Associate Transportation Planner - TPS3 (In-Training)

JOB About WSDOTWashington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is the steward of an integrated, multimodal transportation system that helps to ensure people and goods move safely and efficiently throughout the state.
In addition to building, maintaining, and operating the state highway system, WSDOT operates the largest ferry system in the nation, manages the world's longest floating bridge, and recently completed the world's widest tunneling project.
The OpportunityWSDOT Eastern Region has an exciting opportunity in its Multimodal Planning Office for an enterprising and forward-thinking mid-level transportation planner who has a passion for innovative and inclusive multimodal transportation solutions.
As the Associate Transportation Planner (TPS 3) in Spokane, WA, this position will assist the Senior Transportation Planner by leading a team of multimodal planners to complete of a variety of planning efforts including the development and implementation of subarea/corridor planning studies, implementing WSDOT’s Complete Streets process, performing various multimodal transportation planning analyses, and conducting extensive and inclusive community engagement.
The position will also serve as an Eastern Region Multimodal Planning representative on various local and regional multimodal planning efforts.
The Eastern Region Planning Office is recognized statewide and nationally as innovative and pioneering in engaging the region’s communities and delivering inclusive multimodal practical solutions.
Our top candidate will have demonstrated a history of strong project management, analytical, and communication skills as well as fostering an innovative and inclusive culture.
What to ExpectAmong the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Associate Transportation Planner will: Lead, supervise and coordinate the review, evaluation, and preparation of multimodal analyses, reports, studies, and other planning-related initiatives including for WSDOT’s Complete Streets program.
Identify and deliver the appropriate analysis, community engagement, and plan/study deliverables.
Perform and/or lead geographic information systems (GIS) data collection, analysis, and visualizations for a variety of planning efforts including online map products and AcrGIS StoryMaps.
Lead the development and evaluation of various pre-design/planning concepts requiring detailed analysis of current multimodal standards, crash data, motorized and non-motorized transportation conditions, environmental justice elements, and general transportation design criteria.
Lead the preparation and implementation of study schedules, community engagement plans, and elements supporting plan development.
Represent WSDOT Eastern Region in local agency, MPO, and RTPO land use and modal transportation planning efforts.
Lead or assist the review of local comprehensive plans and Growth Management coordination.
Collaborate locally and statewide in identifying and planning "practical" multimodal transportation systems that provide for planned/current land use.
Engage and collaborate with diverse internal and external partners including developing and sustaining teams, researching “best practices”, and fostering innovation.
Perform or assist with travel demand modeling and operational analysis on traffic modeling, evaluate proposed improvements, draw conclusions from data forecasts, prepare reports that include specific recommendations concerning the development of rural and/or urban multimodal transportation systems.
Prepare and present oral/written presentations internal and external to WSDOT.
Manage the development and updating of project websites and/or GIS platforms.
QualificationsThis is a Transportation Planning Specialist 3 (TPS3) position.
However, the hiring manager reserves the right to fill the position as “in-training” at a lower level (TPS2) depending on qualifications.
An “in-training” path gives an individual the opportunity to gain the required higher-level experience on the job as part of a formal “in-training” plan, which after completion the individual is elevated to the TPS3 level.
The qualifications at the Transportation Planning Specialist 2 level are: A Bachelor’s Degree involving major study in transportation, landscape architecture, environmental planning, urban/regional/community planning, land use planning, engineering, public or business administration, public health, or related field AND one (1) year of professional transportation experience involving analysis and evaluation of transportation issues and problems.
(Analysis of environmental issues and problems that involve transportation issues will also be considered qualifying experience.
) ORAn Associate degree AND two (2) years as a Transportation Planning Specialist 1 or Transportation Engineer 1, Transportation Planning Technician 3, Transportation Technician 3, Landscape Designer 1, or equivalent classification in local/regional agencies or private sector.
A valid driver’s license.
The ability to travel to various locations through the state and work in the field in and around traffic.
The qualifications at the Transportation Planning Specialist 3 level are: A Bachelor’s Degree involving major study in planning, engineering, transportation, architecture, or related field.
Two (2) years of professional experience in planning practices including analysis and evaluation of transportation issues and problems OR one (1) year as a Transportation Planning Specialist 2, Transportation Engineer 2, or equivalent classification in local/regional agencies or private sector.
(A Master’s degree in one of these fields can substitute for one year of required experience.
)Experience communicating effectively with diverse individuals and groups utilizing oral, written, and electronic communication methods.
Skills to perform field verifications, compile/collect data, prepare/review technical reports, prepare correspondence, and record information in a usable format utilizing a computer and available software.
A valid driver’s license.
The ability to travel to various locations through the state and work in the field in and around traffic.
It is preferred that qualified candidates also have: Four (4) years practitioner experience in transportation and/or urban and regional planning.
Experience using and interpreting results of travel demand models.
Supervisory and/or project lead experience.
Important Notes This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
This position offers flexible schedules and hybrid remote work options.
Application review will begin on January 3, 2024.
Candidate selection may take place at any time thereafter.
It is to your advantage to apply as soon as possible.
This is a Transportation Planning Specialist 3 (TPS3) position.
However, the hiring manager reserves the right to fill the position as “in-training” at a lower level (TPS2) depending on qualifications.
An “in-training” path gives an individual the opportunity to gain the required higher level experience on the job as part of a formal “in-training” plan, which after completion the individual is elevated to the TPS3 level.
The salary range for each level are listed below: TPS 2: $61,056 - $82,056 Annually TPS 3: $67,380 - $90,624 Annually 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.
wa.
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.
As such, there are a number of flexible schedule options available, including occasional telework for eligible positions.
Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees earn a minimum 14 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 ApplyApplications 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.
wa.
gov.
Contact usFor inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, Daisha Jordan at Daisha.
Jordan@wsdot.
wa.
gov.
Please be sure to reference 23DOT-ER-60153 in the subject line.