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 skillful and talented Transportation Planning Specialist 4 to serve as the Multimodal Freight Systems Planner. This position leads the development, implementation, and application of a strong freight system planning and analytic program, with a focus on multimodal connectivity of freight systems. This position is based either in the Seattle or Olympia, WA office with a liberal amount of telework flexibility. Come join our distinguished team, gain a deeper understanding of a key pillar of the state’s economy, and work with diverse partners and stakeholders to make a positive impact on the freight industry and communities.

What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Multimodal Freight Systems Planner will:

• 
  Lead development and implementation of freight plans, including studies and other activities with expert knowledge and understanding of conditions, trends, issues, regulations, and needs.
• Oversee and apply state and federal guidance and requirements to freight planning activities, projects, and tasks.
• Manage programmatic responsibilities with awareness and accounting of broader freight interest and priorities.
• Represent division and agency position and interest appropriately and accurately across a broad spectrum of audiences such as WAFAC, multi-state freight coalitions, AASHTO, FHWA, and MARAD.
• Lead multimodal integration of freight systems.
• Strengthen public and private sector coordination and relationships, including engagement with communities, that advance the knowledge and understanding of freight systems.
• Support freight-related priorities of the division

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

• Two (2) years as a Transportation Planning Specialist 3 or an equivalent role at public agency or private consulting firms; OR five (5) years of working experience in the field of freight or equivalent.
• Strong understanding of truck, rail, marine, and air cargo enterprise and multimodal system integration.
• Strong comprehension of planning processes and engineering (project development, delivery) processes
• Ability to develop scopes, schedules, and budgets for planning and pre-design projects.
• Ability to travel and hold a valid US driver's license.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Expert comprehension of freight systems logistics and intermodal connectivity statewide and in other states.
• Expert comprehension of freight regulations, policies, and requirements of public and private sectors.
• Experience with conducting and facilitating stakeholder and public meetings.
• Master’s degree in planning or public administration preferred.
• Ten (10) years of working in the field of freight or equivalent.
• Working network of nationwide freight contacts and peers.
• Hands on training or experience on a priority freight topic.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Other freight credentials.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position is eligible for remote work up to 100%, per supervisor approval.
• 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.
• Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 357-16-197 mandates that all employees who work for executive cabinet agencies (which includes the Department of Transportation) must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Compliance with this mandate is a condition of employment with WSDOT. Exemption may be granted for religious or medical purposes; however, accommodations will be subject to approval based on the essential functions required of the position.
• WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system. For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov

Why WSDOT

• Work-Life Balance – We offer flexible work schedules that allow you time for your life outside of this excellent opportunity.
• Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees earn a minimum 14 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 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 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. 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, Robyn Lovely, at lovelyr@wsdot.wa.gov . Please be sure to reference Multimodal Freight Systems Planner #03796 in the subject line.