Region Planning Manager

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 has an exciting opportunity for an engineering professional who has exceptional leadership skills to serve as the Region Planning Manager in our South Central Region.
The Region Planning Manager is responsible for critical business functions in designing and delivering the agency's Capital Improvement and Preservation Program (CIPP), the Highway Systems Plan (HSP), Highway Construction Scoping, Planning Studies, developing and administering the Access Management policy, administering the Complete Street policy, Developer Services, and working with area Metropolitan and Regional Transportation Planning Organizations (MPO/RTPO).
Duties include implementation of land use and transportation integration and community engagement actives throughout the transportation lifecycle in an elevated and intentional manner for the region and the agency to align with the new direction of the WSDOT strategic plan and new initiatives such as the HEAL Act and complete streets.
The position also directly coordinates with multiple tribes such as Yakama, Wanapum, Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, Nez Perce, Colville, Snoqualmie, and Warm Springs regarding both land use and transportation planning and development.
The Region Planning Manager reports to the Regional Administrator (RA) and works closely with the region Assistant Regional Administrators and leadership team to direct, develop, and deliver all programs and services related to comprehensive planning, strategic partnerships and community engagement in the South Central Region.
What to Expect Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you will: Report on the status of projects to WSDOT Executive management to support and improve the accountability of the WSDOT.
Oversee the coordination of the scoping effort for South Central Region and the integration of the region wide planning effort and HEAL Act and Complete Streets into the region scoping effort.
Coordinate Tribal requests for assistance to add WSDOT assets to the National Tribal transportation Facilities Inventory and participate in Tribal Transportation Planning Organization efforts.
Manage and administer the South Central Region Planning Office budget to ensure the goals and objectives of the office are met within the available resources.
Develop and maintain collaborative relations with communities, local agencies, Tribes, military, and organizations with modal interests in the transportation network.
Represent WSDOT and the Region in many settings.
These include general public settings, open houses, hearings, RTPO/MPO meetings, community planning groups, and media appearances.
Responsible for creating success by working with citizens, media, elected officials, contractors, and outside agencies to plan, build, maintain, and operate a safe and efficient transportation system.
Determine and ensure that all the Region's transportation deficiencies on the State highway system are reflected in the WTP/HSP and develop multi-modal solutions that are in the best interest of the public and the WSDOT.
Identify any potential partnerships with local jurisdictions that could be developed to solve these problems.
Lead short, medium, and long-range, sub-regional, and modal transportation planning and facilitates regional adoption of corridor and/or modal plans that meet asset management and system performance goals.
Administer current planning efforts in accordance with Growth Management Act (GMA).
Review local agencies comprehensive plans and State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) documents to ensure compatibility with WSDOT goals, performance targets, and policies.
Administer the region's multi-modal planning effort including the Complete Street legislation and HEAL Act.
Manage the region Developer Services section.
This includes utilizing strategic leadership in developing and implementing a regional policy on determining private developer mitigation; working with local jurisdictions on the mitigation plan; approving mitigation that preserves the State system.
Also includes setting up reimbursable accounts and administering developer agreements for carrying out the mitigation plan.
Strategically plan the budget, schedule, and workforce necessary to deliver the Planning programs.
Manage an office of professional and technical engineers, including summer interns, temporary employees, and engineering consultants.
Manage State highway access issues within the South Central Region.
This includes implementing the State RCWs and WAC's concerning Access Management, approving all access requests to the access-managed highways in the Region.
Qualifications To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required: A bachelor’s degree in planning, public administration, engineering, or a close related field.
Advanced written, verbal, and presentation skills to effectively communicate with a variety of internal and external audiences in a professional and respectful manner.
Knowledge of urban regional planning, tribal planning, state planning laws and regulations.
Knowledge of transportation, structural, and civil engineering practices and standards, environmental and highway design laws and regulations, requirements, and initiatives.
Knowledge and ability to manage project delivery to effectively manage scope, schedule, and budget.
Management, leadership, and strategic planning principals that empower and support a diverse staff with the ability to collaborate with various stakeholders.
Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
Experience working independently and prioritizing workload to complete multiple work assignments proactively, efficiently and within established deadlines.
Advanced skills in negotiating and settling disputes, and problem-solving complex issues.
Proficiency with computer software to evaluate and analyze data, prepare, and generate professional reports, and prepare and deliver presentations.
Experience adhering to safety policies and diligence in performing work in a safe manner.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion principals.
Train and mentor partner agencies and staff.
Ability to navigate the legislative process, particularly transportation funding and policy bills.
It is preferred that qualified candidates also have: Registration as a Licensed Professional Engineer (PE).
Knowledge and experience issuing WSDOT permits.
Knowledge and experience coordinating with local agencies, MPO's, RTPO's and developers.
Knowledge and experience in WSDOT design and/or construction processes.
Knowledge and experience in traffic engineering, modeling and/or design.
Five (5) to ten (10) years of experience managing/supervising a diverse workforce of planners, engineers and/or technicians.
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.
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, 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 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 Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
Contact details for a minimum of 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.
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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, S.
Fields at Fieldss@wsdot.
wa.
gov, Please be sure to reference 5W022 in the subject line.