Project Management & Controls Specialist - Washington State Ferries

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

WSDOT is currently seeking a Project Management & Controls Specialist to join Washington State Ferries’ (WSF) Strategic Leadership Team, providing leadership and support to Design Project Managers, project teams, and stakeholders across the Terminal Engineering design program.

This position leads project management and project controls functions for all terminal design projects and staff, with clear authority under the Terminal Design Engineering Manager (and Terminal Engineering Director as applicable) to establish and enforce standards, tools, and reporting expectations.

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.

All Washington State Ferries employees serve our communities by providing safe and reliable service. We grow by learning and supporting one another. We build trust through clear communication.

We treat everyone with respect. Together, we navigate challenges and work to improve how we serve the public.

By empowering people, setting clear expectations, and reinforcing WSF’s core values of Serve, Grow, Trust, Respect, and Navigate, you will help advance individual, team, and agency goals that are in the best interest of WSF and the communities we serve.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you/the Project Management & Controls Specialist will:

• Establish and maintain Project Management/Controls standards, procedures, tools, and expectations across the design portfolio.
• Drive continuous improvement roadmaps for project management and project controls.
• Support cost management: estimates, budgets/forecasts, cost controls, variance/trend analysis, and change order impacts.
• Build and maintain dashboards/reporting (e.g., Power BI/Excel/SharePoint) to track Key Performance Indicators and project health.
• Develop and manage schedules, including an Integrated Master Schedule; baseline, resource load/level, and critical path analysis.
• Track performance using Earned Value Management (EVM); monitor variances, ensure schedule quality/compliance, and recommend corrective actions.
• Manage project data systems: integrate cost data, maintain data models, SharePoint sites, workflows, reports, and digital solutions.
• Serve as WSDOT HQ PM/Risk liaison; supervise/cross-train staff; communicate status and facilitate issue-resolution meetings.
• 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:

• Project Controls and Performance Management:
  • Demonstrate expert knowledge of project management and control practices, including scheduling (e.g., critical path), cost and scope control, change management, risk management, and EVM to ensure successful project delivery.
• Project Management Systems:
  • Utilize advanced project management and scheduling tools including but not limited to: Primavera P6, SharePoint, and other collaboration platforms to effectively plan, track, and coordinate project activities across teams.
• Data Integration and Analysis:
  • Demonstrate expert ability to consolidate, transform, and analyze complex data from multiple systems using tools such as Power Query, Excel, Power BI, or similar platforms to support informed decision-making and performance improvement.
• Data Modeling and Financial Analysis:
  • Apply advanced knowledge of data modeling, analytics, and financial accounting principles (including development and use of work breakdown structures), to enhance forecasting accuracy and cost management.
  • Experience in developing and maintaining Microsoft Power BI dashboards.
• Analytical Reporting and Communication:
  • Prepare clear, concise, and actionable analytical, project, and financial reports that communicate key findings and recommendations to diverse audiences.
• Stakeholder and Initiative Management:
  • Lead and manage complex initiatives involving diverse stakeholders, fostering collaboration and accountability across multiple organizational levels and disciplines.
• Communication and Documentation:
  • Exhibit strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Effectively managing large volumes of reporting and documentation with accuracy, clarity, and consistency.
• Collaboration and Process Improvement:
  • Build stakeholder engagement and implement process improvements through collaborative analysis, relationship-building, and structured change management.
• Leadership and Team Development:
  • Provide program and project leadership through effective supervision, mentorship, and training, promoting high performance and professional growth among team members.
  • Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
  • Demonstrates a willingness to take action to meet the needs of others.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Knowledge of Agency Processes:
  • Working knowledge of WSDOT/WSF engineering practices to apply appropriate and relevant project control processes and tools to ensure compliance, consistency, and alignment with agency standards and objectives.
• Knowledge of Program Management:
  • Comprehensive knowledge of project life-cycle phases including scoping, project selection, design, construction, and project closure.
• Marine Project Management Expertise:
  • Demonstrate understanding of marine project management practices, including specialized design characteristics, construction methods, and service requirements unique to marine environments to ensure compliance, consistency, and alignment with both agency and departmental standards.
• Application of Project Management Techniques:
  • Apply project management methodologies and tools to marine and infrastructure projects, ensuring effective scope, schedule, and cost control.
• Project Delivery in Dynamic Environments:
  • Manage multiple priorities and competing deadlines in fast-paced, high-pressure settings while maintaining quality standards and achieving project objectives.
• Presentation and Facilitation:
  • Design and deliver effective presentations, workshops, and group sessions tailored to diverse audiences and learning needs.
• Interpersonal and Relationship Management:
  • Build and sustain effective working relationships with agency staff, consultants, contractors, and external partners through clear communication and collaboration.
• Adaptability and Resilience:
  • Demonstrate flexibility and composure in adapting to changing priorities and conditions, performing effectively both independently and within collaborative teams.

Important Notes

• The salary listed includes the legislative approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County

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.

• 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 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-91010 in the subject line.