Summary

This job involves creating and managing communication strategies for a state transportation program focused on improving fish habitats by removing barriers in rivers and streams.

The role requires developing marketing materials, handling media relations, and coordinating messages across teams to keep the public and stakeholders informed about progress.

It's a great fit for someone with strong writing and speaking skills who enjoys working on environmental projects in a government setting.

Key Requirements

Demonstrated ability to develop, deliver, and evaluate strategic messaging across multiple platforms like websites, newsletters, and press releases
Strong written, verbal, and public communication skills for clear and organized delivery
Experience planning and implementing information campaigns and public relations strategies
Ability to serve as a subject matter expert and media spokesperson for program-related topics
Skills in collaborating with headquarters, regional staff, and other agencies on communication efforts
Proficiency in developing communication policies, guidance, and materials for consistent messaging
Experience supporting legislative communications and managing complex information activities

Full Job Description

About WSDOT

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal organization with a global reputation for excellence!

Our dedicated workforce is responsible to plan, design, build and operate an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state.

In addition to maintaining over 18,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT manages the world's longest floating bridge, executes an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds a record for the world's widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

The Opportunity

WSDOT is seeking a Communications Consultant 5 in Olympia, Washington to support the agency’s fish passage delivery program.

This position plans, develops, and implements strategic communications that align with delivery needs and agency goals.

The communications consultant works on the fish passage delivery team to produce clear, professional marketing and communication materials using both traditional and digital media and collaborates closely with headquarters (HQ) and regional staff.

This role serves as the program’s communications representative, ensuring proactive, coordinated fish passage program messaging across the agency while relaying broader agency communication strategies back to program staff.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Communications Consultant 5 will:

Develop, lead, and facilitate fish passage program communication
Plan, develop, and implement information campaigns and public relations strategies and tactics related to WSDOT’s fish passage delivery work.
Develop agency public information policy and activities with other agencies and boards.
Serve as the fish passage communications subject matter expert across the agency by staying informed about current strategies, barrier correction progress, design and construction work, and more.
Act as the fish passage delivery media spokesperson and representative.
Prepare others and create or review materials for presentations or meetings and respond to media or other agency or public requests.
Closely collaborate and communicate with other programs including region communications as necessary.
Perform and/or support legislative communication efforts for fish passage delivery and other policies affecting or involving fish passage delivery.
Serve as information manager responsible for developing and managing complex information activities, including the development of policies, goals and objectives and resources; determines appropriate information methods and techniques to carry out public information activities.
Develop and lead communication policy, guidance, and materials for the fish passage program across HQ and regions.
Provide leadership and guidance to professional communications staff across HQ and regional offices in developing consistent and strategic fish passage messaging.

Qualifications

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

Strategic Communication & Messaging: Demonstrated ability to develop, deliver, and evaluate clear, accurate, and strategic messaging across multiple platforms, including websites, newsletters, press releases, interviews, and professional correspondence, in alignment with organizational goals.
Written, Verbal & Public Communication: Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively through clear, well-organized writing, verbal communication, and public presentations tailored to the needs of varied audiences.
Content Development & Management: Demonstrated ability to produce, edit, and manage a wide range of communication materials, such as media content, videography, press releases, webpages, and communication plans, ensuring quality, consistency, and timeliness.
Audience Awareness & Message Adaptation: Demonstrated ability to tailor communication approaches for diverse audiences, including the ability to explain complex or controversial topics clearly, accurately, and diplomatically.
Editing & Style Standards: Demonstrated ability to apply copy-editing standards, style guides, and quality-control practices to ensure accuracy, clarity, and consistency across communication products.
Collaboration & Relationship Building: Demonstrated ability to build and sustain effective working relationships with cross-functional and multidisciplinary teams, leadership, and external stakeholders to support coordinated communication efforts.
Project & Workload Management: Demonstrated ability to prioritize and manage multiple communication projects simultaneously in a dynamic environment with competing deadlines and changing priorities.
Media & Spokesperson Experience: Demonstrated ability to serve as a spokesperson by responding to inquiries, participating in live interviews, and providing accurate, timely information on behalf of WSDOT.
Technical Translation: Demonstrated ability to translate complex technical or transportation-related information into clear, accessible, and strategically aligned messages for non-technical audiences.
Technology & Productivity Tools: Demonstrated proficiency in using Microsoft Office tools, including Teams, Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, to support communication planning, collaboration, and delivery.
Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

Digital & Design Tools: Demonstrated skill using digital and design tools, such as CMS/Drupal, InDesign, photography, and videography, to create accessible and audience-appropriate communication products.
Video Content Accessibility: Demonstrated ability to produce or oversee video content that meets accessibility standards, including captioning, and ensures compliance with state, agency, or legal requirements.
Problem-Solving & Independent Judgment: Demonstrated ability to identify communication or operational challenges, develop strategies, and implement solutions independently with minimal supervision.
Community Engagement: Demonstrated knowledge of engagement and community relations, including experience effectively communicating with underrepresented or disadvantaged communities.
High-Risk & Strategic Communications: Demonstrated understanding of high-risk communications, media relations, public policy, and political processes, with the ability to navigate sensitive or complex messaging situations.
Transportation & Program Knowledge: Demonstrated knowledge of Washington’s multimodal transportation system, including fish passage and related injunction projects, with the ability to translate technical or programmatic information into clear, actionable communication products.

Important Notes

This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the “Contact Us” section of this posting.

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 offer flexible work schedules that allow you time for your life outside of this excellent opportunity.
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 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.

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, Amanda Strebeck, at amanda.strebeck@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference Communications Consultant 5 #05541 in the subject line.

Recent Listing

Communications Consultant 5 | Fish Passage

Job Description

Summary

Key Requirements

Full Job Description

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