Traffic Safety Systems Operator 4

Full Job Description

About WSDOTThe 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 OpportunityWSDOT is currently seeking a Transportation Safety Systems Operator 4 position in our South-Central Region.

The Central Washington Traffic Management Center (CWTMC) serves as the communications hub for emergency notifications and roadway incident response.

It functions as the operations center responsible for monitoring roadway conditions, reporting traffic information, and operating all Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) equipment within the South-Central Region supported by the Snoqualmie Pass Traffic Operations Center (TOC) when staffed and as needed for the North Central Region.

The CWTMC Traffic Safety System Operator 4 (TSSO4) oversees the management of the CWTMC and its staff to ensure efficient, around-the-clock operations, maintaining continuous public awareness of roadway conditions and travel-impacting incidents while delivering timely and accurate information to WSDOT leadership and emergency response partners.

This position directly supports WSDOT’s mission to provide safe and reliable transportation for the communities and customers we serve.

What to ExpectThe CWTMC is a 24/7 operation, so schedule flexibility is needed for the position.

This position requires flexibility to work nights, weekends, holidays, and scheduled overtime to support the 24/7 operation of the CWTMC. Telework may be optional on occasions when needed.

This position will utilize 800 MHz radio, cameras, telephones, portable workstations, variable message signs, informational speed limit signs, and traction requirement signs.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you will:

• Supervise staff of Traffic Safety Systems Operators.
• Organize and assign shifts to maintain uninterrupted 24-hour operations. Adapt work schedules for vacations and unplanned absences. Monitor work performance and enforce standards while promoting a positive and enjoyable work environment.
• Provide CWTMC procedural and policy guidance.
• Maintain communication between WSDOT and WSP. Initiate appropriate action for reported incidents or adverse road conditions.
• Represent the CWTMC at meetings and through correspondence.

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

• Crisis Communication Skills: Lead and manage high-stakes communication efforts with internal and external stakeholders during critical incidents, emergencies, and high-pressure situations.
• Leadership Accountability and Feedback Integration: Demonstrate a high level of emotional intelligence by actively seeking, accepting, and integrating feedback to strengthen personal performance, leadership effectiveness, and team outcomes.
• Oversight of Radio and Telecommunications Systems: Provide leadership and technical oversight of radio and telecommunication operations to ensure effective, reliable, and compliant communication across all operational environments.
• Strategic Incident Management and Situational Awareness: Direct and prioritize response efforts across multiple simultaneous incidents, applying strategic analysis and judgment to anticipate operational impacts and guide decisions.
• Multimodal Communication Leadership: Lead the coordination of real-time information across radio, phone, and in-person communication channels to ensure clarity, timeliness, and procedural consistency.
• Operational Reliability and Workforce Accountability: Demonstrate and promote a culture of reliability, punctuality, and accountability to ensure consistent operational performance and workforce readiness.
• Data Entry Accuracy and Digital Systems Proficiency: Demonstrate precision and efficiency in data entry and system operations to maintain information integrity and support operational effectiveness.
• Culture of Respect and Equal Opportunity: Demonstrated ability to contribute to a work environment that fosters respect, inclusion, and equal opportunity for all.

In addition to the above competencies, the following are also required:

• A valid driver’s license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Radio Communications Operations: Demonstrated proficiency operating multi-band, two-way radio systems and dispatch platforms to coordinate personnel and manage real-time communications.
• Dispatch and Systems Technology: Proven ability to use computer-based dispatch systems and personnel databases to support accurate, timely, and reliable operational decision-making.
• Supervisory Leadership: Demonstrated experience providing day-to-day supervision, assigning work, guiding staff performance, and supporting effective team operations.
• Traffic Management Center Operations: Proven capability serving as a primary operator within a traffic management center, monitoring conditions, responding to incidents, and coordinating with internal and external partners.
• Computer-Based Workflows and Data Integrity: Demonstrated expertise in computer-based workflows, data entry, and information management to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and integrity of operational records.
• Labor Relations and CBA Application: Thorough understanding of Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) with demonstrated ability to apply contract provisions consistently and fairly to support compliance and effective workforce management.

Important Notes

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 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 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 at Sidra.Fields@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 25DOT-SCR-51027-1 TSSO4 in the subject line.