Senior Transportation Planner (TPS4)

Salary: $71,520.00 – $96,156.00 Annually

Location : Chelan County – Wenatchee, WA

Job Type: Full Time – Permanent

Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number: 23DOT-NCR-24529

Department: Dept. of Transportation

Division: North Central Region

Opening Date: 05/31/2023

Closing Date: 6/18/2023 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 has an exciting opportunity for an enterprising transportation planner who has strong analytical and communication skills and a passion for multimodal transportation solutions. As the Senior Transportation Planner (TPS4) in Wenatchee, WA, you will support the North Central Region Planning office by leading, developing, and delivering programs and services related to transportation planning activities for the Department within the Region. The Senior Transportation Planner will be responsible for representing WSDOT in a variety of forums including interacting with other WSDOT departments as well as external agency partners. The selected candidate will work in coordination with regional planning organizations, local jurisdictions, and agencies, and maintain positive and constructive working relationships with internal and external customers. To thrive in this role, qualified individuals will need to be self-starters, embrace continuous process improvement, and have a strong commitment to advancing the policy goals of WSDOT.

What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Senior Transportation Planner will:

• Supervise, direct, and evaluate the work of Transportation Planning Specialists to ensure planning activities are in alignment with departmental goals and objectives.
• Lead, develop, and foster transportation partnerships with local agencies, tribes, regulatory agencies, special interest groups, and other private parties in a manner that serves the interest of the state transportation system through positive communication and collaboration.
• Identify and mitigate measures to reduce collisions and evaluate competing transportation demands in alignment with the Governor’s Target Zero Initiative and the Results WSDOT Policy.
• Develop recommendations for project and planning improvements.
• Manage and produce corridor plans to improve system performance.
• Communicate the state’s position on various transportation-related issues with local jurisdictions, tribes, agencies, the business community, community groups, and private citizens.
• Review and provide comments on local comprehensive plans and federally required long-range statewide plans.

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

• A Bachelor’s degree involving a major study in transportation, transportation planning, urban, regional, or land use planning or engineering.
• Four (4) years of professional transportation experience involving analysis and evaluation of transportation issues and problems OR two (2) years as a Transportation Planning Specialist 3, Transportation Engineer 3, or equivalent classification in city or county agencies (A Master’s degree in one of the above fields will substitute for one (1) year of the required experience).

OR

• Two (2) years as a Transportation Planning Specialist 3 or above, Transportation Engineer 3 or above, or equivalent classification in city or county agencies.
• The ability to demonstrate adaptability and flexibility, solve problems, consider different perspectives, and find new creative ways to accomplish work more efficiently and effectively.
• Valid Driver’s license and the ability to safely operate a state vehicle.

It is preferredthat qualified candidates also have:

• Experience working in a Metropolitan or Regional Transportation Planning Organization, Rural Planning Organization, or other regional transportation planning commission or forum is strongly preferred.
• Public contact skills, facilitation skills, and experience in community and public involvement. Value Engineering training and experience with value engineering and value analysis techniques.
• Ability to work well independently and as a member of a team to complete assigned tasks.
• Ability to attend meetings and training which might require overnight and after-hours travel.
• Ability to work in close proximity with others.
• Ability to interpret complex rules, laws, and procedures, and to apply them to work situations and explain them to others including the public.
• Effective communication skills and experience with diverse groups utilizing oral, written, and electronic communication methods.
• Proficient in the use of a personal computer (PC/laptop) and computer-related applications with the ability to use it for extended periods of time.
• Effective interpersonal skills and the ability to work closely with team members.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• Travel is an expectation of the position, and some onsite work is required within North Central Region on a regular, sporadic, or as-needed basis.
• 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 are committed to ensuring that our staff experiences the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individual’s lifestyle.
• 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 your 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 of 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 for 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.

Contact us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, S. Fields, at Please be sure to reference 23DOT-NCR-24529 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.
• None of the above

02

If you indicated completion of an Bachelor’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 transportation experience involving analysis and evaluation of transportation issues and problems.

• 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 4 – 5 years of this experience.
• I have at least three (3) years of this experience.
• I have less than three (3) years of this experience.

04

Please select the response that best describes your total years as a Transportation Planning Specialist 3, Transportation Engineer 3, 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 at least one (1) year of this experience.
• I have less than one (1) year of this experience.

05

Do you have a valid driver’s license?

• Yes
• No

06

How did you learn of this employment opportunity?

• Indeed
• LinkedIn
• Direct Email Notification
• Career Fair
• Monster
• WorkSource
• AASHTO
• NACTO
• APWA
• 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