Salary : $107,928.00 – $138,360.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County – Olympia, WA
Job Type: Full Time – Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 23DOT-HQ-0W053
Department: Dept. of Transportation
Division: Headquarters
Opening Date: 07/12/2023
Closing Date: 8/2/2023 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 engineer to fill the Program Development & Performance Manager vacancy located in Olympia, WA. This position contributes to the Transportation Operations two main priorities: ensuring safe and efficient use of the statewide multimodal system. The individual in this role will identify and define Program needs and objectives, implement program goals and guidelines, and lead the formulation of proposed legislation, policies, procedures, and standards. This position is responsible for tracking, monitoring, and evaluating program progress to ensure goals and objectives are met. To be successful in this role, you must possess an in-depth knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations regarding traffic safety, traffic control devices, motorist information sign and outdoor advertising control. This position also requires a strong background in traffic operations and safety to develop policy and solutions, as this knowledge is applied in daily decisions.
What to Expect
This position directly influences the funding of five programs: The $78 million Transportation Operations biennial bs, Operations and Budget by working with the Region Traffic Engineer the Director of Transportation Operations Division, other managers, and the Budget Office, the Transportation Operations Division Q3 capital program budget, the $6 million Low-Cost Enhancement program, the $3 million Motorist Information Sign program, and the $60-100 I-2 safety program by identifying transportation safety needs, prioritizing recommending solutions. This position is also responsible for developing policies related to traffic safety and operations including the consistent use of traffic control devices, traffic regulations and the development of traffic signing preservation for over 150,000 traffic control signs.
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Program Development & Performance Manager will:
- Serve as Transportation Operations Division lead on the development of the state Strategic Highway Safety plan ? Target Zero.
- Participate in national traffic safety committees for safety policy implementation.
- Lead HQ Transportation Operations Division role in Corridor Safety projects on state highways; and evaluates outcomes of traffic safety projects and programs.
- Lead and direct Transportation Operations Division programs responsible for signing visible to state highways, including traffic control signs, outdoor advertising signs and motorist information signs.
- Oversee the administration of the self-supporting Motorist information Sign Program and the outdoor advertising control program.
- Direct the modification and adoption of the federal Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for use in Washington State to set standards for the use of traffic control devices. Coordinates and leads the development of traffic control sign related items in the Federal Register questions from the Legislature and other organizations.
- Lead the Transportation Operations Division Legislative review process, by analyzing state and federal legislation.
- Strategically propose and draft legislation, review and assess impacts of proposed legislation, other legislative actions and administrative actions on transportation operations and safety.
- Oversee the application of rules and regulations for administering special events on state highways.
- Lead the development of new rules and guidelines; oversee the traffic control plans for closing or detouring traffic from state routes, interpret rules and guidelines.
Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:
- A bachelor’s degree with a transportation related emphasis.
- An experienced based knowledge of transportation or engineering principles, State and Federal laws, regulations and policies and traffic operations principles.
- Ten (10) years of experience in traffic operations, including planning, programming, funding, policy development, procurement, project delivery, performance measures, asset management and change management principles.
- Knowledge of state and federal legislative process, knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations on traffic operations, traffic control devices and outdoor advertising.
- A proven record of effective and successful direct supervision, leadership and team building, strategic decision making, and effective and persuasive communication skills.
*To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the Contact Us section of this posting.
Important Notes
- This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
- 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 position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
- Occasional travel in-state and out of state travel is expected, may be up to 12 days per year.
- 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 August 3, 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.
- WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system. For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov
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 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 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. NOTE: This information may 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 via email.
Contact us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, Robyn Lovely at Please be sure to reference 23DOT-HQ-0W053 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 a degree, please list your degree and field of study. Otherwise, type N/A.
03
Please select the response the best describes your total years of experience in traffic operations, including planning, programming, funding, policy development, procurement, project delivery, performance measures, asset management and/or change management principles.
- I have over fifteen (15) years of this experience.
- I have 14 – 15 years of this experience.
- I have 12 – 14 years of this experience.
- I have 11 – 12 years of this experience.
- I have 10 – 11 years of this experience.
- I have less than ten (10) years of this experience.
04
Please briefly describe your experience in traffic operations, including planning, programming, funding, policy development, procurement, project delivery, performance measures, asset management and/or change management principles. If you do not have this, please type N/A.
05
Please briefly explain your knowledge of transportation or engineering principles, State and Federal laws, regulations and policies and traffic operations principles. If none, please type N/A.
06
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)
07
If you selected ‘Other’ on the previous question, please specify how you learned of this employment opportunity in the space provided:
Required Question