DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 4
State of Washington
FreshPosted Mar 16
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Posted: March 16, 2026 (0 days ago)
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Public Transportation Safety Administrator (WMS3)
State of Washington
Dept. of Transportation
Location
Washington, 98504
Salary
$10,019 - $12,843
per month
Type
Closes
April 2, 2026
Job Description
Summary
This job involves leading safety efforts for public transportation systems across Washington State, such as buses, light rail, and ferries, by creating policies, conducting audits, and ensuring compliance with safety rules to protect passengers and workers.
A good fit would be someone experienced in managing safety programs in transportation, who is skilled at working with government agencies and analyzing regulations to improve operations.
The role requires strong leadership to collaborate with transit providers, tribes, and local governments on ongoing safety improvements.
Key Requirements
- Familiarity with state and federal transit safety regulations
- Expertise in regulatory compliance and oversight
- Experience in program management for safety initiatives
- Ability to conduct safety audits and implement corrective actions
- Skills in data analysis, reporting, and continuous improvement
- Strong leadership and collaboration with transit agencies, governments, and stakeholders
- Knowledge of transit asset management and drug/alcohol prevention programs
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!
The Opportunity
WSDOT is currently seeking is seeking a strategic and collaborative individual to lead safety oversight for public transportation systems across Washington State.
This position plays a critical role in protecting public and worker safety by developing and implementing directives, policies, and programs that support regulatory compliance and operational safety for transit systems, including Sound Transit light rail operations, Seattle Monorail Systems, and the Seattle Streetcar.
Working within the Public Transportation Division, this role will oversee safety management systems, transit asset management, and federally mandated drug and alcohol prevention programs while ensuring compliance with federal and state requirements.
The position will also provide leadership, technical guidance, and coordination with transit agencies, local governments, tribes, and nonprofit transportation providers to support effective safety programs, successful audits, corrective action implementation, and continuous improvement through data analysis and reporting.
Our top candidate will demonstrate expertise in regulatory compliance, transportation safety oversight, program management, and the ability to lead complex safety and compliance initiatives.
What to Expect
The position works directly with 32 transit agencies, three rail transit agencies, tribes, cities, counties and more than 170 grantees to ensure safety policies, processes, and procedures are effective and meet all state and federal requirements.
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Public Transportation Safety Administrator will:
- Develop, implement and administer public transportation safety oversight policies, procedures, standards, and protocols for public transportation providers.
- Provide system oversight, analysis and review to ensure equipment and vehicles are in a state of good repair, operators and mechanics are drug and alcohol free, employees are well trained in safety practices and procedures, and management and executives promote a safety-first workplace.
- Conduct safety audits to ensure compliance with Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and state safety requirements.
- Convene Public transportation service providers for the development of bus safety standards.
- Engage FTA and national associations like the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) on evolving safety issues.
- Actively participate in a forum where state’s public transportation safety offices across the nation meet to continuously improve and update best practices.
- Analyze complex federal and state legislation and regulations to determine impact to the agency, division, and program.
Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following competencies are required:
Regulatory Oversight: Familiarity with state and federal transit safety regulations.
Demonstrated ability to interpret regulations, formulate policy, and provide clarity to rail agencies regarding application and implementation into safety programs, and regulatory requirements for Drug and Alcohol Program compliance in Washington State.
The following qualifications are also required:
- Ability to travel to Seattle on regular basis.
It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:
- FTA Safety and/or Project Management Certifications.
*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.
- The salary listed includes the legislative approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County.
- This position will be required to travel to Seattle on a regular and consistent basis.
- This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
- 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 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 357-28 of 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. 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.
- 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. 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 about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at Robyn.Lovely@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-HQ-0W548 in the subject line.
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