Senior Community Engagement Planner (TPS4) 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 addition to maintaining over 20000 lane miles of state highway and 4100 bridges WSDOT manages the worlds longest floating bridge leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan holds the record for the worlds widest tunneling project and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

The Opportunity

WSDOT is dedicated to providing safe reliable and cost-effective transportation options that strengthen communities and support economic vitality. We are seeking a Transportation Planning Specialist to serve as a Senior Community Engagement Planner. This position plays a key role in advancing this mission by leading statewide community engagement practices rooted in equity and environmental justice. As part of the Statewide Planning and Community Engagement Team within the Multimodal Planning and Data Division this position will develop and maintain agencywide guidance policies and partnerships that ensure consistent fair and effective engagement across all regions and programs. The ideal candidate will bring expertise in strategic engagement facilitation and partnership development have advanced skills in integrating community perspectives supporting practitioners and promoting environmental justice principles throughout WSDOTs statewide programs and projects.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this rolethe Senior Community Engagement Planner will:

• Implement the agencys Community Engagement Plan under the direction of the Community Engagement Program Manager.
• Provide guidance and materials to community engagement practitioners.
• Conduct research and recommend best practices within the community engagement field.
• Develop staff and external partnership groups advisory groups or partner groups that support WSDOT community engagement goals and compliance efforts.
• Serve as the secondary statewide subject matter expert in community engagement informing multimodal transportation planning on multi-disciplinary teams
• Oversee group application process advertising and group formation identifying and selecting group members to ensure a broad cross-section of representation is attained.
• Direct and lead the group experience through group agreements capacity building and removing barriers to participation.
• Regularly provide presentations and guidance to agency management and others on community engagement updates and best practices.
• Develop and maintain a partner/customer relationship and data management system.

Qualifications

This is a Transportation Planning Specialist 4 (TPS4) position. However the hiring manager reserves the right to fill the position at a lower level in theclassification seriesbased 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 at the lowest level (TPS2) the following are required:

• Community Engagement: Demonstrated experience working in community-centered initiatives with an understanding of community needs and priorities.
• Active Listening: Ability to attentively listen interpret and respond thoughtfully to community members colleagues and partners.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: Skill in building and maintaining productive relationships contributing to group discussions and facilitating alignment around shared goals.
• Research and Analysis: Ability to gather evaluate and interpret information from multiple sources to draw accurate and actionable conclusions.
• Technical Proficiency: Basic competency in Microsoft Office tools including Excel Word and PowerPoint to support work tasks and presentations.
• Respectful Workplace:Demonstrated commitment to learning and growth. The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

To be considered for this opportunity at the highest level (TPS4) the following are required:

• Community Engagement Leadership: Demonstrated expertise in leading community engagement initiatives centered on equity-based best practices to inform planning public administration or related initiatives.
• Strategic Communication: Strong communication skills with the ability to develop and deliver clear presentations and reports. Proven ability to engage diverse partners solicit public feedback and reduce systemic barriers to access in public processes services or projects.
• Relationship Management: Advanced skill in building and maintaining relationships collaborating with partners and representing organizational objectives through in-person and virtual engagements.
• Collaboration and Leadership: Experience leading cross-functional teams to deliver high-impact results influence processes and align work across varied groups and functions.
• Project and Program Management: Demonstrated capability in managing complex multi-partner initiatives ensuring timely delivery resource coordination and achievement of performance goals.
• Analytical and Policy Expertise: Comprehensive research and analytical skills with the ability to interpret policy evaluate data and translate findings into actionable strategies.
• Strategic and Innovative Thinking: Adept at strategic problem-solving with a record of innovation adaptability and commitment to advancing equitable forward-thinking solutions.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Multilingual Communication:Ability to communicate effectively in a second language or American Sign Language (ASL) to enhance accessibility and engagement with diverse communities.
• Technical and Design Tools:Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Adobe InDesign for professional document and visual material design and ArcGIS Online for mapping spatial analysis and data visualization in support of community engagement and planning efforts.
• Transportation Planning Knowledge:Understanding of transportation planning environmental review and project delivery practices and how community engagement informs these processes.
• Regulatory and Compliance Awareness:Knowledge of state and federal requirements governing public involvement and community engagement in transportation and infrastructure projects.

*To review the full Position Description please follow the directions in the Contact Us section of this posting.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs
• 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 applicableCollective Bargaining Agreements. Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found inChapter 357-28 of the Washington Administrative Code.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• This is a Transportation Planning Specialist 4 position. However the hiring manager reserves the right to fill the position at a lower level in theclassification 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 base salaries for each level are:
  • Transportation Planning Specialist 4: $78912 $106104
  • Transportation Planning Specialist 3: $71472 $96144
  • Transportation Planning Specialist 2: $64776 $87048
• 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 please visit

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 telework options for eligible positions.
• Paid Leave In addition to 12 paid holidays full-time employees 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.
• PlanFor 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 toState 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. NOTE: This information may 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.

Contact Us

For inquiries aboutthis posting you may contact the assigned Recruiter at.Please be sure to reference25DOT-HQ-05477in the subject line.