Assistant State Maintenance Engineer



Assistant State Maintenance Engineer

Salary

$114,408.00 - $146,724.00 Annually

Location

Thurston County – Olympia, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

23DOT-HQ-0W104e

Department

Dept. of Transportation

Division

Headquarters

Opening Date

02/21/2023

Closing Date

3/10/2023 11:59 PM Pacific

Description


About WSDOT
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is the steward of an integrated, multimodal transportation system that helps to ensure people and goods move safely and efficiently throughout the state. In addition to building, maintaining, and operating the state highway system, WSDOT operates the largest ferry system in the nation, manages the world's longest floating bridge, and recently completed the world's widest tunneling project. 
 
The Opportunity
WSDOT is seeking an Assistant State Maintenance Engineer to assist the Director of Maintenance Operations in the strategic leadership of the Highway Maintenance Program. In this role you will assist the Director in developing and implementing statewide policies, as well as overseeing the delivery and accountability of the program.  You will apply highly experienced and advanced management principles, managing the Headquarters Maintenance Office, and assume leadership and responsibility for Maintenance Operations in the absence of the Director. The successful candidate will provide clear communication of program expectations, expenditures, and performance in order to demonstrate the effective delivery and stewardship of public resources. 
 
What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Assistant State Maintenance Engineer will:

  • Provide strategic leadership and highly experienced management of the Headquarters Highway Maintenance Office. 
  • Responsible for management of managers and senior policy professionals across four units and approximately 41 employees in the Headquarters Maintenance Office. These units include the Maintenance Policy Branch, the Maintenance Operations Branch, the Maintenance Environmental Branch, and the Administrative Team.
  • Work in close coordination and collaboration with the Assistant Region Administrators (Maintenance Engineers) in the six WSDOT geographic regions. 
  • Allocate resources to ensure consistent and accountable delivery of the program. Specific services delivered by the program include the maintenance of roadway surfaces, drainage, bridges, vegetation management, Environmental Stewardship, workforce development, traffic signs, signals, pavement markings, safety rest areas, snow and ice operations, and emergency repairs.
  • Responsible for the development, reporting, tracking, and communication of the Highway Maintenance budget. 
  • Develop monthly, quarterly, annual, and biennial reports developed and used both internally and externally to ensure "on-time/on- budget" delivery of the program.
  • Responsible for the development, tracking, and reporting the progress towards the WSDOT strategic goals and objectives using a maintenance management system and performance measurement principles. 
  • Responsible for labor relations with the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE), which includes the development, implementation, and interpretation of the collective bargaining agreement. Work in close coordination with other members of the team, WSDOT Human Resources, OFM Labor Relations, and leadership/membership of WFSE.
  • Provide leadership and direction for statewide maintenance training, staff development and leadership training. Work in close coordination with Regional Maintenance Trainers and the WSDOT Safety & Health Manager.
  • Coordinate with other state agencies such as Washington State Patrol, Fish and Wildlife, Ecology and other state, local and federal agencies to ensure an overall efficient maintenance program and delivery of public services.
  • During emergencies and natural disasters, serve in a leadership capacity in the HQ Emergency Operations Center.
 
Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:
  • Ten (10) years of transportation maintenance, operations, or engineering experience in a progressively responsible management leadership capacity. A bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Management or related field may substitute for four (4) years of experience. 
  • Knowledge of Maintenance Engineering principles, practices, methods, policies procedures, rules, and regulations.
  • Experience with budget development, implementation, and management for a large and complex budget. 
  • Knowledge of broad-based transportation issues across all areas of the Department, as well as Department practices and policies.
  • Experience building consensus and team building. 
  • Knowledge of Washington State Legislative processes. 
  • Ability to represent the department in regional, statewide, and national forums related to highway maintenance. 
  • Work across the agency and with other agencies on policies and practices related to highway maintenance. 
  • Prepare, implement, and direct a statewide multimillion dollar operations budget.
  • Work with diverse groups, build and sustain effective teams, coach, and mentor others, and provide innovative leadership.
  • Lead change processes and evaluate and implement process improvements.
  • Communicate, negotiate, and partner with a variety of different individuals, both internal and external to the Agency.
  • A valid driver’s license, with the ability to travel for meetings, conferences, and region visits. 
 
It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:
  • Extensive experience in a WSDOT leadership position.
  • Professional Engineer license.
 
Important Notes 
  • This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
  • In addition to base salary, employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type, duties, or location of the position. Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in Chapter 357-28 of the Washington Administrative Code.
  • Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 357-16-197 mandates that all employees who work for executive cabinet agencies (which includes the Department of Transportation) must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Compliance with this mandate is a condition of employment with WSDOT. Exemption may be granted for religious or medical purposes; however, accommodations will be subject to approval based on the essential functions required of the position.  
  • WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system. For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov 
 
Why WSDOT 
  • Work-Life Balance – We offer flexible work schedules that allow you time for your life outside of this excellent opportunity.
  • Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees can 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 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. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, as well as people of all sexual orientations and gender identities 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. For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov 
 
Contact us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, Rachel Giese at GieseR@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 23DOT-HQ-0W104e in the subject line.

More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note:  If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the
Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.


Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS).  New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs.  For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP).  This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.


As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165. 

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 12-31-2022

01
How many years of transportation maintenance, operations, or engineering experience do you have in a management leadership capacity?
  • I have twelve (12) or more years of this experience
  • I have 11 - 12 years of the experience
  • I have 10 - 11 years of the experience
  • I have 9 - 10 years of the experience
  • I have 8 - 9 years of this experience
  • I have 7 - 8 years of this experience
  • I have 6 - 7 years of this experience
  • I have less than six (6) years of this experience
02
Please select the response that best describes the highest level of education you have completed.
  • Masters degree
  • Bachelors degree
  • Associates Degree
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • None of the above
03
If you indicated you have a degree in the question above, please list your degree field. If you do not have a degree, please note 'N/A'.
04
Do you have experience with budget development, implementation, and management for a large and complex budget?
  • Yes
  • No
05
Do you have knowledge of Washington State Legislative processes?
  • Yes
  • No
06
Do you have a valid driver's license?
  • Yes
  • No
07
Please select the response that best describes your experience with managing and supervising diverse workgroups:
  • I have six (6) or more years of this experience
  • I have 5 – 6 years of the experience
  • I have 4 – 5 years of this experience
  • I have 3 – 4 years of this experience
  • I have 2 – 3 years of this experience
  • I have less than two (2) years of this experience
08
Do you have a valid driver's license?
  • Yes
  • No
09
Are you willing and able to travel for meetings, conferences, and region visits?
  • Yes
  • No
10
Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 357-16-197 mandates that all WSDOT employees be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Exemption may be granted for religious or medical purposes; however, accommodations will be subject to approval based on the essential functions required of the position. Are you willing to accept and comply with this condition of employment?
  • Yes
  • No
11
How did you learn of this employment opportunity?
  • Indeed
  • LinkedIn
  • Direct Email Notification
  • WSDOT social media (Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, etc)
  • Career Fair
  • Monster
  • WorkSource
  • Handshake
  • AASHTO
  • NACTO
  • COMTO
  • APWA
  • "NOW HIRING" banner/sign
  • Radio advertisement
  • WSDOT Employment Site
  • Careers.wa.gov
  • governmentjobs.com
  • Other (specify below)
12
If you selected 'Other' on the previous question, please specify how you learned of this employment opportunity in the space provided:

Required Question

Agency
State of Washington
Address
View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504
Phone
View Posting for Agency Contact