Senior Transportation Planner (TPS4)

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 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 currently seeking a skilled planning professional to serve as the Senior Transportation Planner in our Northwest Region – Mount Baker Area (MBA) office. This position will serve as the Community Engagement Lead supporting MBA Complete Streets Pre-Design efforts with the Project Engineering Offices, special studies, corridor development plans, the HEAL Act and other department planning functions as assigned. Key responsibilities will involve developing work plans, community engagement plans, analyzing data, developing reports, and organizing and facilitating meetings with internal/external partners.

This position will also lead MBA’s work in coordinating land use/transportation decisions and community engagement in the region to help shape multimodal transportation solutions and strategies as communities and the state plan work to accommodate the region’s current and future growth. As MBA’s land use specialist, this position is responsible for developing and implementing an annual work program for monitoring land use action, transportation study progress, and projects of local and regional planning jurisdictions and agencies. This position will involve coordination with WSDOT Headquarters and other WSDOT Regions to address the statewide multimodal transportation plan, highway corridor analysis and studies and other planning efforts as assigned. This position requires independent judgment and the ability to manage multiple projects under tight time constraints as well as working with internal and external stakeholders, technical staff and tools to identify short-term and long-term needs and alternatives to make recommendations consistent with WSDOT’s mission, vision and goals.

What To Expect

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

• Develop, coordinate and implement inclusive community engagement plans and strategies to support a variety of multimodal planning and Complete Streets project delivery needs.
• Strategize, prepare, coordinate and oversee community engagement activities.
• Travel to community engagement efforts, meetings and events will be required multiple times per week during some project phases and will involve traveling to the location.
• Develop and implement an annual work program for monitoring local, regional and state jurisdictions’ and agencies’ land use and transportation policy plans and implementation progress.
• Independently review and provide technical assistance and coordination on land use, transportation and development regulations.
• Organize and facilitate oral and written comments and testimony to support WSDOT policies and procedures with internal and external partners and subject matter experts.
• Collect and analyze transportation, land use, socio-economic, environmental, and other data.

Qualifications

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

• Community Engagement & Equity Integration: Experience leading or supporting community engagement initiatives consistent with the HEAL Act. Ability to develop inclusive community engagement plans that integrate community feedback into project development and delivery.
• Multimodal Transportation & Land Use Knowledge: Strong understanding of how transportation, land use, housing, infrastructure, community design, climate, mobility, and environmental considerations interact within local, regional, and statewide planning settings.
• Planning Analysis & Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to evaluate techniques and data, identify trends, evaluate potential impacts and implications for WSDOT, and make well supported recommendations.
• Collaboration and Facilitation: Experience working collaboratively on multi-disciplinary teams to complete planning-related analyses or studies. Strong ability to work effectively with internal and external partners.
• Data Interpretation & Visualization: Ability to communicate complex transportation or technical data clearly through written, visual, and verbal methods to diverse audiences.
• 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 Demonstrate

• Complex Stakeholder and Public Engagement Leadership: Experience designing and leading complex stakeholder, partner agency, Tribal, community, or public engagement strategies associated with transportation planning, project delivery, or policy initiatives.
• Professional Planning: Experience reviewing, developing, or supporting comprehensive plans, housing, land use, transportation elements, municipal codes, land use applications, environmental review documents, or local implementation guidance.
• Comprehensive Planning Knowledge: Ability to understand and apply Washington’s Growth Management Act, State Environmental Policy Act, comprehensive planning requirements, regional transportation planning frameworks. Ability to apply or learn Washington-specific planning requirements and guidance in state, regional, or local planning contexts.
• Technical and Design Tools: Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Adobe InDesign for professional document and visual material design, and ArcGIS for mapping, spatial analysis, and data visualization in support of community engagement and planning efforts.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options with in-person events occurring regularly during key project stages.
• 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 a 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 recruiter listed.

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at [email protected] . Please be sure to reference Senior Transportation Planner #13254 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. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits

Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement And Deferred Compensation

State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security

All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays

Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave

Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)

Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave

Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave

Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave

Leave Sharing

Parental Leave

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026

01

Please select the response that best describes your experience planning, leading, or supporting community engagement efforts for transportation, planning, or public infrastructure projects, including incorporating community input into project or program decisions.

