What are the responsibilities and job description for the Tribal Liaison (TPS4) position at Washington State Health Care Authority?
Description
- Serve as the primary lead for Tribal transportation and transit topics, establishing, cultivating, and maintaining strong, respectful, positive, and effective government-to-government communications and relationships.
- Assist with tribal consultations related to the Health Environment for All (HEAL) Act compliance.
- Develop, implement, and maintain tribal coordination procedures and protocols for represented regions and facilitate and document tribal consultation in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), Section 106, and Executive Order 21-02.
- Provide expert advice and mentoring across all disciplines, engaging with tribal governments or working on projects and maintenance activities with tribal implications needing tribal consultation processes.
- Oversee the facilitation and coordination of tribal input into represented regions’ activities, plans, studies, procedures, timetables, and projects.
- Support multimodal transportation planning efforts by participating in coordination with tribal governments, metropolitan planning organizations (MPO), regional transportation planning organizations (RTPO), local agencies, and WSDOT program staff to advance integrated transportation planning outcomes.
- Lead technical planning efforts, working groups, site visits, and data collection activities as assigned.
- Support the development of innovative planning approaches by identifying emerging practices and contributing to process improvements within assigned planning efforts.
- Communication, Facilitation, & Public Engagement:
- Demonstrated ability to communicate complex transportation, environmental, regulatory, policy information clearly effectively to technical & non-technical audiences. clearly and effectively to technical and non-technical audiences.
- Demonstrated ability to facilitate meetings, consultations, workshops, and discussions involving diverse stakeholders and perspectives.
- Demonstrated ability to develop professional written materials including reports, briefing documents, consultation records, presentations, correspondence, and recommendations.
- Demonstrated ability to represent the agency professionally when working with tribal governments, elected officials, partner agencies, community members & other stakeholders.
- Leadership:
- Demonstrated ability to provide leadership, guidance, and technical direction to interdisciplinary teams & partners in support of complex transportation planning or programs activities.
- Demonstrated ability to mentor & support staff regarding consultation practices, community engagement, & equitable transportation planning.
- Experience developing policies, procedures, training materials, guidance documents, or best practices.
- Transportation Planning & Program Coordination:
- Demonstrated competency in applying multi modal transportation planning principles, community engagement practices, and intergovernmental coordination strategies to transportation programs or initiatives.
- Experience coordinating complex planning efforts involving multiple organizations, jurisdictions, disciplines.
- Experience providing planning recommendations and technical guidance to support project development, environmental review, and agency decision-making.
- Experience integrating community, tribal, environmental, equity, and mobility considerations into transportation planning processes.
- Policy Analysis, Research, & Problem-Solving:
- Experience analyzing complex issues involving transportation planning, tribal interests, environmental considerations, & regulatory requirements.
- Demonstrated ability to research, evaluate, & synthesize information from multiple sources to develop recommendations and inform decision -making.
- Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment & make independent decisions when addressing complex, sensitive, or potentially competing issues.
- Project Management:
- Experience independently managing multiple complex assignments, priorities, deadlines, and stakeholder commitments.
- Demonstrated ability to develop work plans, track progress, coordinate resources, and ensure completion of deliverables.
- Demonstrated initiative, accountability, attention to detail, and ability to work independently with general direction.
- Technology & Data Management:
- Demonstrated proficiency in using business application & technology tools to develop reports, presentations, correspondence, spreadsheets, virtual meeting materials, & other planning documents.
- Ability to learn & apply agency-specific systems, databases, & project tracking.
- Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
- Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.
- Ability to work during inclement weather, on uneven or steep terrain, and within highway right of way, in all weather conditions typical of the State of Washington.
- Ability to travel as required to attend meetings, consultations, field visits, trainings, conferences, and interagency coordination sessions. Travel may include day trips or limited overnight stays, often within the represented regions or adjacent areas, including Idaho and Oregon.
- Tribal Relations & Community Engagement Experience:
- Experience working directly with federally recognized Tribes, tribal governments, tribal organizations, or Indigenous communities.
- Experience leading or supporting government-to-government including coordinating activities.
- Experience developing and maintaining effective partnerships between government agencies and Tribal governments.
- Transportation Planning Experience:
- Experience applying multimodal transportation planning principles, land use planning concepts, environmental considerations, or community engagement strategies to transportation programs, projects, or planning initiatives.
- Experience supporting transportation projects, corridor studies, planning studies, or infrastructure programs involving multiple jurisdictions, organizations, or disciplines.
- Environmental & Regulatory Experience:
- Experience supporting environmental review processes, including NEPA, SEPA, Section 106 consultation, or related regulatory processes.
- Experience coordinating with environmental professionals, project managers, engineers, consultants, and regulatory agencies.
- Public Engagement & Facilitation Experience:
- Experience planning and facilitating public meetings, workshops, stakeholder engagement activities, or community outreach events.
- Experience developing engagement strategies for communities with diverse needs and perspectives.
- 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 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.
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 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.
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 01-07-2026
Salary : $80,496 - $108,228