Transportation Engineer 2 – Traffic | Two Positions
State of Washington
FreshPosted Mar 17
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Posted: March 17, 2026 (1 day ago)
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Transportation Technician 3 (In-Training) – TMC
State of Washington
Dept. of Transportation
Location
Washington, 98504
Salary
$51,810 - $95,752
per year
Type
Full-Time
More Education & Training jobs →Closes
March 25, 2026
SES Pay Grade
Base salary range: $147,649 - $221,900
Typical requirements: Executive-level leadership experience. Senior executive qualifications required.
Note: Actual salary includes locality pay (15-40%+ depending on location).
Job Description
Summary
This job involves monitoring and managing traffic in Washington's Northwest Region from a 24/7 control center, using cameras, software, and sensors to respond to incidents, control traffic flow, and operate systems like tunnels and tolls.
The role also includes training staff on these tools and analyzing traffic data to keep roads safe and efficient.
It's a good fit for someone detail-oriented who enjoys shift work, problem-solving under pressure, and working with technology in a team setting.
Key Requirements
- Experience operating intelligent transportation systems (ITS) including traffic management software and CCTV
- Ability to monitor and respond to traffic incidents, blockages, and emergencies using detection systems
- Skills in coordinating with emergency responders, maintenance crews, and other agencies
- Proficiency in data analysis and reporting for traffic and tolling information
- Experience facilitating training sessions on operational systems and procedures
- Flexibility for 24/7 shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays, overtime, and on-call duties
- Knowledge of standard operating procedures (SOP) for tunnel and traffic control
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 Technician 3 (In-Training) to work in the Northwest Region (NWR) Traffic Management Center (TMC).
This position will operate the Region's intelligent transportation system (ITS), consisting of traffic management system (TMS), active traffic management (ATM) systems, tunnel control systems, and express toll systems.
This position must perform advanced traffic management activities and analysis.
This position will provide, update, and maintain training materials on FLOW management and tunnel control systems and will train new and existing staff.
What to Expect
The TMC operates 24/7; the typical schedule for this role is Monday through Friday, 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM and includes a routine on-call requirement.
The incumbent may be expected to adjust their work schedule to meet business needs, including working long shifts and working overtime, as well as working one or two days of the weekend, nights, evening, holidays, or some combination of shifts listed in a regular work week if needed.
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Transportation Technician 3 – TMC will:
- Respond to blocking incidents and planned closures with appropriate traffic control and messaging; identify system and sign errors, perform initial troubleshooting, and escalate unresolved issues to the appropriate technical staff through Teams, email, phone call etc.
- Monitor and verify toll rate and information displays within tolled corridors; respond to blocking incidents or planned closures with appropriate override messaging.
- Monitor regional highway traffic using closed circuit television (CCTV), traffic management software (NG_TMS), computer aided dispatch (CAD), and other incident detection systems; identify traffic impacts and employ ITS to communicate, manage demand, and control traffic.
- Facilitate training sessions for both new hires and existing staff on core operational systems and procedures, including FLOW, ATM, Express Tolls, Express Lanes, and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA).
- Operate central control systems for the tunnel systems, overseeing fire life safety systems through CCTV, traffic detection, incident detection cameras, carbon monoxide sensors, heat detection, and other detection systems.
- Respond to tunnel incidents in accordance with the established SOP.
- Coordinate incident response with emergency responders, maintenance crews, TMC operators, Radio, engineers, PIOs, management, and external agencies, applying traffic incident management protocols.
- Retrieve, analyze, and report traffic and tolling data; collect operation data, system logs, and control information.
Qualifications
This is a Transportation Technician 3 position.
However, the hiring manager reserves the right to fill the position at a lower level in the classification series based on candidate qualifications, providing an opportunity for an individual to gain the required experience on the job as part of a formal “in-training” plan.
