Freeway Operations Engineer (WMS3)



Freeway Operations Engineer (WMS3)

Salary

$102,564.00 - $131,569.00 Annually

Location

King County - Shoreline, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

24DOT-NWR-1W147

Department

Dept. of Transportation

Division

Northwest Region

Opening Date

03/21/2024

Closing Date

4/10/2024 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 currently seeking a Freeway Operations Engineer (WMS3) to oversee the management of the Northwest Region's Freeway Operation organization, playing a vital role in advancing our mission of providing safe, reliable, and efficient transportation options. This position involves managing budgets, schedules, and policies while collaborating with local agencies and other states to ensure seamless operations. The successful candidate will lead a diverse team responsible for the operation of the Traffic Management Center (TMC), recognized nationally for its excellence in freeway operations. Additionally, they will oversee an Intelligent Transportation System supporting various transportation facilities and play a pivotal role in promoting a respectful and inclusive work environment.
 
What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Freeway Operations Engineer will:

  • Direct the Traffic Management Center (TMC) operations, including training staff, reviewing plans, and analyzing data.
  • Monitor the condition of fire and life safety systems in five tunnels.
  • Oversee the maintenance and upgrades of Traffic Management System software.
  • Provide timely and logical responses to questions about freeway operations.
  • Champion tunnel issues and lead communication on ITS projects.
  • Meet with local officials to discuss ramp meters and ITS devices deployment.
  • Represent the department nationally on freeway operations issues.
  • Maintain and enhance the region's ITS systems.
  • Coordinate maintenance and data analysis for freeway operations.
  • Support effective communication within the division and uphold professional standards.
 
Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:
  • Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering or a similar degree.
  • Professional Civil Engineers License in the State of Washington.
  • Seven (7) years of practical traffic engineering and operations experience.
  • Three (3) years managing an organization of at least 15 staff.
  • Significant experience managing/leading traffic engineering, freeway operations, traffic safety management, and software development.
  • Valid driver’s license or ability to obtain within 6 months.
  • Ability to travel statewide and nationally.
 
In addition to: 
Knowledge of:
  • Transportation engineering, including freeway operation, traffic control, and contracting. 
  • Supervision and management principles including staffing, coaching, counseling, motivating, and evaluating. 
  • Intelligent transportation systems (ITS).
  • Two union contracts, WFSE and IFPTE Agreement, quality improvement principles and practices, Merit System rules, emergency preparedness: WACs and RCWs, purchasing rules, transportation-related public policy, and the legislative process.
Skills to:
  • Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, to the public, other agencies, and the media in a variety of forums at the regional and statewide levels.
  • Make immediate decisions affecting traffic operations (This position is required to be available off hours to make decisions regarding coordinating emergency traffic operations issues on a Region-wide basis).
  • Analyze freeway operation data. 
  • Oversee Traffic Management System software enhancements. 
  • Foster cooperation and partnership among employees, private organizations, WSDOT organizations, Washington State Patrol, local jurisdictions, and the public; plan future work efforts. 
  • Manage a budget.
 
It is preferred that qualified candidates also have the following:
  • Expert in the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD.) 
  • Experience and competency in electrical design. 
  • Experience and competency in electrical system maintenance. 
  • Experience and competency in systems engineering. 
  • Experience and competency in project management. 
  • Experience and competency in safety management. 
  • Experience and competency in software programming principles. 
  • Experience and competency in traffic modeling.
     
Important Notes 
  • Emergency responsibilities may require work schedule changes, including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays. Long hours may be necessary.
  • This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs. 
  • This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
  • The salary listed includes the legislative-approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County.
  • 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.
  • 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 ensuring that our staff experience the reward of public service while sustaining a routine that suits each individual’s lifestyle. 
  • 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 federal student loan forgiveness eligibility.  
  • Plan For Your Future – WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes various 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 your salary. Therefore, the “Work Experience” portion of the application must be completed in as much detail as possible. 
To be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application: 
  • An attached Resume outlines (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; it does not require an additional attachment. 
 
Please click the "APPLY" button to proceed. Note that you will be prompted to sign in or create an account. This step is required to apply for this opportunity.
 
WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment where 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 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, Yasmin Munoz, at MunozY@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 24DOT-NWR-1W147 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
Please select the response that best describes your highest level of completed education.
  • I have a master's degree or higher of Science in Civil Engineering or a similar degree.
  • I have a bachelor's degree of Science in Civil Engineering or a similar degree.
  • None of the above
02
If you indicated completion of a degree, please list your degree and field of study. Otherwise, type N/A.
03
Please select the response that best describes your total years of practical traffic engineering and operations experience.
  • I have over ten (10) years of this experience.
  • I have 9 – 10 years of this experience.
  • I have 8 – 9 years of this experience.
  • I have 7 – 8 years of this experience.
  • I have less than seven (7) years of this experience.
  • I do not have this experience.
04
In reference to the question above, please briefly describe where and how you gained this experience. If no experience, type N/A.
05
Please select the response that best describes your total years of experience managing an organization of at least 15 staff.
  • I have over seven (7) years of this experience.
  • I have 6 – 7 years of this experience.
  • I have 5 – 6 years of this experience.
  • I have 4 – 5 years of this experience.
  • I have 3 – 4 years of this experience.
  • I have less than three (3) years of this experience.
  • I do not have this experience.
06
In reference to the question above, please briefly describe where and how you gained this experience. If no experience, type N/A.
07
Please briefly describe your experience managing/leading traffic engineering, freeway operations, traffic safety management, and software development. If no experience, type N/A.
08
Please briefly describe your experience with ITS devices, including deployment, operations, and or maintenance. If no experience, type N/A.
09
This position requires travel statewide and nationally. Are you able and willing to perform this job function?
  • Yes
  • No
10
This position entails emergency duties and may require schedule changes, including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays. Extended hours may be necessary. Are you able and willing to comply with these requirements?
  • Yes
  • No
11
Do you have a valid driver's license, or can you obtain it within 6 months of employment?
  • Yes
  • No
12
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)
13
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