Assistant Secretary, Fish Passage Barrier Correction Delivery

Assistant Secretary, Fish Passage Barrier Correction Delivery

Salary

$158,964.00 - $198,672.00 Annually

Location

Thurston County - Lacey, WA

Job Type

Exempt

Job Number

26DOT-HQ-0E270-1

Department

Dept. of Transportation

Division

Headquarters

Opening Date

09/23/2026

Closing Date

10/21/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

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 worlds longest floating bridge, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

The Opportunity

WSDOT is currently seeking a mission-driven leader to serve as Assistant Secretary for Fish Passage Barrier Correction Delivery. Fish Passage Barrier Correction is a statewide, court-mandated infrastructure program with long-term implications for transportation system performance, environmental compliance, tribal relations, fiscal stewardship, and public trust. The Assistant Secretary provides executive leadership, strategic direction, and enterprise-level oversight for the Fish Passage Barrier Correction Delivery and is accountable for ensuring the program is planned, governed, and delivered in a manner that achieves compliance with the federal court injunction while supporting statewide transportation objectives, and long-term system performance. This role sets the overall program vision, establishes performance expectations, and defines delivery frameworks that guide agency efforts across the state.

In addition, the Assistant Secretary exercises executive oversight of scope, schedule, budget, and risk, while leading enterprise-wide stakeholder engagement and cross-organizational coordination. The position ensures consistent, integrated program delivery over multiple biennia and aligns resources, priorities, and decision-making structures to meet legal obligations and agency goals.

What to Expect

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

• Provide executive stewardship and governance for the Fish Passage Barrier Correction Delivery Program, ensuring alignment with statutory requirements, executive direction, and agency priorities.
• Establish program-wide delivery frameworks, performance expectations, and accountability structures to guide planning, design, and construction activities across regions and functional disciplines.
• Exercise executive oversight and strategic direction for program scope, schedule, budget, risk, resource allocation, and multi-biennial planning and investment strategies, intervening as necessary to address systemic delivery barriers.
• Collaborate with other Assistant Secretaries to integrate fish passage delivery with WSDOT's capital program, engineering standards, asset management practices, and operational priorities.
• Identify, evaluate, and manage program-level risks related to legal compliance, environmental permitting, fiscal performance, delivery capacity, and stakeholder impacts.
• Coordinate with the Washington State Attorney General's Office and the U.S. Department of Justice on legal strategy, compliance matters, and contract remedies related to program delivery and court-mandated requirements.
• Serve as WSDOT's executive representative and spokesperson, including establishing and maintaining government-to-government relationships with affected tribes and engaging with the Legislature, Governor's Office, agencies, and local partners.
• Oversee executive-level program reporting and accountability, including statutory, legislative, Gray Notebook, and executive reporting to WSDOT leadership and other oversight bodies.

Qualifications

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

Executive Leadership & Organizational Management

• Demonstrated ability to lead and direct large, multidisciplinary teams, major programs, or complex operational units at an executive or senior leadership level.
• Demonstrated ability to establish governance structures, performance expectations, and accountability systems across diverse functional areas.
• Demonstrated ability to manage under high visibility and scrutiny while responding effectively to stakeholder concerns and organizational needs.

Strategic Planning & Program Oversight

• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute strategic plans, manage enterprise-level risk, and oversee large budgets and complex program portfolios.
• Experience overseeing large-scale capital, infrastructure, or technically complex programs with significant public impact and fiscal responsibility.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex situations, think strategically, and make sound executive-level decisions.

Operational & Financial Management

• Experience overseeing core operational functions such as budgeting, finance, procurement, contract administration, project controls, performance reporting, and risk management.
• Demonstrated ability to manage consultant teams, contractors, and blended delivery or matrixed teams.

Stakeholder Engagement & Representation

• Demonstrated ability to represent an organization effectively with executive leadership, elected officials, tribes, partner agencies, and the public.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain productive relationships, negotiate complex or sensitive issues, and resolve disputes, claims, or delivery challenges.

Service & Growth Orientation

• Demonstrated commitment to service-oriented leadership, including proactive responsiveness to the needs of internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated growth mindset through continuous learning, adaptability, and development of self and others.

It is preferred that qualified applicants also demonstrate these additional competencies:

Public Sector & Government Knowledge

• Experience working within state government or other large, complex public-sector organizations.
• Knowledge of legislative processes, intergovernmental coordination, and governmental authorities.
• Legislative or policy development experience at the local, state, or federal level.

Transportation & Infrastructure Expertise

• Knowledge of transportation systems, capital delivery, and infrastructure program management.
• Familiarity with the programs, functions, and organizational structure of a Department of Transportation or similar agency.
• Knowledge of laws, regulations, and policies related to transportation planning, funding, and delivery.

Advanced Leadership & Delivery Experience

• Demonstrated success delivering large-scale capital or multi-modal infrastructure programs with significant public or legislative visibility.
• Demonstrated ability to organize and lead complex projects or enterprise initiatives from planning through delivery.

