Program Specialist 3 - 2 POSITIONS

Program Specialist 3 - 2 POSITIONS

Salary

$4,882.00 - $6,576.00 Monthly

Location

Thurston County - Olympia, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Job Number

2026-WTSC-002

Department

Traffic Safety Commission

Opening Date

06/09/2026

Closing Date

6/23/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary Information

The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

The hiring manager reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any time. It will be in your best interest to apply as soon as possible. First reviews of applications will begin on 6/24/26. This recruitment will be used to fill two (2) vacancies.

About WTSC

Want to join a great team and do work that saves lives and helps make Washington's roadways the safest in the nation? The Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) is a national leader in traffic safety. Our small agency manages Washington's behavioral traffic safety programs, having a direct impact on preventing impaired driving, distracted driving, speeding, and other high-risk behaviors that lead to traffic deaths and injuries. The WTSC also maintains the official database of Washington's fatal traffic crashes.

• Our Vision: A Washington where we all work together to travel safely on our roadways.
• Our Mission: We connect communities and Tribal Nations with resources to build a positive traffic safety culture.
• Target Zero: WTSC collaborates with Tribal Nations, communities, partners, and other state agencies to achieve Target Zero - Washington State's Strategic Highway Safety Plan of zero deaths and zero serious injuries by 2030.

The Opportunity

WTSC is seeking two (2) Program Specialist 3s (PS3) to play key roles within our Programs and Services Division. In this dynamic position, you will work closely with higher-level staff to manage specialized components of state and federal grant programs, oversee special projects, and lead the planning and coordination for statewide advisory boards and committees. Additionally, you will drive operational success by providing critical administrative, logistical, and technical support to our Program Managers and assisting with agency-wide meetings and events. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to impactful statewide traffic safety initiatives while ensuring the smooth execution of vital agency programs.

Duties

Among the various responsibilities expected of this role, you will:

• Assist higher-level staff by managing discrete components of state and federal grant programs, advisory boards, and special projects.
• Operate independently on day-to-day activities, utilizing professional judgment to manage specific programs like the BrainCert LMS and School Zone Mini-Grants.
• Prepare comprehensive project reports for Program Managers, including quarterly progress, spending assessments, and end-of-year summaries.
• Review and approve grant invoices against scopes of work, resolving discrepancies and ensuring compliance with state and federal guidelines.
• Coordinate contract amendments and routing in the WEMS system, ensuring applications meet regulations and overseeing agreements from creation to signature.
• Manage funding requests, anticipate program conflicts, and consult with partners and grantees to recommend solutions and alternatives.
• Support high-visibility and traffic safety enforcement programs by organizing meetings, documenting decisions, and updating interagency contract templates.
• Coordinate administrative, technical, and logistical needs for agency boards and committees, such as the Tribal Traffic Safety Council and Target Zero project.
• Provide administrative support to Program Managers by organizing digital records, implementing state retention schedules, and establishing file-naming guidelines to improve data management.
• Conduct compliance reviews and audit preparations for project files, manage the public records request process, and coordinate planning and logistics for agency meetings and events.

Qualifications

Required:

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

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to multi-task.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Experience with meeting coordination and preparation of minutes.
• Ability to travel to meeting and event locations in-state and out-of-state, internal, and external venues, transporting meeting materials, setting up meeting rooms, etc.
• Experience with Microsoft 365.
• Attention to detail and extensive editing and proofreading skills are essential.

In addition to the above, it is required for a candidate to possess one (1) of the following education and/or experience combination options:

Option 1:

• Six (6) years of combined education and/or experience in program or project coordination or management, contract or grant administration, community or stakeholder engagement, policy or systems analysis, process improvement or organizational development. strategic planning or program evaluation, operations, logistics, service delivery management, budgeting, procurement, or financial tracking, facilitation or interagency collaboration, transportation planning.

Option 2:

• Bachelor's degree in Behavioral Science, Public Health, Social Science, Communications, Organizational Leadership, Public Administration, Business, Business Administration / Management, Human Services, Education, Criminal Justice, or related field

AND

• Two years of experience in program or project coordination or management, contract or grant administration, community or stakeholder engagement, policy or systems analysis, process improvement or organizational development. strategic planning or program evaluation, operations, logistics, service delivery management, budgeting, procurement, or financial tracking, facilitation or interagency collaboration, transportation planning.

NOTE: Years of relevant work experience may substitute year-for-year for the required education.

