Principal Multimodal Transportation Planner (TPS5)

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 leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, manages the world's longest floating bridge, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

The Opportunity

WSDOT is seeking a Principal Multimodal Transportation Planner to lead the Northwest Region/Mount Baker Area planning program in support of the agency’s mission to provide safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation options that strengthen communities and economic vitality. In this role, you will lead a team that is responsible for advancing the region’s transportation planning program, overseeing community engagement efforts, coordinating with local partners on grant pursuits, managing projects, and conducting planning studies and early project scoping, while coordinating closely with internal and external partners to support effective stewardship of the multimodal transportation system. The position will also partner with the Development Services group to strategize impact mitigation strategies related to land development, resulting in prioritized investment decisions for the state highway system. A strong candidate will demonstrate expertise in transportation planning, project scoping, policy and regulatory alignment, and strategic communication.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Principal Multimodal Transportation Planner will:

• Develop and implement the work program consistent with the transportation system policy goals and duties outlined in RCW 47.04.280, including managing staff who conduct key tasks.
• Collaborate with, provide input to, and make recommendations for local and regional government’s planning processes. 
• Pull from results of Metropolitan/Regional Transportation Plans, local comprehensive plans, and other sources to provide input into the development of statewide system plans, modal plans, and broader planning efforts in coordination with WSDOT headquarters. 
• Develop, manage, and conduct grant pursuits and planning studies that link WSDOT priorities with those of regional and local partners in coordination with relevant WSDOT region, modal, and headquarters offices.
• Manage staff who conduct community engagement support of Project Engineering Office efforts in accordance with WSDOT Community Engagement Plan, Healthy Environment for All (HEAL) Act, and other policies and procedures.
• Oversee project Community Engagement Plan development, develop engagement staffing plans, and coordinate engagement needs with other internal groups involved.
• Manage internal efforts or oversee consultants as appropriate for conducting studies, dependent on internal expertise, staff availability, budget, or external direction. 
• Ensure efficient study delivery through close oversight of scope, schedule, and budget; strategize on and pursue grants to support these efforts.

Qualifications

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

• Multimodal Transportation & Land Use Knowledge: Demonstrated understanding of multimodal transportation systems, planning under the Growth Management Act, and regional planning principles.
• Project Leadership & Coordination: Experience developing and managing project scope, schedule, and budget while ensuring deliverables are high quality and on time. Ability to lead and coordinate multidisciplinary project teams across organizational boundaries; generate and implement workable solutions to difficult problems. 
• Community Engagement & Equity Integration: Experience supporting or leading community engagement activities consistent with the HEAL Act. Ability to develop inclusive engagement plans and integrate community feedback into project development.
• Analytical Thinking & Decision-Making Skills: Ability to evaluate techniques and data, identify trends, and make well-supported recommendations. Skilled in documenting and presenting analytical reasoning, considering goals, trade-offs, and outcomes.
• Collaboration & Stakeholder Coordination: Proven ability to collaborate effectively with internal offices, local jurisdictions, tribal governments, and external partners to reach decisions. Ability to represent the agency in working groups and public forums and communicate technical information to non-technical audiences.
• Flexibility & Creative Approaches: Ability to adapt to changing business needs, conditions, and work responsibilities to achieve successful solutions and results in dynamic situations. Skilled in developing and applying novel approaches to navigating challenges.
• Policy & Program Development Contribution: Ability to contribute to development of agency policies, procedures, and technical guidance related to land use and multimodal transportation. Knowledge of emerging federal and state land use policies and programs.
• Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills for preparing reports, presentations, and correspondence for a range of audiences including executives, policymakers, and community members. 
• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth. 
• Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.
  
  

The following qualifications are also required: 

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

• Meeting Facilitation: Skilled in planning, leading, and facilitating multidisciplinary meetings, ensuring inclusive participation and actionable outcomes.
• Organizational Change, Development & Team Building: Experience in guiding organizational change, fostering team development across disciplines, and building sustainable collaboration.
• Government & Transportation Planning Collaboration: Experience working with local government entities and/or a metropolitan or regional transportation planning organization.
• Project Management Tools: Proficient in project management using tools such as MS Project, MS Planner, Primavera P6, and/or other tools.

Important Notes 

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.  
• 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 yasmin.munoz@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-NWR-11947 in the subject line.