Planner 3 – Parks Strategic and Capital Planning
Pierce County
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Posted: April 1, 2026 (1 day ago)
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Capital Budget Program Manager - Washington State Ferries
State of Washington
Dept. of Transportation
Location
Washington, 98504
Salary
$120,229 - $154,123
per year
Type
Full-Time
More Finance & Accounting jobs →Closes
April 16, 2026
SES Pay Grade
Base salary range: $147,649 - $221,900
Typical requirements: Executive-level leadership experience. Senior executive qualifications required.
Note: Actual salary includes locality pay (15-40%+ depending on location).
Job Description
Summary
This job involves leading the planning, budgeting, and management of a massive $900 million program to maintain and upgrade Washington State Ferries' vessels, terminals, and infrastructure, ensuring everything runs smoothly and efficiently for millions of passengers.
A good fit would be someone with strong financial and leadership skills who enjoys coordinating teams and making data-driven decisions in a fast-paced public service environment.
It's ideal for those passionate about transportation and sustainability, especially with the ferry system's shift toward greener operations.
Key Requirements
- Experience in developing and managing large-scale capital budgets and programs, particularly in transportation or public sector
- Strong leadership and supervisory skills to manage teams and coordinate with internal and external stakeholders
- Proficiency in fiscal oversight, including budget analysis, forecasting, and optimizing resource allocation
- Knowledge of legislative compliance, reporting, and policy development for government-funded projects
- Ability to lead strategic planning, scenario analysis, and performance measurement for infrastructure investments
- Skills in continuous improvement processes and change management with proper documentation
- Understanding of multimodal transportation systems, with a focus on ferries, electrification, and decarbonization efforts
Full Job Description
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 manages the world's longest floating bridge, leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds the record for the world’s widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!
Washington State Ferries (WSF) is an essential part of Washington's transportation network.
Every year, we carry nearly 20 million passengers across Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands on more than 400 sailings a day.
Our dedicated teams with over 2,100 people work together to serve our communities and shape the future of ferry travel.
The Opportunity
WSF, a division of WSDOT, is currently seeking a Capital Budget Program Manager to lead the strategic development, management, and oversight of the ferry system’s $900 million biennial capital program.
This role is essential to ensuring effective fiscal planning, policy development, and program delivery that support vessels, terminals, electrification, and critical infrastructure investments.
Through strong leadership and coordination with internal and external partners, the position drives accountable, data-informed decisions that sustain safe, reliable ferry operations and minimize service impacts.
The Capital Budget Program Manager plays a key role in advancing long-range planning, legislative compliance, and resource alignment across the system.
By strengthening financial stewardship and supporting modernization efforts, this position directly contributes to WSF’s mission of delivering dependable, efficient public service to the 19 million passengers served each year.
As we navigate a once-in-a-generation transformation to decarbonize our system — guided by our core values Serve, Respect, Trust, Grow Navigate— and bold strategic priorities Service Excellence, Improved Communication and Empowered People — there’s never been a more meaningful time to come aboard at Washington State Ferries.
What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you/the Capital Budget Program Manager will:
- Leads development of WSF’s capital program and biennial budget; builds prioritized capital needs in coordination with internal partners and HQ CPDM.
- Supports the Capital Committee and Executive Team; participates in scenario planning and external inquiries to inform funding decisions.
- Ensures capital allotments align with the delivery plan, including submissions and amendments.
- Provides fiscal oversight of project budgets; analyzes forecasts, monitors delivery, and recommends adjustments to optimize funding use.
- Develops performance measures, reporting, and compliant change management processes with proper documentation and approvals.
- Administers biennial capital budgets (~$900M) and capital program policies; prepares recommendations and implements decisions.
- Leads continuous improvement of capital delivery and reporting; prepares legislative reports on cost, schedule, and scope.
- Supervises capital program teams; assigns work, sets priorities, mentors staff, resolves issues, and coordinates with internal and external stakeholders.
- Uphold WSF’s strategic priorities (Service Excellence, Improved Communication, and Empowered People) and values (Serve, Grow, Trust, Respect, and Navigate), ensuring they are embedded in WSF’s culture through leadership actions
Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:
- Strategic Financial Management
- Demonstrated experience managing large-scale capital budgets, including development, execution, forecasting, and performance monitoring across biennial and long-range planning cycles
- Knowledge of transportation capital financing structures, including appropriations, allotments, funding constraints, and multi-biennium planning
- Experience applying capital program delivery frameworks, asset management principles, and project lifecycle budgeting
- Regulatory Compliance and Fiscal Accountability
- Experience ensuring compliance with state and federal financial laws, grant requirements (e.g., FHWA, FTA), and capital program regulations
- Demonstrated application of fiscal controls, risk management practices, and change management processes in regulated environments
- Experience upholding ethical standards and ensuring accountability in public fund management
- Financial Analysis and Strategic Problem Solving
- Advanced experience in financial analysis, forecasting, modeling, variance analysis, and performance measurement for capital programs
- Demonstrated ability to evaluate complex fiscal and technical issues, assess risk, and implement mitigation strategies
- Experience conducting scenario planning and evaluating funding alternatives for long-range capital planning
- Leadership and Program Management
- Experience leading capital program development and delivery with accountability for scope, schedule, and budget outcomes
- Demonstrated supervisory experience managing professional staff and coordinating multidisciplinary teams
- Experience influencing decision-making and leading organizational initiatives across functional areas
- Communication and Stakeholder Engagement
- Demonstrated ability to communicate complex financial and program information to executives, oversight agencies, and external stakeholders
- Experience building and maintaining effective working relationships across internal teams and external partners
- Experience preparing formal reports, briefings, or legislative materials related to capital programs
- Organizational Effectiveness and Judgment
- Experience managing multiple high-priority initiatives with competing deadlines in a complex environment
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment with minimal direction
- Experience balancing short-term operational needs with long-term strategic planning
- Service Orientation and Continuous Improvement
- Demonstrated commitment to supporting organizational goals through responsive service and collaboration
- Evidence of continuous learning and applying new knowledge, tools, or processes to improve outcomes
It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:
- Public-Sector Capital Program Experience
- Experience managing capital budgets in public-sector environments, preferably in transportation, transit, marine, or large-scale infrastructure systems
- Large, Multi-Fund Program Management
- Experience managing complex capital programs ($500M+) involving multiple funding sources, including federal grants and state appropriations
- Executive and Government Relations
- Experience working with executive leadership, legislative bodies, or agencies such as OFM, FHWA, FTA, MARAD, or FEMA on capital program development and accountability
- Long-Range Planning and Asset Management
- Experience supporting long-range capital planning (10+ years), asset management programs, or infrastructure modernization initiatives
- Technical/Infrastructure Knowledge
- Knowledge of vessel construction, terminal engineering, electrification programs, or maritime infrastructure systems
- Legislative Reporting and Performance Management
- Experience preparing legislative reports and applying capital program performance measurement and public accountability frameworks
Important Notes
- This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
- The salary listed includes the legislative approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County.
- 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
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 357-28of the Washington Administrative Code.
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 renee.mason@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-WSF-9W045 in the subject line.Check your resume before applying to catch common mistakes