Regional Administrator – Eastern Region



Regional Administrator – Eastern Region

Salary

$137,340.00 - $171,684.00 Annually

Location

Spokane County – Spokane, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

24DOT-HQ-6E163

Department

Dept. of Transportation

Division

Headquarters

Opening Date

04/03/2024

Closing Date

4/24/2024 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 an experienced engineering professional ready and willing to provide leadership, guidance, and support as the Regional Administrator to the Eastern Region. Eastern Region includes Adams, Ferry, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Stevens, and Whitman Counties, along with a portion of Franklin County. The successful candidate will have the high-profile responsibility of providing customer-focused, cost effective, and timely delivery of transportation products and services. This position will manage daily operations and provide strategic direction and leadership to all critical areas of the region - Program Management, Project Development, Construction, Maintenance, Traffic Operations, Safety, Planning, Communications, Local Programs, and Administrative Services. The Regional Administrator will represent WSDOT on the Board of Directors of Regional Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPO) and Regional Transportation Planning Organizations (RTPO), along with local agency elected officials. This individual must be an effective ambassador and spokesperson for the region and department on transportation issues. If you are interested in taking on this rewarding challenge, we invite you to apply to lead Eastern Region and join a team of outstanding individuals who maintain and help provide safe and reliable transportation in the communities we represent and serve.

What to Expect
Eastern Region consists of multiple interstate and inter-jurisdictional transportation corridors that are vital to the movement of freight, people, goods, and services throughout our state that keep our state's economy alive. Managing the corridors involves a series of highly visible, complex, and time sensitive projects, actions, and activities to be able to satisfy the needs of the public and multiple local, state, federal, and tribal organizations, and regulatory agencies.

Included within these critical transportation corridors are nearly 3,700 lane miles of State Highway, 339 bridges, multiple border-crossings into British Columbia, Canada and Idaho requiring partnership and coordination pertaining to the connecting highway system; and the Keller Ferry, which crosses the Columbia River at its confluence with the Sanpoil River from Ferry County and the Colville Indian Reservation on the north bank to Lincoln County on the south.
 
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Regional Administrator will:

  • Determine the overall focus and direction of Eastern Region programs, projects, and positions.
  • Represent WSDOT to federal, state, and local elected/appointed officials, tribes, advisory groups, community groups, business organizations, business owners, property owners, and other citizens.
  • Understand and strategically use the interrelationships of maintenance, traffic operations, preservation, safety improvements, capacity increases, design standards, and funding limitations in a way that will enable WSDOT to deliver a multimodal transportation system.
  • Lead and direct Assistant Region Administrators involved in ensuring program and project goals are met in the following areas: Engineering and Construction, Maintenance, Local Programs, Communications and Coordination with HQ. 
  • Determine and provide direction for the Region's transportation planning and budgeting efforts necessary to preserve and enhance the statewide transportation system.
  • Build coalitions and project partnerships and encourage the advancement of transportation solutions utilizing traditional as well as non-traditional and creative methods.
  • Align processes and efforts in the Region with WSDOT’s Strategic Plan, the Governor's reform effort, Executive Orders, the Secretary's priorities, WSDOT Values, and with peer Region Administrators. 
  • Ensure that all efforts to operate, maintain, manage, and improve transportation corridors are well coordinated to minimize the impact to statewide movement of people, freight, goods, and services as well as with citizens, and state, local and tribal governments.
  • Encourage, endorse, and lead strategic focus in three key areas – Workforce Development; Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; and Resilience. 
 
Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:
  • Ten (10) years of experience managing and leading sophisticated transportation organizations, transportation projects and/or programs with a focus on supervising or leading professional engineering and planning staff in proven successful completion of projects.
  • Work experience in a Civil/Transportation field.
  • A valid Washington State Driver’s license (within 2 months of hire).
  • Senior-level application/use of leadership and management principles.
  • Professional and technical engineering problem-solving skills.
  • Advanced written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex information to diverse technical and non-technical groups and the media.
  • Skills and the ability to communicate with the media and legislators.
  • Skills and the ability to make decisions with few prescribed or established approaches. 
  • Knowledge of the following: 
    • Professional Transportation and Civil Engineering practices and standards.
    •  Management, leadership, teambuilding, and strategic planning principles.
    • Environmental and highway design laws and regulations.
    • Finance, budget and programing procedures.
    • Legislative processes.
    • Agency mission goals and objectives.
    • State employee personnel laws, regulations, and policies.
    • Knowledge and understanding of Government-to-Government relations. 

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:
  • A bachelor’s or master's degree in Civil Engineering, or related field. 
  • Registration as a Professional Engineer in the State of Washington. 

*To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the Contact Us section of this posting.


 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.
  • This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
  • This position may be required to attend evening or early morning meetings, travel overnight and/or travel to different locations within the region or state. 
  • 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. As such, there are a number of flexible schedule options available, including occasional telework for eligible positions.  
  • 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. NOTE: This information may 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 via email.
 
Contact Us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, at Rachel.Giese@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 24DOT-HQ-6E163 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 education:
  • I have a Master's degree or higher.
  • I have a Bachelor's degree.
  • I have an Associate or Technical (2-year) degree.
  • I have a high school diploma or equivalent.
  • None of the above.
02
If you indicated that you have a Bachelor's degree or higher, please list your degree and field of study. Otherwise, please type N/A.
03
Please select the response that best describes your total years of experience managing and leading sophisticated transportation organizations, transportation projects and/or programs with a focus on supervising or leading professional engineering and planning staff in proven successful completion of projects:
  • I have over fifteen (15) years of this experience.
  • I have 14 – 15 years of this experience.
  • I have 13 – 14 years of this experience.
  • I have 12 – 13 years of this experience.
  • I have 11 – 12 years of this experience.
  • I have 10 – 11 years of this experience.
  • I have less than ten (10) years of this experience.
04
In reference to the question above, please describe your experience. This experience should be reflected in your application. If you do not have this experience, please type N/A.
05
List your years of experience in the following areas and a brief description of that experience. If you do not have this experience, please type NA. Highway design Highway construction contract administration Transportation system maintenance and operations Traffic Engineering Transportation Planning Environmental justice Environmental regulations and permitting Human Resource management Financial services administration Program budget development and management Employee safety programs Public meetings and public engagement Personnel recruitment and hiring Communications and/or media relations Working with Cities and Counties Working with Native Nations
06
List your largest number of employees managed and explain in what capacity was your authority.
07
Please highlight your experience in deploying a strategic plan. Include what went well and challenges that were overcome.
08
Are you registered as a Professional Engineer in the State of Washington?
  • Yes
  • No
  • I am licensed in another state.
09
Do you have a valid driver's license in the State of Washington?
  • Yes
  • No
  • I have a valid driver's license within another state.
10
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)
11
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