Description

About WSDOT
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal organization with a global reputation for excellence! Our dedicated workforce is responsible to plan, design, build, and operate an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 18,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT manages the world's longest floating bridge, executes an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds a record for the world's widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!
The Opportunity
WSDOT is currently seeking a Principal Community Transportation Planner to join Southwest Region’s Planning Office in Vancouver, WA. In this role, you will serve as a region expert, working across disciplines to develop and implement a program of collaborative and coordinated community engagement and environmental justice. The incumbent will also support the team by coaching and guiding colleagues, consultants, and others while also having responsibility for producing deliverables that ensure comprehensive, coordinated, and inclusive planning. This position will work in partnership with other community engagement professionals throughout WSDOT to ensure a throughout the agency. The ideal candidate will have the ability to build and maintain relationships with internal and external partners; has a strong commitment to environmental justice, solid project management and writing skills; and expertise in community engagement to build shared vision and maintain it throughout the development of a transportation project that ultimately produces the following deliverables: planning, scoping and design.
What to Expect
Some travel is required and is typically local or regional to conduct project site visits, provide training, and attend meetings.
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you will:

• Develop and implement project specific Community Engagement Plans with a focus on inclusive engagement strategies.
• Serve as subject matter expert for Environmental Justice (EJ) and community engagement components of regional planning studies and wide variety of projects, including projects requiring Complete Streets and/or HEAL Act.
• Coordinate project specific community involvement activities.
• Provide subject matter expertise on methods and best practices in meaningful community engagement, centering communities that have historically been marginalized, to SWR practitioners.
• Provide training, presentations, and guidance to WSDOT staff, community, and local agency partners regarding respective planning and transportation project processes.
• Develop SWR HEAL Act community engagement processes and associated tasks for WSDOT teams and others in alignment with WSDOT EJ principles.
• Coordinate extensively with the SWR planning, project offices, and communications staff on Community Engagement and EJ implementation efforts.
• Participate as an active member of the SWR Complete Streets Team, which includes extensive coordination with internal WSDOT SWR subject matter experts and staff within the project offices.
• Initiate and support the consultant procurement process.
• Monitor and track consultant progress – scope/schedule/budget.

• A Bachelor’s degree in transportation or land use planning, environmental, landscape architecture, public or business administration, engineering, or a related degree AND four (4) years of professional experience involving transportation, planning and/or communications (a master’s degree in one of the above fields will substitute for one year of required experience).

• One (1) year as a Transportation Planning Specialist 4, Transportation Engineer 4, Communications Consultant 4, or equivalent classification in a private or public agency.

• Knowledge of community engagement and EJ principles and current related federal and state regulation.

• Background in Environmental Justice, Community Engagement, or Multi-modal planning.
• Familiar with WSDOT policies, standards, and guidelines.
• Four (4) years of demonstrated experience in managing a diversified workforce and/or mentoring, coaching, and leadership.
• Experience with guiding, coordinating, and facilitating extensive, inclusive, collaborative, and transparent public engagement.
• Experience working with the public, local jurisdictions, tribal governments, state, and federal agencies.
• Experience managing deliverables as a consultant or as an owner managing a consultant.

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• 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

• 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 mayearn 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.

• 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 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.