Sidewalk Data Specialist (TPS 3)

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 seeking a motivated and innovative professional for a unique Transportation Planning Specialist 3 (TPS3) opportunity focused on advancing pedestrian access statewide. Reporting to the Active Transportation GIS and Data Specialist, the Sidewalk Data Specialist will play a lead role in strengthening data stewardship practices, representing the Active Transportation Division on a cross-divisional destination access analysis team, and integrating comprehensive statewide sidewalk data into WSDOT’s core business processes.

In this term-limited role, the specialist will collaborate closely with internal partners to pilot and refine new data collection strategies for pedestrian infrastructure. Serving as a subject-matter resource, they will also support and train internal staff and external partners, including local agencies, on effective sidewalk data collection and use. The position works in close coordination with research partners responsible for the statewide pedestrian data resource, ensuring WSDOT’s procedures align with broader data stewardship goals.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Sidewalk Data Specialist will:

• Lead implementation of pedestrian infrastructure data stewardship process improvements for the agency.
• Develop and deliver training materials for internal staff and contractors responsible for piloting new data stewardship procedures. 
• Initiate and monitor internal staff and contractor participation in the piloting of new processes, providing technical support as needed. 
• Prepare an internal report following pilot completion that documents project outcomes and effectiveness.
• Coordinate with members of Public Transportation Division and Multimodal Planning and Data Division in the design and implementation of a statewide destination access analysis. 
• Lead active transportation data and policy integration on the destination access analysis project. 
• Participate in project advisory group meetings.

Qualifications

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

• Data Governance, Quality & Stewardship: Demonstrated ability to implement, maintain, and continuously improve data governance practices for infrastructure or GIS-related datasets, including quality assurance, documentation standards, and data lifecycle management to support accuracy, consistency, and long-term usability.
• Research, Pilots & Process Improvement: Demonstrated experience designing, conducting, and evaluating pilot studies or research projects related to data collection methods, analytical approaches, or process improvements, including assessing outcomes and recommending refinements.
• Collaboration & Partnership Building: Demonstrated ability to collaborate and coordinate effectively across divisions and with external partners or research organizations, building alignment, sharing expertise, and contributing to shared objectives.
• Data Integration & Business Application: Demonstrated experience integrating data into agency business processes, planning efforts, or destination access analyses, translating technical data into actionable insights that inform decision-making, policy development, or program implementation.
• GIS & Spatial Analysis Proficiency: Demonstrated proficiency using GIS tools (such as ArcGIS or QGIS) to collect, manage, analyze, and visualize spatial data, with experience applying these tools to pedestrian, active transportation, or broader transportation infrastructure datasets.
• Training & Technical Assistance: Demonstrated ability to develop and deliver effective training materials and provide technical assistance to internal staff and external partners on data standards, procedures, tools, or systems, supporting consistent adoption and use.
• Policy Knowledge & Application: Demonstrated knowledge of state and federal accessibility, complete streets, and active transportation policies, with the ability to apply policy requirements and principles in data analysis, planning, and evaluation contexts.
• Communication & Data Storytelling: Demonstrated strong communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear, concise, and audience-appropriate reports, data visualizations, and presentations for both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Equity-Centered Data Practices: Demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusion in data practices, including applying an equity lens to data collection, analysis, interpretation, and reporting to support accessible and inclusive transportation outcomes.
• Continuous Learning & Professional Development: Demonstrated commitment to continuous learning and professional development in GIS, data management, transportation planning, or related fields, including staying current with evolving tools, standards, and best practices.
• Professionalism & Work Environment Effectiveness: Demonstrated ability to build positive, productive, and respectful working relationships with colleagues and partners, and to work effectively in both virtual and in-person environments.
• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth. 
• Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Public-Sector Data Stewardship Development: Demonstrated experience developing, refining, or implementing data stewardship procedures within a public agency or similarly regulated environment, supporting consistency, transparency, and long-term data integrity.
• Cross-Agency & Cross-Divisional Data Leadership: Demonstrated experience leading, coordinating, or significantly contributing to multi-agency or cross-divisional data initiatives, including aligning stakeholders, managing dependencies, and advancing shared data goals.
• Advanced GIS Analysis & Automation: Demonstrated advanced proficiency in GIS analysis, including the use of scripting or automation tools (such as Python, ModelBuilder, or SQL) to streamline workflows, improve data quality, or support complex spatial analyses.
• Access & Active Transportation Performance Analysis: Demonstrated knowledge of transportation access and active transportation performance metrics—such as connectivity, safety, network analysis, and level of access—and experience applying these metrics in analysis, evaluation, or planning contexts.
• Strategic Transportation Policy Alignment: Demonstrated familiarity with WSDOT’s Active Transportation Plan, the Safe System Approach, and the Strategic Highway Safety Plan, with the ability to align data analysis and project outcomes with these strategic frameworks.
• Staff Training & Mentorship: Demonstrated success training, mentoring, or coaching staff in GIS, data management, or analytical practices, fostering skill development, confidence, and consistent application of standards.
• Policy Translation & Executive Communication: Demonstrated ability to translate complex technical analyses into clear, actionable policy insights and to communicate findings effectively through written, visual, and verbal formats to diverse audiences, including leadership, technical staff, and external partners.

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.
• To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the “Contact Us” section of this posting.
• The salary listed includes the legislative approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County. 
• 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. 
• 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 amanda.strebeck@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference Sidewalk Data Specialist #05539 in the subject line.