• I have led community engagement efforts for complex transportation, land use, or public infrastructure projects, developed engagement strategies, worked with diverse and historically underrepresented communities, and incorporated public feedback into project recommendations or decisions.
• I have independently planned or facilitated community engagement activities and used stakeholder or community feedback to inform project or program development.
• I have assisted with community engagement activities such as public meetings, outreach events, surveys, or stakeholder communications.
• I have limited experience or coursework related to community engagement or public participation.
• I have no experience with community engagement activities.

02

Please briefly describe your experience planning, leading, or supporting community engagement efforts for transportation, planning, or public infrastructure projects, including incorporating community input into project or program decisions. If you do not have this experience, please note ‘N/A’.

03

Please select the response that best describes your experience applying knowledge of transportation planning and its relationship to land use, housing, mobility, infrastructure, environmental considerations, or community development.

• I have extensive experience applying multimodal transportation planning principles while evaluating the interactions among land use, housing, mobility, infrastructure, environmental considerations, and community development to support planning decisions.
• I have experience applying transportation planning principles that considered several related planning factors, such as land use, environmental impacts, housing, or mobility.
• I have assisted with transportation or planning projects that included consideration of land use, mobility, or environmental factors.
• I have limited experience or academic coursework related to multimodal transportation or land use planning.
• I have no experience with multimodal transportation or land use planning.

04

Please select the response that best describes your experience collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and external partners on transportation, planning, or infrastructure-related projects.

• I have led or facilitated multidisciplinary teams involving multiple agencies, organizations, or stakeholder groups to complete complex transportation or infrastructure projects or studies.
• I have independently collaborated with internal staff and external partners to complete transportation, planning, or infrastructure projects.
• I have participated as a member of multidisciplinary teams and worked with others to complete assigned project tasks.
• I have limited experience working on collaborative project teams.
• I have no experience working on multidisciplinary teams.

05

Please briefly describe your experience collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and external partners on transportation, planning, or infrastructure-related projects. If you do not have this experience, please note ‘N/A’.

06

Please select the response that best describes your experience interpreting and presenting technical or transportation-related data to a variety of audiences.

• I have extensive experience interpreting complex technical or transportation data and presenting it through reports, maps, dashboards, visualizations, presentations, or other communication tools to technical and non-technical audiences.
• I have independently interpreted technical or transportation data and communicated findings through written reports, presentations, or visual displays.
• I have assisted with preparing reports, charts, maps, or presentations using technical data.
• I have limited experience or coursework interpreting or presenting technical data.
• I have no experience interpreting or presenting technical data.

07

Please briefly describe your experience interpreting and presenting technical or transportation-related data to a variety of audiences. If you do not have this experience, please note ‘N/A’.

08

Have you participated in public meetings, community outreach events, or stakeholder engagement activities related to transportation, planning, or public infrastructure projects?

• Yes
• No

09

Please briefly describe your experience participating in public meetings, community outreach events, or stakeholder engagement activities related to transportation, planning, or public infrastructure projects. If you do not have this experience, please note ‘N/A’.

10

Do you have experience working with local governments, Tribal governments, regional planning organizations, transit agencies, or other public partners on transportation or planning projects?

• Yes
• No

11

Please briefly describe your experience working with local governments, Tribal governments, regional planning organizations, transit agencies, or other public partners on transportation or planning projects. If you do no have this experience, please note ‘N/A.

12

Have you prepared or presented technical information using maps, dashboards, GIS products, reports, or presentation software for decision-makers or the public?

• Yes
• No

13

Do you have experience evaluating transportation, land use, environmental, or demographic data to support planning recommendations?

• Yes
• No

14

How did you learn of this employment opportunity?

• Indeed
• LinkedIn
• Direct Email Notification
• WSDOT social media (Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, etc)
• Career Fair
• Monster
• WorkSource
• Handshake
• AASHTO
• NACTO
• COMTO
• APWA
• "NOW HIRING" banner/sign
• Radio advertisement
• WSDOT Employment Site
• Careers.wa.gov
• governmentjobs.com
• Other (specify below)

15

If You Selected 'Other' On The Previous Question, Please Specify How You Learned Of This Employment Opportunity In The Space Provided

• Required Question