Multimodal Planning Manager

Description

About WSDOT The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal agency with a global reputation for excellence. Our dedicated workforce plans, designs, builds, and operates an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 20,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, manages the world's longest floating bridge, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

The Opportunity WSDOT is currently seeking a strategic and collaborative planning leader to guide transportation planning and policy development across the Olympic Region. This position advances innovative, equitable, and sustainable transportation solutions by strengthening partnerships with state and local governments, communities, and other stakeholders to align transportation and land-use priorities. Through long-range planning, policy development, and community engagement, this role helps shape investments that improve mobility, enhance safety, and support reliable transportation options for Washington residents and businesses. The position also champions Complete Streets, environmental justice, and multimodal integration to ensure transportation decisions reflect the diverse needs of the communities WSDOT serves. By fostering collaboration, supporting staff development, and promoting responsible resource stewardship, this position advances WSDOT’s mission to provide safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation options that strengthen communities and economic vitality.

What to Expect This position provides regionwide leadership and accountability for the development and implementation of WSDOT policies and strategies related to multimodal transportation, land-use planning, regional and tribal coordination, and integration of transportation priorities into local comprehensive plans. The position interprets and applies federal, state, and agency requirements; guides regional planning processes; and advises regional and statewide executives on current and long-range transportation investments, system needs, and project prioritization. Decisions directly influence federal funding eligibility, transportation programming, agency stewardship, and relationships with Tribes, local governments, and private-sector partners. Errors or ineffective recommendations may result in funding impacts, misaligned transportation priorities, regulatory noncompliance, and adverse political or community relations.

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

• Direct and provide strategic leadership for the Olympic Region Multimodal Planning Office, developing and implementing regional and agency strategies and policies to strengthen WSDOT’s influence in land-use and transportation planning and policymaking.
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with communities, local agencies, Tribes, military, and modal transportation interests to support coordinated, performance-based planning, Complete Streets, HEAL Act implementation, and shared transportation goals.
• Collaborate with Program Management on system performance, tradeoffs, pre-design, project scoping, and budget development to support effective transportation planning and investment decisions.
• Administer current planning activities in accordance with the Growth Management Act (GMA), reviewing local agency comprehensive plans and SEPA documents for consistency with WSDOT goals, performance targets, and policies.
• Represent WSDOT programs, projects, policies, and positions on regional and statewide boards, committees, and transportation planning organizations.
• Manage the Olympic Region Planning Office budget, staffing, and personnel functions, including hiring recommendations, leave and travel approvals, performance management, corrective action, discipline, and grievances, in coordination with Human Resources and the appointing authority.
• Promote effective resource utilization, employee safety, professional development, workforce diversity, and a productive, inclusive, equitable, and respectful workplace that supports the agency’s Culture of Belonging and employee growth.
• Participate in emergency planning and required training for WSDOT Olympic Region Emergency Operations Center (EOC) mobilization; assess and maintain command and control of assigned organizational units, activate the EOC when necessary, and coordinate status reporting, documentation, resources, essential functions, external partners, response and recovery activities, technical support, and evacuations.

Qualifications

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

• Strategic Planning and Program Management: Demonstrated experience developing strategic plans, setting performance objectives, monitoring results, and implementing corrective actions to achieve program goals (often demonstrated by obtaining a bachelor’s degree in planning, engineering, environmental or related field, or experience in multimodal planning).
• Communication and Stakeholder Relations: Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with executives, employees, elected officials, industry partners, media, and the public while addressing customer needs and concerns.
• Leadership and Workforce Development: Demonstrated ability to lead and develop a diverse workforce while fostering a culture of respect, inclusion, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Transportation Planning Management: Applies multimodal planning principles and extensive knowledge of state and federal legislation (including GMA, SEPA, NEPA, EAS, transportation funding bills); transportation and other related planning principles, processes, and methods; public involvement methods; public sector transportation programming and management methods and techniques, traffic engineering/modeling and land use expertise (often obtained through completion of a bachelor's degree in planning, engineering, environmental or related field).
• Service-Oriented: Demonstrates a willingness to take action to meet the needs of others.
• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Multimodal planning expertise: Advanced planning knowledge (often demonstrated by obtaining a graduate degree in planning, engineering, environmental or related field OR a Certification by American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) OR 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

• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options. Regular in-person presence is expected.
• 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 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.
• 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 a 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. 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. 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 recruiter listed.

Contact Us For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at Sidra.Fields@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 3W067e in the subject line.

Benefits

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, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) 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 01-07-2026