The Opportunity:
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is seeking a talented individual to work in the Office of Equal Opportunity (OEO) as the On-the-Job Training Support Services Lead – Program Specialist 5 in Olympia, WA.

This position, using specialized experience and expertise with statutory, regulatory, and policy requirements, is the statewide subject matter expert and has agency-wide responsibility for the administration, direction, and oversight of WSDOT’s statewide On-the-Job Training Support Services (OJT/SS) and Pre-Apprenticeship Support Services (PASS) programs. The primary goal of the OJT/SS and PASS programs are to prepare minorities, women and other socially and economically disadvantaged individuals for employment in the heavy highway construction and related fields.

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:

• Under the administrative direction of the Technical Services and Policy Manager, this position plans, develops, coordinates and manages the OJT/SS and PASS programs.
• Develops and maintains cooperative relationships with state and federal government agencies, the construction industry, Tribes, community organizations, and government officials; drafts policies; develops program processes and procedures; develops, negotiates and administers agreements with other agencies such as FHWA, other state Departments of Transportation Agencies, the Department of Labor and Industries, Washington State Apprenticeship Training Council (WSATC), Tribes, and statewide apprenticeship/pre-apprenticeship programs; develops grant processes and procedures; reviews requests for proposals, contracts and grants consistent with program policies and procedures. Provides technical assistance to contractors seeking apprentices to meet training hours per FHWA regulations.
• Works cooperatively with community and technical colleges, existing pre-apprenticeship programs, L&I and other community and contractor organizations to establish sustainable pre-apprenticeship programs statewide that facilitate the entry of minorities, females and other socially and economically disadvantaged individuals into the heavy highway construction fields. Coordinates funding and services to avoid duplication of services and analyzes program outcomes with various methods to understand each program’s strengths, impact and efficiency.
• Serves as a subject matter expert and has responsibility for the timely drafting and delivery of OJT/SS and PASS reports to the FHWA and the State Legislature. This includes reviewing requests for information from local agencies; gathering of data and information, analysis of that data and information, formatting of reports, and submission. Coordinates efforts with regional EEO Officers, provides technical assistance and subject matter expertise to Tribal entities and Tribal Employment Rights Offices.
• Conducts statewide training workshops regarding OJT program requirements; participates in related workshops, seminars, trade fairs; attends quarterly State Apprenticeship Council meetings; provides technical assistance and information to contractors, union and non-union organizations, apprenticeship/pre-apprenticeship programs, community based organizations, WSDOT regional and field personnel, Local Programs, Tribes and other governmental agencies.
• Conducts apprentice and trainee on-site interviews and provides apprentices and trainees with advocacy, negotiation, mediation, and other appropriate assistance; recruiting for, assessment of, and referring to approved apprenticeship/training programs and contractors working on WSDOT projects; and tracking of eligible individuals’ job placement status and success.
• Develops the program Statement of Work and funding requests for submittal to the FHWA, legislative reports and inquiries as well as managing the program budget.
• Other duties as assigned, such as assisting with other external civil rights programs.

The requirements for this position are:

• Bachelor’s Degree and/or two years of professional experience in community, economic development or civil rights.
• Obtain Washington State Investigator Certification within 6 months of hire.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
• Valid driver’s license.

An ideal candidate for this position will have:

• Ability to interpret, explain and train regarding required federal programs.
• Ability to develop policy and implement plans to meet federal regulations.
• Capacity to analyze documents and reports.

How to Apply: Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Please click on the large “apply” button at the top of this announcement. If you have not done so previously, you will need to set up an account profile. To be considered for this position you will need to answer the supplemental questions and attach a cover letter and resume. Your cover letter should describe how your experience, training and education make you a viable and competitive candidate for this position.

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-00766.

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/.