Assistant Region Traffic Engineer
About WSDOT
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is the steward of an integrated, multimodal transportation system that helps to ensure that 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 eager to hire an experienced engineer looking for career advancement into a unique transportation leadership role as the Assistant Region Traffic Engineer located in Shoreline, a few minutes north of Seattle. As the Assistant Region Traffic Engineer, the successful candidate will be responsible for managing WSDOT’s nationally recognized Freeway Operations Program, which includes traffic management software development and maintenance, and Traffic Management Center (TMC) and Incident Response (IR) operations. This leadership position is also responsible for highway maintenance of traffic control devices including striping, pavement markings and signage. The successful candidate will have background and experience with providing strategic direction and managing multiple organizations, programs and projects, as well as have the technical expertise to lead innovation in these critical WSDOT functions.
To achieve program success, this position directly manages a multimillion-dollar budget in operational and capital funding, including management of a multimillion-dollar fleet and facilities. The Assistant Region Traffic Engineer leads a combined staff of engineers, technicians, highway maintenance workers and IT personnel, working from multiple locations within the Region. Staff are represented by two unions, as well as several are in non-represented positions. A portion of the workforce covers 24/7 TMC operations.
If you are interested in taking on this rewarding challenge, we invite you to apply to lead this exciting and highly successful multimillion-dollar program, joining a diverse team of outstanding staff, technicians, and engineers to deliver the safety of the transportation infrastructure system throughout the region.
What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Assistant Region Traffic Engineer will:
- Directly manage an operating budget in excess of $20 million per biennium, which includes TMC and freeway operations, software development and integration, highway incident response staff and fleet, and emergency management; with key influence on capital project scope within the largest WSDOT Region.
- Provide strategic planning for responsible traffic functions, integrate planning among the organizations, and assist in the development of the state strategic plans.
- Develop and consult on state policy for TMC/freeway operations, emergency management, ITS design and operations, and Traffic maintenance.
- Balance the scope, mission, and resources of WSDOT with existing and proposed budgets and communicate and resolve associate issues.
- Lead the research, development, and implementation of innovative transportation management strategies such as Cooperative Automated Transportation (CAT), and Active Transportation Demand Management (ATDM).
- Oversee the implementation of policies and practices which support employee diversity, career development, training, and recognition. Administer WSDOT policies, labor contracts, and work rules.
- Serve as a primary Point of Contact and represent WSDOT at meetings and events with the media, local community, legislature, and other internal and external partners.
- Serve a key role in emergency response in the region and assist with the implementation of the region’s emergency operations, security, and incident response plans.
Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:
- Current Driver’s License
- Bachelors of Science in Civil Engineering
- Current Professional Civil Engineers License
- Ten (10) years of traffic engineering and operations experience managing and developing complex freeway management systems and programs or closely equivalent experience leading ITS design, highway maintenance and transportation emergency management.
In addition to:
- Ability to develop, manage, and implement a large and complex multimillion-dollar budget.
- Ability and willingness to act and be on a standby/on-call status, responding to emergencies 24x7 and working planned and unplanned overtime on an as needed basis.
- Ability to develop effective professional working relationships with a variety of public and private individuals and stakeholder groups, including high-level agency managers, executive management, and policy makers.
It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:
- Master of Science in Civil Engineering with an emphasis in Traffic Engineering & Operations
- Registered Professional Transportation Operations Engineer
Important Notes
- The information provided on your application profile, any supplemental material attached to your application, and the responses to the supplemental questions will be used to determine qualifications for interview selection. Therefore, it is to your advantage that your application packet be completed in as much detail as possible.
- The listed salary includes the Legislative approved King County Premium.
- Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position.
- This position is subject to the drug and alcohol testing requirements of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA). For more information, please go to DOT Drug & Alcohol Testing.
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 to staff, including occasional telework for eligible positions.
- Paid Leave – In addition to 10 paid holidays, full-time employees earn a minimum 14 paid vacation days per year!
- Plan For Your Future – WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options, and free dental coverage! Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information.
- Tuition Assistance – Our 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.
Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?
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 details your qualifications, and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
- Contact information to be included in the “References” section of the online application for a minimum three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, knowledge base, and job-related competencies.
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.
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, Eric Saniatan, at SaniatE@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 21DOT-NWR-1W123 in the subject line.
Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter.