Transportation Planning Specialist 3 | Non-Permanent

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 a Transportation Planning Specialist 3 to support the Eastern Region Planning Office’s Complete Streets program.

In this role, you will work largely independently to conduct multimodal transportation planning, analysis, and concept development to help prepare projects for the pre-design phase.

Working under the direction of the region’s Principal Multimodal Planner and Complete Streets Lead, you will assist with implementing WSDOT’s Complete Streets process for projects across the region.

This position collaborates with regional staff and external partners to develop planning products and communicate findings through written reports, graphics, GIS, spreadsheets, and presentations.

Work products are organized and shared using tools such as SharePoint and other communication platforms.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Transportation Planning Specialist 3 will:

• Review project areas with the region’s Complete Streets Lead to determine where Complete Streets requirements apply based on applicable guidance and regulations.
• Coordinate with regional staff and external partners to gather information on land use, development patterns, and transportation conditions within project areas.
• Collect, analyze, and summarize sociodemographic and transportation system data using public datasets, GIS tools, and data visualization software to identify trends, vulnerable populations, and environmental justice considerations.
• Develop maps, reports, and data visualizations that communicate Complete Streets analysis, baseline gaps, and supporting findings.
• Identify baseline multimodal gaps and potential corridor and crossing improvement strategies using established design guidance and contextual analysis.
• Create conceptual Complete Streets design options and visualizations using planning and design software to support project scoping and pre-design discussions.
• Develop and apply screening criteria to evaluate potential Complete Streets concepts and support preparation of a gaps assessment report summarizing findings and recommendations.
• Support community engagement by preparing visual and written communication materials such as maps, presentations, infographics, and outreach content for Complete Streets projects.

Qualifications

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

Multimodal Transportation Planning:

• Demonstrated ability to apply multimodal transportation planning principles to support multimodal project scoping, needs assessment, and preliminary concept development in accordance with agency guidance and applicable regulations.
• Demonstrated experience performing transportation planning or related professional work, such as transportation engineering support, geographic information systems (GIS), land use planning, or other planning disciplines involving analytical, coordination, and documentation responsibilities.

Data Collection, Analysis & Interpretation:

• Ability to collect, analyze, interpret, and synthesize transportation, land use, and sociodemographic data to identify trends, gaps, and planning considerations that inform multimodal decision-making and environmental justice considerations.
• Demonstrated experience using ESRI ArcGIS Pro to support planning or project work, such as creating, editing, analyzing, and managing spatial data.

Planning Document Review & Technical Synthesis:

• Demonstrated experience reviewing, summarizing, and synthesizing planning, policy, and technical documents into clear, accurate, and usable written and graphic products.
• Demonstrated experience developing data visualizations (e.g., maps, charts, graphics, or figures) to communicate technical information to internal and external audiences.

Professional Written Communication & Reporting:

• Ability to develop clear, well-organized professional reports, memoranda, and summary materials tailored to technical and non-technical audiences. Analytical & Office Software Proficiency.
• Demonstrated proficiency using Microsoft Office applications (including Word and Excel) and ArcGIS, to organize data, perform analysis, and produce planning documentation and supporting materials.

Growth Mindset:

Service-Oriented:

• Takes action to meet the needs of others.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

GIS & Spatial Data Analysis:

• Experience manipulating, editing, and analyzing georeferenced data using ArcGIS or similar GIS platforms to support multimodal planning and/or Complete Streets analysis.

Active Transportation & Context-Sensitive Planning:

• Experience planning or evaluating active transportation strategies and facilities, including pedestrian, bicycle, and/or other non-motorized transportation improvements in varied land use and corridor contexts.
• Experience applying the principles of Complete Streets in developing transportation projects for a variety of contexts and scales.
• Demonstrated familiarity with the concept of level of traffic stress (LTS).

Graphic Communication & Multimodal Concept Visualization:

• Experience visualizing transportation concepts and alternatives using tools such as StreetMix, StreetPlan, Beyond Typicals, Remix, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar visualization software.
• Experience developing visually engaging materials such as maps, infographics, presentation boards, and print or digital outreach products using tools such as Canva or similar platforms.

Sociodemographic & Census Data Analysis:

• Experience working with Census data, Social Explorer, or similar datasets to support equity-focused transportation analysis and planning.

Design Guidance & Standards Interpretation:

• Experience reviewing and applying transportation design guidance, manuals, and criteria to planning or preliminary design.

Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration:

• Experience working collaboratively with planners, engineers, and multidisciplinary teams to advance transportation planning and project development efforts.

Information & Project Management:

• Experience using SharePoint or similar platforms to organize, manage, and share project files and planning documentation.
• Experience developing and working with complex Excel spreadsheets and preliminary project schedules to support planning workflows and deliverables.
• Demonstrated experience developing and maintaining project schedules, including identifying key tasks, milestones, and dependencies to support planning or project delivery work.

Education Preparation:

• Demonstrated educational preparation equivalent to a bachelor’s or master’s degree in transportation planning, urban or regional planning, civil or transportation engineering, or a closely related field with coursework or emphasis in transportation, GIS, or related analytical disciplines.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• This is a non-permanent position expected to last through June 2027.

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 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 UsFor inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at yasmin.munoz@wsdot.wa.gov.

Please be sure to reference 26DOT-ER-61363 in the subject line.