Assistant Regional Administrator for Operations and Planning (WMS Band 4)

Description

About WSDOT

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal organization with a global reputation for excellence! Our dedicated workforce is responsible to plan, design, build, and operate an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 18,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT manages the world's longest floating bridge, executes an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds a record for the world's widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation! 

The Opportunity

WSDOT is currently seeking a dynamic and strategic leader to serve as the Assistant Regional Administrator for Operations and Planning in the Southwest Region. This role plays a critical part in shaping how the region’s transportation system functions, ensuring seamless operations and strategic planning that support mobility, safety, and resilience.

By overseeing key operational components—including the region’s connections to Oregon's most populous city, Portland—this leader will guide the integration of transportation planning, emergency response, and infrastructure improvements. They will lead efforts to enhance traffic management, coordinate with Local Programs, and drive initiatives that optimize highway performance. 

Additionally, this position is instrumental in orchestrating regional emergency operations, managing the emergency operations center for the region, and developing response strategies for disasters such as floods, earthquakes, and other large-scale emergencies. Through collaboration with Washington State Patrol in the Southwest Region Traffic Management Center, this position will ensure a proactive and coordinated approach to daily operations and crisis response. 

With a focus on planning for the future, this leader will drive strategic initiatives that enhance system efficiency and long-term regional development. By leveraging innovation and collaboration, this position will shape a transportation network that not only meets today’s needs but anticipates tomorrow’s challenges.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Assistant Regional Administrator will:

• Provide strategic direction, manages & monitors activities of the Region Traffic Operations, Electrical Maintenance, Planning, Emergency Operations and Local Programs 
• Manage the activities of traffic operations, the TMC, the Region Planning Department and Local Programs with over 70 staff.
• Use advanced management principles and leadership skills to develop strategic focus, goals, objectives, and performance measures to guide the efforts of staff and link to the larger WSDOT strategic plan. Measure progress towards achievement of those goals and objectives. 
• As an Appointing Authority, is responsible to hire, promote and make corrective personnel actions when necessary up to and including dismissal. 
• Ensure appropriate engagement, public information sharing, and outreach are identified and implemented throughout the division as needed including tribal outreach. Participate in public meetings, hearings, and neighborhood meetings. 
• Ensure a respectful workplace throughout the division and foster learning and growth of self and staff around principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion to help WSDOT create a workforce the represents the communities it serves. 
• Coordinate and consult with other transportation agencies within the region, to ensure the regional roadway network is optimized for safety and mobility
• Help develop all Region policies and provides input to all other statewide policies within this business line and can be called upon to assume the duties of the Regional Administrator in their absence.
• Develop and implement long term program requirements, including funding and staffing needs, program policies, support services and budget oversight for the regional programs.
• Leads traffic engineering expert involvement in defense of claims & lawsuits brought upon the State of Washington, related to highway vehicular and/or pedestrian collisions

Qualifications

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

• Ten (10) years of experience managing/leading traffic engineering, traffic safety management, traffic operations, highway electrical maintenance and/or emergency response operations
• Five (5) years of experience leading diverse teams with multiple layers of supervisors.
• Bachelors Degree in Civil Engineering, Planning, Emergency Response or other closely related degree or four (4) years of relevant experience in local programs, emergency operations, traffic operations, electrical maintenance and/or planning. 
• Ability to drive a state vehicle and hold a valid driver’s license
• Ability to take calls/manage emergencies 24/7, working long and varied hours in high stress emergency situations
• National Incident Management System (NIMS) Incident Command System 100, 200, 400 and 700 certifications within 6 months on the job.

Expert Knowledge of: 

• Traffic engineering principles, practices, policies & regulations in the areas of traffic operations, freeway operations, traffic control devices, traffic design and maintenance, traffic safety management and transportation planning.
• Current national & state standards/guidelines in traffic engineering, channelization design, application of the MUTCD, WSDOT Traffic Manual, specific WACs & RCWs, and traffic engineering related chapters of the WSDOT Design Manual. 
• Budget development, implementation & management of a large and complex operating budget 
• Performance measurement standards & applications aligned with public agency expectations, both at the project & program level

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Professional Engineering License in State of Washington – Civil Engineering 
• Masters of Science in Civil Engineering – Traffic Engineering and Operations emphasis 
• Professional Traffic Operations Engineer Certification – Washington State 
• Extensive training in Information Technology 
• Secondary Education in Traffic Operations or on the job equivalent experience 
• Five (5) Years of experience in Transportation Planning, Local Programs, or Emergency Operations

Important Notes 

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options. However, this position is required to report to the office periodically and sometimes unplanned. 
• 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 357-28of 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 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 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 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. 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. 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, Amanda Strebeck, at [email protected]. Please be sure to reference ARA - Operations and Planning #4W074 in the subject line.