To qualify for the Transportation Technician 3 level, the following competencies are required:
- Technical Engineering Expertise: Demonstrates advanced knowledge and applied experience in civil, structural geotechnical, traffic or transportation engineering or a closely related field.
- Engineering Principles & Practices: Applies a strong understanding of engineering methods, standards and analytical approaches to support technical decision-making and operational effectiveness.
- Digital & Software Proficiency: Utilizes Windows based systems and software-including MS Office Suite, Excel, Word, SharePoint, and Outlook, databases and computer aided engineering applications—to perform technical and administrative tasks efficiently.
- Data Management & Analysis: Independently compile large data sets and conduct detailed analytical work using appropriate software tools, seeking guidance when needed to ensure accuracy and alignment with project goals.
To qualify for the Transportation Technician 2 level, the following competencies are required:
- Foundational Engineering & Analytical Aptitude: Demonstrates foundational knowledge in data Analytics or in early-career Engineering disciplines such as Civil, Industrial & Systems, Mechanical, or Materials Science.
- Entry-Level Technical Engineering Capability: Ability to apply basic technical engineering skills.
- Data Handling & Reporting: Works effectively with large data sets, supporting data compilation, organization and report development with accuracy and attention to detail.
- Digital & Software Proficiency: Utilize Windows based systems and applications-including, MS Office Suite, Excel, Word, SharePoint, Outlook databases and computer aided engineering software.
To qualify for the Transportation Technician 1 level, the following competencies are required:
- Foundational Data & Safety Review Skills: Demonstrates introductory capability in working with data sets, supporting basic hazard identification and accident reviews. Perform data entry, produce simple reporting, and assist with sketches and draft documentation under guidance.
- Basic Digital & Software Proficiency: Use common Windows applications and perform simple data entry or software tasks, with the ability to learn additional programs as operational needs evolve.
To be considered for this opportunity, the following competencies are required at any level:
- Technology and Software Use: Demonstrates strong understanding of computer operations effectively navigates multiple software systems troubleshoot basic technical issues and multitasks across applications during emergency or time sensitive situations.
- Communication and Interpersonal Proficiency: Communicates technical information clearly and professionally both written and verbally to a wide range of stakeholders, including engineers, contractors, and the traveling public.
- Professional Communication: Communicate complex technical information clearly and professionally through written, verbal, and presentation formats, adapting content for both technical and non-technical audiences across virtual, phone, or in-person settings.
- Commitment to Learning and Growing: Stays current with transportation practices, tools, and field procedures; adapts to new methods, seeks feedback, and applies updated knowledge to improve daily work.
- Support Focused: Contributes to efficient daily operations by assisting WSDOT staff and external partners, coordinating field activities, resolving routine operational issues, and ensuring accurate and timely delivery of information and resources.
- Field Readiness and Safety Awareness: Able to travel to and work safely along highways and within active work zones, including navigating uneven terrain and confined spaces such as communication vaults.
- Licensing Requirement: Possession of a valid driver’s license
- 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 demonstrate:
- Traffic and Toll Operations Data Analysis: Working knowledge of data collection and analysis, including the ability to review, interpret and summarize information into actionable reports for traffic and tolling operations.
- TMC Operations: Experience in a major metropolitan TMC supporting real-time traffic operations.
- Staff Training: Experience training staff with varying skill levels and professional backgrounds.
Important Notes
- This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
- This position is not eligible for remote work.
- The salary listed includes the legislative approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County, as well as the 5% approved TMC pay.
- Transportation Technician 2: $61,419 – $82,618
- Transportation Technician 3: $71,253 – $95,752
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.
This is a Transportation Technician 3 position.
However, the hiring manager reserves the right to fill the position at a lower level in the classification series based on candidate qualifications, providing an opportunity for an individual to gain the required experience on the job as part of a formal “in-training” plan.
The base salaries for each level are: Transportation Technician 1: $51,810 – $69,577
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 alyssa.nastasi@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-NWR-10865e in the subject line.
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