Salary : $61,056.00 – $90,624.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County – Lacey, WA
Job Type: Full Time – Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 23DOT-OR-32527
Department: Dept. of Transportation
Division: Olympic 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 a Transportation Planning Specialist 3 to support the Olympic Region Multimodal Planning unit. Reporting to the Senior Planner – Team Lead, the Multimodal Planner contributes to transportation and land use planning efforts overseeing and completing corridor studies; reviewing local agency comprehensive plan amendments and periodic updates; participating on statewide plan and policy reviews; coordinating with regional planning organizations, local jurisdictions, and tribal nations; and maintaining good working relationships with internal and external customers.
WSDOT’s mission is to provide safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation options to improve communities and economic vitality for people and businesses. Olympic Region Multimodal Planning’s mission is to undertake short, medium, and long-range planning to ensure WSDOT’s mission is accomplished.
What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Multimodal Planner will:
- Lead and coordinate preparation and/or update of various planning studies, analyses, and initiatives.
- Organize and coordinate technical staff work efforts across WSDOT offices and organizations including headquarters, Project Management, Traffic, Project Engineer Offices, and Communications.
- Oversee and review consultant work activities and deliverables for compliance with scope, schedule, and budget.
- Identify and determine the appropriate level of data analysis, research, and community engagement for assigned transportation studies.
- Coordinate region analysis for statewide and cross-region planning efforts including the Highway System Plan and other statewide plans.
- Use geographic information systems (GIS) and other computer software to analyze and display geographic information.
- Monitor and review local agency comprehensive planning for compliance with Washington’s Growth Management Act and consistency with WSDOT policies and priorities.
This position requires occasional travel and field work that involves driving and/or traveling in a motor vehicle and extended periods of standing in the outdoors. The work may include hazard exposure such as high-speed vehicle traffic, exhaust, weather-related risk, heavy construction equipment, walking over uneven terrain, and proximity to creeks and bodies of water.
Qualifications
This is a (TPS3) position. However, the hiring manager reserves the right to fill the position at a lower level – (TPS2) – depending on qualifications, providing an opportunity for an individual to gain the required experience on the job as part of a formal “in-training” plan.
To be considered for this opportunity at the TPS2 level, the following are required:
- A Bachelor’s degree involving major study in transportation, urban, regional or land use planning, engineering or natural or physical sciences AND one (1) year of professional experience involving analysis, evaluation, and documentation of transportation or environmental issues.
OR
- One (1) year as a or , , , Landscape Designer 1, or equivalent classification in city or county agencies.
OR
- A Master’s degree in academic fields listed above.
To be considered for this opportunity at the TPS3 level, the following are required:
- A Bachelor’s degree involving major study in transportation, urban, regional or land use planning, engineering or natural or physical sciences AND two (2) years professional experience involving analysis, evaluation, and documentation of transportation or environmental issues. A Master’s degree in one of the above fields may substitute for one year of the required experience.
OR
- One (1) year as a , , or equivalent classification in city or county agencies.
In addition to the above, the following are also required:
- Understanding of transportation planning principles, and related federal and state laws, standards, and guidelines.
- Experience developing or reviewing transportation or environmental-related technical documents, reports, and correspondence.
- Understanding of project management processes including budget tracking, scheduling, and team management.
- Experience preparing for and conducting stakeholder and public meetings, collecting and recording meeting information; and preparing written summaries.
- Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate with others both written and orally.
- Experience using a personal computer to develop calculations, documents, spreadsheets, estimates, and project scheduling.
It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:
- Experience conducting geospatial analysis using computer software.
- Experience presenting complex information to technical and non-technical audiences.
- Knowledge and experience with Washington’s Growth Management Act (GMA).
- Demonstrated experience working with local and state agencies, Metropolitan Planning Organizations, Regional Transportation Planning Organizations, and tribal nations.
- Ability to legally operate a state vehicle.
Important Notes
- This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
- 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 July 12, 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.
- This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options consistent with business and project needs. The employee may need to travel within the limits of Olympic Region for field visits, stakeholder meetings, and training.
- The salary range listed includes the legislative approved general wage increase of 4%, 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.
- This is a Transportation Planning Specialist 3 (TPS3) position. However, the hiring manager reserves the right to fill the position at a lower level – Transportation Planning Specialist 2 (TPS2) – depending on qualifications, providing an opportunity for an individual to gain the required experience on the job as part of a formal “in-training” plan.
- TPS2: $61,056 – $82,056
- TPS3: $67,380 – $90,624
- WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system. 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 telework options 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 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, Alyssa Nastasi, at Please be sure to reference 23DOT-OR-32527 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.
- I have a Master’s degree or higher.
- I have a Bachelor’s degree.
- I have an Associate’s degree.
- I have a high school diploma or equivalent.
- None of the above
02
If you indicated completion of an Associate’s degree or higher, please list your degree and field of study. Otherwise, type N/A.
03
Please select the response that best describes your total years of professional experience involving analysis, evaluation, and documentation of transportation or environmental issues.
- I have over ten (10) years of this experience.
- I have 7 – 10 years of this experience.
- I have 5 – 7 years of this experience.
- I have 3 – 5 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) year of this experience.
- I do not have this experience.
04
Please briefly describe how you obtained the experience referenced in the question above. This should also be reflected in your application materials. Otherwise, type N/A.
05
Please select the response that best describes your total years of experience as a Transportation Planning Specialist 2, Transportation Engineer 2, Transportation Planning Specialist 1 or Transportation Engineer 1, Transportation Planning Technician 3, Transportation Technician 3, Landscape Designer 1, or equivalent classification in city or county agencies.
- I have over ten (10) years of this experience.
- I have 7 – 10 years of this experience.
- I have 5 – 7 years of this experience.
- I have 3 – 5 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) year of this experience.
- I do not have this experience.
06
Please briefly explain your experience with project management processes including budget tracking, scheduling, and team management. If none, type N/A.
07
Please briefly explain your experience developing or reviewing transportation or environmental-related technical documents, reports, and correspondence. If none, type N/A.
08
Do you have experience conducting geospatial analysis using computer software?
- Yes
- No
09
Do you have experience with Washington’s Growth Management Act (GMA)?
- Yes
- No
10
This position requires occasional travel and field work that involves driving and/or traveling in a motor vehicle and extended periods of standing in the outdoors. The work may also include hazard exposure such as high-speed vehicle traffic, exhaust, weather-related risk, heavy construction equipment, walking over uneven group, and proximity to creeks and bodies of water. Are you willing and able to work in these conditions?
- Yes
- No
11
Do you have a valid driver’s license?
- Yes
- No
12
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)
13
If you selected ‘Other’ on the previous question, please specify how you learned of this employment opportunity in the space provided:
Required Question