Communication Consultant (CC4)



Communication Consultant (CC4)

Salary

$60,190.00 - $80,879.00 Annually

Location

King County - Shoreline, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

23DOT-NWR-11382e

Department

Dept. of Transportation

Division

Northwest Region

Opening Date

05/01/2023

Closing Date

5/22/2023 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 that 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 eager to hire a communications professional looking to advance their career to serve as our next Communications Consultant in support of our Northwest Region (NWR) Transportation Management Center (TMC). This position performs communication work for WSDOT Traffic, Maintenance and Operations as well as construction projects throughout the region. As the Communication Consultant, this position is responsible for responding to frequent inquiries from the media and the public and must coordinate messaging for internal and external audiences in a timely, effective, professional, and creative manner. The successful candidate will serve a vital role in support of WSDOT’s mission to provide safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation options to improve communities and economic vitality.  
 
What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Communication Consultant will:

  • Translate policies and program goals into strategies, work plans, and key messages. 
  • Perform frontline communications work in the Traffic Management Center working with WSDOT staff and the media during emergencies and roadway incidents.
  • Participate in live, taped and print media interviews.
  • Distribute regularly updated information to the media and the general public via social media, webpages, emails and phone calls.
  • Provide on-call communications on nights and weekends on a rotating basis.
  • Develop and implement communications plans for maintenance, traffic operations and construction issues as they arise. This will include creating blogs, videos, webpage content, folios, briefing papers, newsletters, brochures and media/stakeholder lists.
  • Edit and maintain agency websites ensuring appropriate and consistent formatting, content, style, language and messaging.
  • Manage closure information for maintenance, operations and construction.
  • Coach WSDOT staff to be successful in media interviews.
  • Draft public correspondence and content for other customers with explanations for highly technical issues using plain talk standards.

 

Qualifications

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

  • A Bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism, Communications, Public Relations, or related field and three years of writing/editing experience. 
    1. (Additional professional experience will be substituted, year for year, for education.)
  • Three (3) years of experience reviewing and editing social media content, media communications, videography and written materials, including press releases, project webpages, and communication plans. 
  • Ability to speak clearly and comfortably during a live interview setting. 
  • Ability to understand complex technical transportation issues and translate them into clear, understandable information. 
  • Ability to obtain FEMA ICS 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, 800, L0105 certifications required for WSDOT Incident Management Team within 18 months of employment. 
  • Ability to work occasional nights and weekend hours when needed. 
  • Ability to serve as part of an on-call rotation for one week at a time for up to 12 times a year. 

 

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

  • The ability to develop and implement WSDOT strategic messaging in a variety of materials including webpages, newsletters, brochures, press releases, interviews, correspondence, and communications plans. 
  • Knowledge and background in public speaking, graphic arts and printing methods and materials. 
  • The ability to use a variety of software including CMS/Drupal. Ability to use still cameras and video cameras to further WSDOT messages and goals. 
  • The ability to independently identify a problem, develop strategies and implement solutions with progressively less oversight. 
  • Ability to foster and maintain excellent working relationships even in time of stress and conflict. They will have the ability to organize and prioritize work despite tight deadlines, multiple customers and competing priorities. 
  • Knowledge of public relations, public involvement, marketing, customer service, highway transportation systems, construction, media relations, and community relations (including working with historically excluded communities). 
  • Background in and thorough understanding of high-risk/high-stress communications, media relations, and politics. 
  • Knowledge of WSDOT's Northwest Region and transportation system.

 

Important Notes 

  • 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.   
  • This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.   
  • This position offers significant flexible/hybrid work options but will need to work onsite in the region Transportation Management Center up to 2 – 3 days per week. 
  • The salary listed includes the legislative approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County.
  • This position requires the ability to serve as part of an on-call rotation for one week at a time for up to 12 times a year.  
  • 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. 
  • The recruiting efforts for this position may be extended beyond the displayed closing date for as long and until a sufficient candidate pool has been established. The Appointing Authority reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any time thereafter. It is to your benefit to submit your application as soon as possible.
  • 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 earn a minimum 14 paid vacation days per year!
  • Plan For Your Future – WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options, and free dental coverage! Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information.
  • 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.  

 

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 details your qualifications, and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
  • Contact information to be included in the “References” section of the online application for a minimum three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, knowledge base, and job-related competencies.

 

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, Eric Saniatan, at SaniatE@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 23DOT-NWR-11382e in the subject line. 

 

Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter.

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
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
02
Please select the response that best describes the highest level of education you have completed.
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Some college coursework
  • Associates Degree
  • Bachelors degree
  • Some graduate level coursework
  • Masters degree
  • Other technical or vocational degree
03
Please list the highest level of education and field of study you have completed, as well as any other academic and/or professional development course you have completed.
04
Please select the answer that best describes your years of experience writing and editing.
  • I have more than 5 years of 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
05
Please describe your experience writing and editing. If you do not have said experience, please type N/A:
06
Please select the response that best describes your experience reviewing and editing social media content, media communications, videography and written materials, including press releases, project webpages, and communication plans.
  • More than 5 years of experience
  • 4 – 5 years of experience
  • 3 – 4 years of experience
  • Less than 3 years of experience.
  • None of the above
07
Please describe your experience reviewing and editing social media content, media communications, videography and written materials, including press releases, project webpages, and communication plans.
08
Do you currently possess any of the following FEMA ICS certifications OR have the ability to obtain within 18 months of hire. (Select all that apply)
  • FEMA ICS 100
  • FEMA ICS 200
  • FEMA ICS 300
  • FEMA ICS 400
  • FEMA ICS 700
  • FEMA ICS 800
  • L0105/G290
  • None of the above
09
This position requires the ability to respond to emergency call outs, serving as part of an on-call rotation for one week at a time for up to 12 times a year, work other scheduled shifts, working nights and weekends. Are you able and willing to perform this essential job function?
  • Yes
  • No
10
Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for an employment visa? NOTE: For purposes of this question "sponsorship for an immigration-related employment benefit" means "an H-IB visa petition, an 0-1 visa petition, an E-3 visa petition, TN status and 'job flexibility benefits' (also known as 1-140 portability or Adjustment of Status portability) for long-delayed adjustment of status applications that have been pending for 180 days or longer." Please ask us if you are uncertain whether you may need immigration sponsorship or desire clarification.
  • Yes
  • No
11
How did you learn of this employment opportunity?
  • Indeed
  • LinkedIn
  • Direct Email Notification
  • Career Fair
  • Monster
  • WorkSource
  • Handshake
  • AASHTO
  • NACTO
  • COMTO
  • APWA
  • 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