The Opportunity:
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has an exciting opportunity for an individual who wants to have a major impact on making transportation work better in the central Puget Sound region. WSDOT’s Regional Transit Coordination Division, located in downtown Seattle, is searching for a dedicated and passionate Planning Manager. Our team is a liaison between WSDOT and the transit agencies in the Central Puget Sound area. The Regional Transit Coordination Division is an advocate for the people of Washington State who desire a seamless system of safe reliable transportation options.

Reporting to the Deputy Director of the Regional Transit Coordination Division, the Planning Manager serves as the Division’s lead for planning coordination between WSDOT, Sound Transit, King County Metro, Community Transit, Pierce Transit, and Everett Transit using a practical solutions approach to improve the safety and reliability of travel mobility options for all modes. The position is also responsible for oversight of land use transactions and environmental review between WSDOT and the central Puget Sound transit agencies.

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:

• Develops and manages planning, environmental and land use programs, coordinating with WSDOT regions and other divisions.
• Influences programmatic decisions to guide transit agency programs (Sound Transit and others) and its integration with the state’s highway system and overall transportation system.
• Manages a team of planners responsible for engagement with transit project plans to ensure provision of safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation options.
• Leads oversight of Sound Transit and other Central Puget Sound transit agency activities in and near WSDOT facilities including right of way, access and transit-oriented development.
• Supports WSDOT’s relationships with Sound Transit, King County Metro, Community Transit, Pierce Transit, and Everett Transit, ensuring the effective and efficient coordination between agencies in all phases of their projects.
• Makes presentations and represents WSDOT with local jurisdictions, consultants, and private entities.
• Leads and provides necessary insight and perspective for various internal WSDOT groups that work on system integration and multimodal projects which may include the Urban Mobility and Access, Rail, Freight, and Ports Division, Northwest Region, and Olympic Region.

An ideal candidate for this particular position will also bring the following skills and experience:

• Knowledge of urban planning, public policy, traffic engineering as well as a strong understanding of planning principles, and associated State and Federal laws, policies, procedures, and practices related to transportation system planning.
• In-depth understanding of local, regional, state and federal transportation planning processes.
• Aptitude for quick and strategic thinking; strong interpersonal skills; capacity to act and think independently; competency to mediate and bring together conflicting opinions; negotiation skills.
• Demonstrated accountability for supervision, management and tactical decision making.
• At least 6 years of progressive experience successfully managing transportation planning and public policy focused teams.
• Bachelor Degree or higher in Transportation Planning, Public Administration, Engineering, Environmental Studies or a closely related field.

How to Apply: Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Please hit 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 must attach a resume, letter of interest, and answer the supplemental questions.  Please note: the answers to the supplemental questions must be supported by the experience on your application and resume.

Contact us: For inquiries about this position, please contact Cody Buchanan at buchanc@wsdot.wa.gov. Please reference recruitment number 18DOT-NWR-0W438.