Transportation Planning Specialist 2 (In-Training)

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 Transportation Planning Specialist 2 to serve as a Community Transportation Planner within the Eastern Region Planning Office. In this role, you will help shape transportation solutions by advancing community engagement, multimodal planning, and equitable decision-making that reflects the needs of the communities we serve. Working collaboratively with partners, tribal governments, local agencies, and the public, you will contribute to planning efforts that support safe, reliable transportation and strengthen public trust. This position plays an important role in delivering sustainable transportation solutions that enhance mobility, improve quality of life, and advance WSDOT's mission of connecting people and communities across Washington.

What to Expect

This position works approximately 40 hours per week in an office or telework environment with regular travel throughout the Eastern Region for meetings, community engagement events, and occasional field visits, including construction sites. Standard hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with flexibility to adjust schedules or work extended hours based on business needs. Field work may involve exposure to inclement weather, high-speed traffic, uneven terrain, construction equipment, and vehicle exhaust, requiring the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). The position requires frequent interaction with partner agencies, consultants, and the public while maintaining a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you will:

• Conduct transportation planning activities that support community engagement by collaborating with local agencies, tribal governments, community-based organizations (CBOs), stakeholders, and the public to foster inclusive transportation planning.
• Coordinate and support community engagement meetings and events by scheduling logistics, preparing and facilitating presentation materials, and operating audio-visual and hybrid meeting technology.
• Maintain planning and community engagement records, stakeholder information, participation data, and documentation using agency software, data management systems, and virtual engagement platforms.
• Apply established community engagement techniques and environmental justice methodologies to support meetings, analyze qualitative and quantitative data, evaluate community priorities, and improve engagement practices.
• Research transportation planning practices, policies, regulatory requirements, environmental justice considerations, and best practices, and prepare summaries and recommendations for senior planning staff.
• Develop, update, and improve community engagement guidebooks, manuals, administrative processes, and engagement tools to enhance consistency and effectiveness.
• Create and maintain transportation planning communication products using graphics, GIS mapping, StoryMaps, web content, and other visual materials that meet agency branding, ADA, Title VI, and Section 508 accessibility requirements.
• Research and evaluate emerging digital tools and technologies that enhance transportation planning, community engagement, and public communication efforts.

Qualifications

This is a Transportation Planning Specialist 2 position. However, the hiring manager reserves the right to fill the position at a lower level in the classification series based on candidate qualifications, providing an opportunity for an individual to gain the required experience on the job as part of a formal “in-training” plan.

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

• Written & Visual Communication: Ability to translate technical or planning information into clear written and visual materials for decision-makers and public audiences.
• Accessibility & Compliance: Ability to review materials for compliance with ADA, Title VI, and accessibility standards.
• Organization & Prioritization: Ability to organize, prioritize, and manage multiple assignments while maintaining attention to detail and accuracy.
• Data & Records Management: Ability to maintain databases, tracking tools, and project records accurately.
• Collaboration & Communication: Ability to communicate progress, issues, and potential solutions effectively with supervisors and project teams.
• Computer Skills: Proficiency using Microsoft Office and other agency software tools.
• Travel & Mobility: Ability to travel throughout the Eastern Region to conduct field reviews, attend community engagement events, stakeholder meetings, project site visits, and interagency coordination meetings operating a state-owned vehicle. Possess a valid Washington State driver's license or demonstrate the ability to meet the transportation needs of the position.
• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Demonstrates a willingness to take action to meet the needs of others.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Transportation Planning: Experience applying transportation planning, community planning, environmental justice, public policy, communications, or related principles.
• Community Engagement: Experience supporting community engagement or public involvement efforts, including working with diverse or underrepresented populations.
• GIS & Mapping: Experience using GIS software such as ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, StoryMaps, or similar mapping tools.
• Planning Communications: Experience preparing reports, presentations, visual communication materials, or planning documentation.
• Public Meeting Support: Experience supporting in-person or virtual public meetings, including the use of audio-visual or online engagement platforms.
• Presentation & Facilitation: Experience with public speaking or meeting facilitation.

Important Notes 

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• The salary range listed includes the 2% general wage increase, effective on July 1, 2026.
• 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. 
• This is a Transportation Planning Specialist 2 position. However, the hiring manager reserves the right to fill the position at a lower level in the classification series based on candidate qualifications, providing an opportunity for an individual to gain the required experience on the job as part of a formal “in-training” plan. The base salaries for each level are: 
  • Transportation Planning Specialist 2: $66,072 - $88,788
  • Transportation Planning Specialist 1: $59,760 - $80,496
• 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 are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals’ lifestyle.
• 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 Yasmin.Munoz@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference #61365 in the subject line. 

Salary : $59,760 - $88,788