Advanced Relationship & Problem-Solving Skills

• Advanced ability to build partnerships, mentor and develop senior staff, and represent the agency across all phases of program or project delivery.
• Advanced ability to assess enterprise risk, negotiate difficult differences, and develop creative, effective solutions to complex organizational or delivery challenges.

Important Notes

• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• Application review will begin on October 7, 2026. Candidate selection may take place at any time thereafter. It is to your advantage to apply as soon as possible.
• 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 their choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information.

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 listed Recruiter.

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

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at Rachel.Giese@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 'Fish Passage' 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. Thats 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

01

To what extent have you demonstrated executive-level leadership directing large, multidisciplinary teams or complex operational units while establishing governance, performance expectations, and accountability systems?

• I have repeatedly served in executive leadership roles with enterprise authority over large teams, organizational governance, and cross-agency accountability systems.
• I have led large or multidisciplinary teams and established governance or accountability frameworks in complex or high-visibility environments.
• I have directly led teams or operational units and contributed to performance expectations or accountability measures of moderate scope.
• I have participated in leadership activities or supported executive leaders but did not have primary authority over teams or governance systems.
• I have not held responsibility for directing large teams or establishing governance or accountability structures.

02

To what extent have you demonstrated the ability to develop and execute strategic plans, oversee large or technically complex program portfolios, and make executive-level decisions involving enterprise risk, scope, schedule, and budget?

• I have repeatedly set long-term strategic direction and exercised executive accountability for large portfolios involving enterprise risk, fiscal stewardship, and multi-year investment planning.
• I have directed strategic planning and enterprise risk or budget oversight for large, complex programs or organizations.
• I have led or co-led strategic initiatives or program portfolios with moderate fiscal or organizational impact.
• I have supported planning or risk discussions but did not lead strategy, budgeting, or portfolio oversight.
• I have not been responsible for strategic planning or enterprise-level program oversight.

03

To what extent have you demonstrated responsibility for overseeing operational or financial functions such as budgeting, procurement, contract administration, performance reporting, or risk management?

• I have held executive accountability for enterprise-level financial stewardship, procurement authority, and operational performance across large organizations or portfolios.
• I have managed large budgets, contracts, or operational controls across complex programs or multiple functional areas.
• I have directly overseen operational or financial functions for programs or units with moderate complexity or fiscal impact.
• I have supported or contributed to operational or financial processes but was not primarily responsible.
• I have not overseen operational or financial functions such as budgeting, procurement, or contract administration.

04

To what extent have you demonstrated the ability to represent an organization with executive leadership, elected officials, tribes, partner agencies, or the public, and to negotiate or resolve complex or high-visibility issues?

• I have repeatedly represented organizations at executive or governmental levels and successfully resolved high-impact disputes, policy issues, or delivery challenges.
• I have served as a primary organizational representative with executive partners, elected officials, or tribes and negotiated complex or sensitive matters.
• I have represented an organization or negotiated issues with partners or community stakeholders in moderately complex situations.
• I have supported stakeholder engagement efforts but did not serve as the primary representative or decision-maker.
• I have not represented an organization or negotiated high-visibility issues with external stakeholders.

05

To what extent have you demonstrated knowledge of public-sector operations, legislative processes, or intergovernmental coordination?

• I have extensive executive or policy-level experience navigating government structures, legislative authorities, and intergovernmental decision-making.
• I have held leadership roles requiring regular coordination with legislative bodies or governmental authorities.
• I have worked within or alongside public-sector entities and have functional knowledge of legislative or intergovernmental processes.
• I have general awareness or indirect exposure but limited direct professional involvement.
• I have little to no familiarity with public-sector operations or legislative processes.

06

To what extent have you demonstrated knowledge or leadership within transportation systems, infrastructure delivery, or capital program environments?

• I have held executive responsibility for major transportation or infrastructure systems or multi-program capital portfolios.
• I have led or overseen large or technically complex infrastructure or capital delivery initiatives.
• I have directly worked on transportation or infrastructure programs with moderate scope or responsibility.
• I have limited or adjacent exposure to infrastructure or capital delivery work.
• I have not worked in transportation, infrastructure, or capital program environments.

07

To what extent have you demonstrated success leading or delivering large-scale capital, infrastructure, or multi-modal initiatives with significant public or legislative visibility?

• I have repeatedly delivered enterprise-level capital or multi-modal programs with statewide, national, or federal visibility and accountability.
• I have directed delivery of large-scale capital or multi-modal programs with significant stakeholder or legislative interest.
• I have led projects or initiatives with moderate fiscal or public visibility.
• I have supported capital or infrastructure initiatives but was not accountable for delivery outcomes.
• I have not led or delivered large-scale capital or multi-modal initiatives.

08

How did you learn of this employment opportunity?

• Indeed
• LinkedIn
• Direct Email Notification
• WSDOT social media (Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, etc)
• Career Fair
• AASHTO
• NACTO
• COMTO
• APWA
• "NOW HIRING" banner/sign
• WSDOT Employment Site
• Careers.wa.gov
• governmentjobs.com
• Other (specify below)

09

If you selected Other on the previous question, please specify how you learned of this employment opportunity in the space provided:

Required Question

Employer State of Washington

Address View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504

Website http://www.careers.wa.gov