State of Washington

Compensation

Full Description

Description About WSDOT The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal agency with a global reputation for excellence. Our dedicated workforce plans, designs, builds, and operates an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 20,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT manages the world's longest floating bridge, leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds the record for the world’s widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation! The Opportunity WSDOT is seeking a senior-level engineer to lead the Southwest Region’s Traffic Operations Active Management Program, directing the real-time operation and optimization of state and partner agency transportation systems to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient travel for the public. This role will supervise highly technical traffic management activities and apply advanced expertise in traffic signal timing, ramp metering, Active Traffic Management Systems (ATMS), variable message signs, peak use shoulder lanes, and incident response to actively manage congestion, incidents, and unexpected system disruptions. Working within the Traffic Management Center (TMC) alongside Washington State Patrol (WSP), the position will analyze live data from multiple Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) platforms and field resources to develop and implement immediate operational strategies, coordinate regional partners, and support the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of Intelligent Transportation Systems. Our top candidate will have advanced ITS engineering knowledge, real-time decision-making and problem-solving skills, leadership and coordination experience, and clear communication in high-pressure environments. What To Expect Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Corridor Operations Engineer will: • Independently analyze real rime transportation system performance of regional arterial and highway systems. • Analyze, plan, implement and direct others to apply system modifications. • Manually adjust ramp meters and traffic signal phasing and timing in real time to meet system demands utilizing expert knowledge centralized signal software. • Implement ramp and roadway closures to mitigate impacts of incidents to the highway system through coordination and direction of Incident Response Teams and WSP utilizing expert knowledge of Traffic Operations. • Direct, train, and mentor technical staff. • Cultivate and practice collaborative partnerships. • Provide strategic leadership in coordinating and expanding the Virtual Coordination Center (VCC). • Direct and oversee support staff in the collection, analysis, and interpretation of traffic operations data. • Supervise the coordination and creation, and reviews messaging plans. • Plan, organize, and direct the work of Transportation Management Center (TMC) staff to ensure effective and efficient program operations. • Assign and schedule work to maintain adequate shift coverage. Qualifications To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required: • Traffic Management & Operations Expertise: Highly proficient in TMC operations or comparable environments with similar logistics and operational goals. • Supervisory & Leadership Skills: Advanced skills in leading, coaching, and supervising staff, fostering accountability, professional growth, and team success. • Operational Decision-Making Expertise: Demonstrated experience in effectively managing emergencies, adapting to rapidly changing conditions and technologies, and making sound, timely decisions under pressure. • Technical & Analytical Competence: Demonstrated expertise in interpreting, applying contract plans, specifications, design manuals, and other highway-related documents; experience providing expert guidance and constructive feedback to internal engineering offices and external consultants. • Collaboration & Partnership Building: Demonstrated ability to cultivate and sustain collaborative partnerships with internal teams, external agencies, and stakeholders to support agency goals and shared outcomes. • Innovation & Problem-Solving: Advanced skills in generating innovative, practical solutions to complex transportation challenges by applying creative thinking and adaptive strategies. • Communication and Engagement: Advance skills in clearly conveying information and ideas through a variety of methods, engaging diverse audiences and ensuring mutual understanding. • Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth. • Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others. In addition to the above competencies, the following are also required: • Ability to report to the assigned duty station within 60 minutes of an after-hours call. • Ability to work outside the regular work schedule, 24 hours a day/7 days a week. It Is Preferred That Qualified Candidates Also Have • Traffic & Systems Operations Proficiency: Expert-level knowledge of technical engineering practices applied to the operation of central arterial systems or freeway management systems, including ATMS applications and the integration of individual ITS devices and sub-systems within a larger system. • Emergency & Incident Management: Advance practitioner in applying departmental policies, procedures, and standards to effectively manage emergency situations, ensuring safe and coordinated responses under pressure. • Network & Systems Integration: Advanced ability to navigate and operate within the TMC server network, including services that connect to NG_TMS, with an understanding of departmental technical standards that govern these systems. • Data Analysis & Technical Tools: Expert-level analytical skills with advanced proficiency in Excel and large data set management, applying engineering practices to evaluate operational data and supporting evidence-based decision-making. • Transportation Operations Environment: Demonstrated proficiency in applying technical engineering practices in a major metropolitan transportation operations center, ensuring alignment with agency policies and operational standards. • Technology & Change Management: Proficiency in managing and implementing rapid changes in technology, applying departmental policies and standards to maintain continuity of operations and system integrity. • Traffic Management & Operations Expertise: Proficiency in TMC operations or comparable environments with similar logistics and operational goals. • 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. • 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. • 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 Collective Bargaining Agreements. Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in Chapter 357-28 of the Washington Administrative Code. • This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options. • WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit, 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 telework options for eligible positions. • Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees 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 State Benefits for more information. 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 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. 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. Contact Us For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at Robyn.Lovely@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-SWR-41391e 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 WAC 357-31-165(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 WAC 357-31-165(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 WAC 357-58-175, 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, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) 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 Parental Leave Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Leave Without Pay Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits. Updated 01-07-2026 01 Please briefly describe your experience in TMC environments to include your role and responsibilities. If you do not have this experience, please enter N/A. 02 Traffic Management & Operations Expertise: Please select the response that best describes your experience in a Traffic TMC or comparable real-time operations environment. • Lead or oversee real-time system operations and strategies, directing staff and coordinating multi-agency responses • Independently operate and manage traffic systems and incidents • Support routine monitoring or operations with guidance • No experience 03 Supervisory & Leadership Skills: Please select the response that best describes your experience supervising and developing staff. • Directly supervise teams; assign work, coach performance, conduct evaluations, and lead operational improvement efforts • Lead projects or act as a lead worker/mentor without formal supervision • Provide occasional guidance to peers • No experience 04 Technical & Analytical Competence: Please select the response that best describes your experience interpreting and applying engineering or highway-related technical documents. • Expertly interpret plans/specifications/design manuals and provide technical guidance or review to engineers and consultants • Regularly use documents to support operational or project work • Basic familiarity • No experience 05 Traffic & Systems Operations Proficiency: Please select the response that best describes your experience with freeway or arterial management systems and ATMS applications. • Expert-level configuration, integration, and operational control of multiple ITS subsystems within a regional network • Regular operational use and troubleshooting • No experience 06 Emergency & Incident Management: Please select the response that best describes your emergency/incident management experience. • Lead, coordinated, policy-compliant responses to major incidents or emergencies in real time • Participate in response efforts • No experience 07 Network & Systems Integration: Please select the response that best describes your experience working within TMC or ITS server/network environments. • Configure, troubleshoot, or manage system services and integrations in accordance with technical standards • Use systems for routine operations • Basic knowledge only • No experience 08 Transportation Operations Environment: Please select the response that best describes your experience in a large metropolitan transportation operations center. • Apply engineering practices to manage complex, high-volume systems aligned with agency standards • Support operations in a smaller or less complex setting • Limited exposure • No experience 09 Are you able and willing to report to the assigned duty station within 60 minutes of an after-hours call, or be willing to relocate to meet this response time? • Yes • No 10 Are you able and willing to work in a real-time operations environment, including shift work, weekends, or emergency response as needed? • Yes • No 11 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) 12 If You Selected 'Other' On The Previous Question, Please Specify How You Learned Of This Employment Opportunity In The Space Provided • Required Question