Maintenance Policy Branch Manager

Salary : $103,776.00 – $133,044.00 Annually

Location : Thurston County – Olympia, WA

Job Type: Full Time – Permanent

Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number: 23DOT-HQ-0W156

Department: Dept. of Transportation

Division: Headquarters

Opening Date: 05/23/2023

Closing Date: 6/6/2023 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 seeking a Maintenance Policy Branch Manager in Olympia, WA. The Headquarters Maintenance Policy Branch is responsible for performance measurement and management, information management system development and implementation, and managing the Highway Maintenance Program budget. In this role you will be responsible for the development and deployment of management policies, programs, and tools used in the overall management and delivery of the statewide highway maintenance program. This include financial planning, tracking, and reporting; information management systems in which highway asset inventories are maintained and completed maintenance work is recorded; and performance measurement programs such as the Maintenance Accountability Process (MAP). This position is also responsible for developing strategic/long-term plans such as the maintenance portion of the Washington Transportation Plan. The successful candidate will provide clear communication of program expectations, expenditures, and performance in order to demonstrate the effective delivery and stewardship of public resources.

What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Maintenance Policy Branch Manager will:

  • Provide strategic direction and management within the Headquarters Maintenance Office.
  • Develop, report, track, and communicate the needs and status of the $600 million Highway Maintenance budget.
  • Provide program management direction for revising and updating the WSDOT Maintenance Manual to keep maintenance policies and procedures up to date with contemporary practices and needs.
  • Provide program management direction for integrating maintenance activities and information with activities and information from other WSDOT functions towards better asset management.
  • Provide program management direction for development of long-term strategic plans for the maintenance function and response to Legislative directives.
  • Make work assignments to personnel as needed within HQ Maintenance for administration of the MAP including field condition surveys and analysis required to determine the outcomes of service delivery of region programs.
  • Develop databases and other technology applications and deploy objectives focused on training maintenance personnel in the use of such programs/tools and serving as an advocate of the value that these programs/tools add to delivery of highway maintenance services.
  • During emergencies and natural disasters, serve in a management capacity in the HQ Emergency Operations Center.

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

  • Four-year college degree in business administration, public administration, engineering, or related field OR five (5) years of progressively more responsible experience in leadership positions, including management of staff and budgets.
  • Detailed knowledge of highway maintenance performance measures and performance management concepts.
  • Detailed knowledge of transportation budget management concepts.
  • Detailed knowledge of maintenance management concepts and systems. This includes system components such as the WSDOT accounting system, maintenance management systems, feature inventory databases, and mobile data collection applications.
  • Detailed knowledge on the inter-workings of the WSDOT accounting system, various information technology applications, and operational components of maintenance program delivery.
  • Knowledge of highway maintenance methods, work operations, and procedures.
  • Strong leadership and human relations/personnel skills to facilitate overall participation and buy-in of program product; coordinate activities of multiple projects to achieve a coordinated outcome.
  • Experience building consensus and team building.
  • Communicate, negotiate, and partner with a variety of different individuals, both internal and external to the Agency.
  • Supervise, lead and mentor team members.
  • A valid driver’s license.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

  • Extensive experience in a leadership position in the Maintenance Program or similar program is strongly desired.
  • General knowledge of maintenance operations and activities.
  • Significant experience with Maintenance Program elements.
  • Maintenance agreements and related policies and procedures.
  • Agency purchasing and procurement policies and procedures.
  • Department safety standards, policies, and practices.
  • WSDOT organization, structure, function, and budgeting to effectively develop short- and long-term program goals and objectives.

Important Notes

  • This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
  • In addition to base salary, employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type, duties, or location of the position. 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 can 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 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. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, as well as people of all sexual orientations and gender identities 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, Rachel Giese at Please be sure to reference 23DOT-HQ-0W156 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

How many years leadership experience do you have, which includes managing staff and budgets?

  • I have twelve (12) or more years of this experience
  • I have 11 – 12 years of the experience
  • I have 10 – 11 years of the experience
  • I have 9 – 10 years of the experience
  • I have 8 – 9 years of this experience
  • I have 7 – 8 years of this experience
  • I have 6 – 7 years of this experience
  • I have 5 – 6 years of this experience
  • I have less than six (5) years of this experience

02

Please select the response that best describes the highest level of education you have completed.

  • Masters degree
  • Bachelors degree
  • Associates Degree
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • None of the above

03

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

04

Do you have experience with budget development, implementation, and management for a large and complex budget?

  • Yes
  • No

05

Do you have knowledge of Washington State Legislative processes?

  • Yes
  • No

06

Do you have a valid driver’s license?

  • Yes
  • No

07

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)

08

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

Required Question

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