Tribal Liaison (TPS4)

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 Tribal Liaison – Transportation Planning Specialist 4 to serve as the primary point of contact between the Southwest Region and Tribal governments, fostering meaningful government-to-government relationships and advancing Tribal engagement across transportation programs and projects. As the Region's trusted advisor for Tribal relations, this position provides strategic guidance to regional leadership and project teams while helping strengthen partnerships founded on trust, respect, and meaningful collaboration. 
 

In this key role, you will collaborate with federally recognized Tribes, Tribal partners, and agencies across Washington and Oregon to ensure Tribal perspectives, sovereignty, and cultural interests are thoughtfully integrated into transportation planning, project development, construction, and maintenance activities. You will provide strategic guidance to leadership and staff, support compliance with Tribal consultation requirements and applicable laws, and help advance WSDOT's commitments to equity, inclusion, environmental stewardship, and respectful partnership. 
 

Southwest Region offers a uniquely complex transportation environment where collaboration with eleven federally recognized Tribes, cross-jurisdictional coordination with Oregon partners, and participation in significant transportation initiatives that shape the future of Southwest Washington.
 

This is an exceptional opportunity to strengthen lasting government-to-government relationships while helping deliver safe, sustainable, and culturally informed transportation solutions throughout Southwest Washington.

What to Expect

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

• Serve as the primary point of contact between WSDOT Southwest Region and Tribal governments, fostering respectful government-to-government relationships and coordinating Tribal consultation throughout transportation projects. 
• Lead Tribal outreach, consultation, and engagement efforts by identifying appropriate Tribal contacts, facilitating meetings, documenting consultation activities, and ensuring commitments are incorporated into project planning, design, and construction. 
• Coordinate with project managers, environmental staff, WSDOT Headquarters, Tribal representatives, and partner agencies to support regulatory compliance and ensure Tribal considerations are integrated into transportation programs. 
• Develop and implement Tribal coordination procedures, policies, training, and guidance that strengthen Tribal engagement, cultural competency, and compliance with applicable laws, executive orders, and agency directives. 
• Provide expert consultation, planning recommendations, and technical guidance to project teams, regional leadership, and interdisciplinary workgroups on Tribal relations, consultation requirements, and long-range transportation planning. 
• Promote Tribal perspectives by advancing equity, environmental justice, Complete Streets principles, and HEAL Act compliance within transportation planning and decision-making. 
• Represent the Southwest Region in statewide Tribal coordination efforts, interagency partnerships, policy discussions, and major regional initiatives, including the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program. 
• Conduct special projects, research, field visits, and other assignments that support Tribal engagement, transportation planning, and regional operations.
  
  

Qualifications

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

• Tribal Consultation and Coordination: Expert knowledge of Tribal sovereignty, government-to-government consultation principles, Tribal governance structures, Washington Governor Executive Order 21-02, and Tribal coordination practices.
• Transportation Project Delivery: Working knowledge of transportation planning, project development, environmental review, and construction coordination processes.
• Environmental and Cultural Resource Coordination: Proficient in state and federal laws, such as Section 106, NEPA, SEPA, Complete Streets, HEAL Act, and related environmental or cultural resource coordination processes.
• Communication and Collaboration: Highly proficient in communicating and collaborating effectively with Tribal governments, agency staff, partner organizations, and project teams.
• Policy Interpretation and Implementation: Proficiency in interpreting and applying laws, regulations, policies, agreements, and executive orders related to Tribal consultation and transportation activities.
• Relationship Management and Problem Solving: Ability to facilitate coordination, issue resolution, and collaborative problem-solving involving complex or sensitive issues.
• Organization and Project Coordination: Ability to organize and manage multiple priorities, meetings, coordination efforts, and project-related activities.

• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.

In addition to the above, the following is also required: 

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

• Public Agency and Policy Coordination: Familiarity with Washington State legislative processes, administrative rulemaking, and interagency collaboration related to Tribal engagement and transportation activities.
• Equity and Environmental Justice: Understanding of equity and environmental justice principles, including Title VI and HEAL Act considerations involving Tribal communities.
• Technical Tools and Systems: Experience using Microsoft Office Suite, GIS applications, mapping tools, or project tracking systems to support coordination and analysis activities.
• Consultation and Facilitation: Experience facilitating meetings, collaborative discussions, training, or stakeholder engagement activities involving complex or sensitive issues.
• Tribal Engagement Experience: Experience working with Tribal governments, Tribal communities, or Tribal organizations in a manner that demonstrates respect for Tribal sovereignty, cultural values, and government-to-government relationships.
• Education and Professional Development: Coursework, training, certifications, or professional development related to Tribal relations, environmental planning, cultural resources, transportation, communications, public administration, or related fields.
  
  

Important Notes 

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• The salary range listed includes the 2% general wage increase, effective on July 1, 2026.
• 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. 

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 their 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 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 listed Recruiter.

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.

Contact Us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at yasmin.munoz@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-SWR-41599 in the subject line. 

Salary : $80,496 - $108,228