure and in-depth knowledge of BARS accounting system.
Skills in writing ad-hoc reports in Enterprise Reporting System and writing queries to extract data from various databases.
Understanding of how to create ad-hoc reports and administer the local government highway tracking system (LIFT).

Important Notes

This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
In addition to the salary range listed, a general wage increase of 4% will be applied for all state employees 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.
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 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 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.
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 to apply 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, Andrew Huff, at Please be sure to reference 23DOT-HQ-01761 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

Please select the response that best describes your highest level of education:

Master’s degree or higher
Bachelor’s degree
Associate’s or Technical (2-year) degree
Some college, no degree
High School Diploma or GED
None of the above

If you indicated you have a degree in the question about, please list your degree field. If you do not have a degree, please note ‘N/A’.

Please select the response that best describes your total years of professional experience in analysis and evaluation of transportation economic or financial issues and economic forecasting:

I have six (6) or more years of this experience.
I have 5 – 6 years of this experience.
I have 4 – 5 years of this experience.
I have 3 – 4 years of this experience.
I have less than three (3) years of this experience.
I do not have this experience.

Please select the response that best describes your total years of experience in econometric modeling, forecasting, and/or economic impact modeling:

I have four (4) or more years of this experience.
I have 3 – 4 years of this experience.
I have 2 – 3 years of this experience.
I have 1 – 2 years of this experience.
I have less than one (1) years of this experience.
I do not have this experience.

Please briefly describe your experience with regards to econometric modeling, forecasting, and economic impact analysis. If you do not have this experience, please note ‘N/A’.

Please select the response that best describes your total years of experience interpreting local, state, and federal laws, rules, and regulations as they relate to transportation and forecasting transportation revenues:

I have four (4) or more years of this experience.
I have 3 – 4 years of this experience.
I have 2 – 3 years of this experience.
I have 1 – 2 years of this experience.
I have less than one (1) years of this experience.
I do not have this experience.

Please briefly describe your knowledge of local, state, and/or federal laws, rules, and regulations, and your experience interpreting them. If you do not have this experience, please note ‘N/A’.

Please briefly describe your experience preparing statistical reports. If you do not have this experience, please note ‘N/A’.

How did you learn of this employment opportunity?

Indeed
LinkedIn
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)

If you selected ‘Other’ on the previous question, please specify how you learned of this employment opportunity in the space provided:

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