State of Washington

Compensation

Full Description

Salary : $112,732.00 - $151,590.00 Annually Location : King County - Seattle - Belltown, WA Job Type: Full Time - Permanent Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid Job Number: 25DOT-HQ-03587e Department: Dept. of Transportation Division: Headquarters Opening Date: 10/16/2025 Closing Date: 10/27/2025 11:59 PM Pacific 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 an experienced and forward-thinking IT Policy & Planning Manager to serve as the Technology Services Division (TSD) Ferries Operations Manager. This position will lead statewide technology solutions that align with enterprise strategic goals and oversee diverse Information Technology Professional Structure (ITPS) staff responsible for designing, developing, implementing, and supporting innovative technology systems and services. The TSD Ferries Operations Manager will provide leadership in solution delivery, project and change management, system lifecycle administration, and vendor and budget oversight to ensure technology investments meet both business and accessibility needs across the agency. A strong candidate will demonstrate exceptional leadership, technical depth across multiple IT disciplines, skill in managing complex projects and budgets, and the ability to foster collaboration between business partners, vendors, and technical teams to achieve successful enterprise outcomes. What to Expect The TSD Ferries team functions as the central support department for all technology-related equipment, software, and systems for the nearly 1,800 employees working for WSF. This includes 20 terminals and 21 vessels spanning seven counties, two countries, three major WSF facilities, and four commercial shipyards. Specifically, TSD Ferries is responsible for the management of end-user computing devices, workstations, tablets, servers, storage, data networks, cloud resources, point-of-sale devices, printers, mobile devices, telecommunications systems, cell phones, copiers, etc., administration of services, WSF-specific applications, and maintaining the working condition of all physical security equipment. Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the TSD Ferries Operations Manager will: • Research, create, vet, enforce, and maintain policies, standards, procedures, and guidelines regarding the management and support of information technology resources and assets statewide. • Innovate and lead new statewide technology solutions in line with enterprise strategic goals. • Manage ITPS technicians and ensure they provide key deliverables in solution design, development, implementation, and/or integration administration, support, and system/asset life cycling. • Provide project management services and oversight for the technology components of large and/or mega business projects and TSD initiated projects. • Serve as a business liaison, gather customer requirements, vet solutions, and assure they are approved and accepted using enterprise processes, standards, and procedures. • Perform various stages of formal change management such as requests for changes, customer coordination and communication to avoid, minimize, and/or mitigate any negative customer operational impacts. • Manage ITPS staff and an operational budget including one staff funded from multiple business programs, purchasing staff and customer information technology resources, systems, and assets. • Assure end user license agreement (EULA) review, security review, and compliance and negotiate pricing of bulk IT purchases. Qualifications To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required: • Policy and Planning • Knowledge of and ability to analyze, plan, and lead strategic initiatives that align with agency and TSD mission by working with the business in developing technology solutions and standard processes that provide high availability, resilience, and sustainability in the enterprise while focusing on quality and value. • Business Analysis • Ability to gather business requirements from various stakeholders and determine best technical approaches or solutions to meet needs and later adapt as necessary to assure quality and necessary changes are successfully implemented. • Project Management • Expertise in managing complex TSO and the technology components of business projects to assure successful project outcomes while assuring sustainable technology solutions. • Strategic IT Leadership • Demonstrated ability to provide oversight and direction across varied IT disciplines (e.g., policy, networking, server administration, telecommunications, and IT project management). • Skills to ensure technology strategies align with agency and enterprise objectives while delivering services that provide business value. • Team Leadership and Supervision • Demonstrated the ability to lead, coach, and manage IT staff, fostering team performance and professional growth. • Ability to provide clear direction, support accountability, and ensure effective execution of IT services and projects. • IT Financial Management • Demonstrated ability to develop, allocate, and manage IT budgets effectively. • Skills to balance fiscal responsibility with operational needs to maximize resources while remaining within budget allocations. • Communication and Presentation Skills • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to deliver effective presentations. • Ability and skills to communicate complex technical and business information clearly to subordinates, peers, management, and customers. • Applied Knowledge and Learning Agility • Demonstrated ability to acquire, apply, and adapt IT knowledge to evolving technologies and business needs. • Ability to bring critical thinking and problem-solving skills to complex challenges. • Respectful Workplace • Demonstrated commitment to learning and growth. • Ability to take action to meet the needs of others. In addition to the above, the following are also required: • A valid driver's license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles. • Ability to dispatch to on-site locations within the Puget Sound routinely. • Ability to respond to emergency outages, sometimes during inclement weather events or other catastrophic incidents. • Ability to relocate equipment and materials weighing up to 35 pounds from one location to another safely. • Ability to obtain a valid TWIC card within six (6) months of appointment. It is preferred that qualified candidates also have: • Advanced knowledge and/or experience • Extensive experience and/or formal education in information technology or a related field, which provides foundational knowledge in communications, critical thinking, and technical skills relevant to an IT leadership career. • Process and Service Management Expertise • Ability to apply frameworks such as ITIL and CompTIA certifications to strengthen process-based thinking, technical knowledge, and industry best practices for reliable service delivery and process improvement. • Project and Change Management Skills • Demonstrated experience in project management, Lean, and organizational change management (e.g., PMP, CAPM, Lean certification, Prosci OCM) to deliver IT products and services with efficiency and measurable business value. • Vendor and Platform Certification Knowledge • Ability to leverage certifications from Microsoft or Cisco to support a formal understanding of enterprise technologies and ensure sound implementation practices. • Continuous Improvement and Efficiency Mindset • Ability to apply Lean Six Sigma principles to optimize efficiency, reduce waste, and improve processes. • Ability to foster a culture of continuous improvement to enhance IT operations and project delivery. Important Notes • This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs. • This position may be required to participate as part of an on-call rotation. • The salary listed includes the legislative approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County. • This position requires fieldwork that occurs in active traffic areas, aboard operating ferries, and within shipyard environments. Exposures include working next to moving vehicles, heavy equipment, confined spaces, and other maritime or industrial hazards. • This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options. • 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 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, 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 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 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 . Please be sure to reference 25DOT-HQ-03587e 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...