Note: This is a non-permanent position anticipated to last 9 months.

The Opportunity:
Every disaster whether natural or human-caused has the potential to adversely affect transportation on road, rail, marine or air travel throughout Washington State. For that reason transportation is possibly the most critical infrastructure in Washington.

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is highly reliant on emergency management plans and operations, and ensuring that staff are trained on their roles and responsibilities during an emergency. Additionally, many other state agencies lean heavily on WSDOT during emergency situations.

The WSDOT Office of Emergency Management is seeking an expert planner with a mastery of emergency management concepts and planning skills to manage a comprehensive emergency management plan program for the agency. The incumbent to this position will provide strategic leadership and support in the development of an agency-wide approach with emergency management integrated with continuity of operations. The candidate selected for this position must be able to quickly establish and maintain interpersonal relationships with a diverse group of stakeholders and develop credibility in the area of emergency management throughout the state. The incumbent must be a planner, with the skills and ability to construct and maintain excellent plans that WSDOT Regions and other agencies will readily accept as the guiding document through disasters and emergency situations. The top candidate selected for this position will provide leadership, guidance, plans and procedures to ensure employees are prepared to respond in times of emergencies or disasters.

At WSDOT, we value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. To learn more, please watch the following video: Why WSDOT? 

This position will perform the following work:

• Manage the WSDOT emergency management planning activities which includes developing and maintaining all related plans.
• Assist the WSDOT Office of Emergency Management during emergencies to include working in an emergency operations center managing EOC staff and resources as necessary.
• Support WSDOT facilities in the review/revision/update of facility emergency action plans.

An ideal candidate for this position will have:

• Mastery of emergency management concepts (preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery), the Incident Command System, and National Incident Management System.
• Knowledge of WSDOT practices and procedures, particularly those involving Maintenance Operations, Traffic Operations, and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS).
• Experience dealing with institutional and jurisdictional problems and making independent decisions as needed.
• Excellent communication skills both oral and in writing within the department and with outside entities to include emails, briefs, reports, etc.
• Possess or be able to attain a valid Washington driver’s license with the ability to travel statewide.
• Proven ability to work well under pressure or in high-stress environments.
• Knowledge of and experience with working in Emergency Operations Centers and under an ICS structure during actual emergencies, disasters and/or functional/full-scale exercises.

Required certification or licenses:

• Ability to pass a thorough background investigation for clearance to access the WSP Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system.
• Valid driver’s license.

The following are desirable:

• A Bachelor’s degree and two years of experience in emergency management working within an agency or department or other related emergency response experience.
• Five years’ experience in emergency management working within an agency or department or other related emergency response experience.
• Completion of federally mandated NIMS classes equated to the responsibilities of this position.

How to Apply: Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Please select the large “apply” button at the top of this announcement. You may need to set up an account profile. To be considered for this position, you will need to answer any supplemental questions and attach a resume with your application. Be prepared to provide references at the time of the interview.

Contact us: For inquiries about this position, please contact Erik Lunke at 360-705-7747 or email to lunkee@wsdot.wa.gov.  Please reference recruitment number 18DOT-HQ-04592.

Employment, Education and Criminal History Verification
Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position.

WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, and 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. WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system. For more information, please visit https://www.uscis.gov/.