Desired:

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

• Experience in public health, with particular value placed on expertise in injury prevention. This includes knowledge of evidence-based strategies to reduce traffic-related injuries and deaths, and the ability to apply public health approaches to program development, implementation, and evaluation.
• Knowledge of state government organization, legislature, legislative process, procurement procedures, and administrative procedures.
• Knowledge and experience with archival procedures and the State Records Center.
• Experience with conference planning from securing the hotel through final billing of the event. Negotiation skills with respect to hotel contracts.
• Familiarity and/or experience with federal grants.
• Knowledge of state policies and guidelines, particularly state travel regulations (SAMM).
• Familiarity with Travel Expense Management System (TEMS).
• Experience with legislative bill tracking.

Competencies:

• Washington for All: The ability to take action to learn and grow.
• Washington for All: The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

Supplemental Information

Important Notes

• WTSC offers flexible/hybrid work options.
• The WTSC office is located in Olympia, Washington.
• Regular office hours are 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Flexible and/or compressed workweek schedules are considered depending on the position.

Why WTSC

What makes WTSC a great place to work? We save lives!

• We create a positive organizational culture focused on inclusion and diversity
• We use data-informed decision making to identify disparities, reduce barriers, and promote equitable opportunities and outcomes, internally and externally.
• We are committed to the health, safety, and wellness of our staff.
• Our leadership empowers and supports employees.
• We offer and support family-friendly mobile and flexible work schedule opportunities for most positions, as well as an infant at work program.
• We value and offer mentorship and training opportunities to develop your professional skills.
• Our office is located just minutes from the Capital campus.
• Check out the benefits offered by the state of Washington.

How to Apply

Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Electronic submission of applications materials will act as confirmation that the information submitted is complete and accurate to the best of your knowledge. Any untruthful or misleading information is cause for removal from the applicant pool or dismissal if employed. A resume will not substitute for completing the "duties summary" section or supplemental questions of the application. Please do not state "refer to resume" for detail, or your application may be disqualified.

Please include the following with your online application.

• A resume outlining your experience to date.
• A letter of interest describing how you meet the qualifications for this position as outlined in the job posting.
• Contact details for three (3) professional references who can attest to your work performance, skills, and job-related competencies. This information can be entered in the "References" section of the online application and does not need to be submitted as a separate attachment.

Opportunity for All

The Washington Traffic Safety Commission celebrates our differences and we are committed to a workplace that supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, marital status, families with children (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity diversity, age, status as a protected veteran, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as an individual with the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with disabilities or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We will also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials and we will honor this as you interact with our organization.

Contact Information

For questions about this recruitment or to request a reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact George Deguzman at george.deguzman@des.wa.gov or email jobs@des.wa.gov.

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

What is your level of education?

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Some or no college.
• 1 year of college (30 semester or 45 quarter credits) in Behavioral Science, Public Health, Social Science, Communications, Organizational Leadership, Public Administration, Business, Business Administration / Management, Human Services, Education, Criminal Justice, or related field.
• 1 year of college (30 semester or 45 quarter credits) in an unrelated field.
• Associates degree OR 2 years of college (60 semester or 90 quarter credits) in Behavioral Science, Public Health, Social Science, Communications, Organizational Leadership, Public Administration, Business, Business Administration / Management, Human Services, Education, Criminal Justice, or related field.
• Associates degree OR 2 years of college (60 semester or 90 quarter credits) in an unrelated field.
• 3 years of college (90 semester or 135 quarter credits) in Behavioral Science, Public Health, Social Science, Communications, Organizational Leadership, Public Administration, Business, Business Administration / Management, Human Services, Education, Criminal Justice, or related field.
• 3 years of college (90 semester or 135 quarter credits) in an unrelated field.
• Bachelors degree in Behavioral Science, Public Health, Social Science, Communications, Organizational Leadership, Public Administration, Business, Business Administration / Management, Human Services, Education, Criminal Justice, or related field.
• Bachelors degree in an unrelated field.
• Masters degree (or higher) in Behavioral Science, Public Health, Social Science, Communications, Organizational Leadership, Public Administration, Business, Business Administration / Management, Human Services, Education, Criminal Justice, or related field.
• Masters degree (or higher) in an unrelated field.
• None of these apply.

02

How many years of experience do you have in program or project coordination or management, contract or grant administration, community or stakeholder engagement, policy or systems analysis, process improvement or organizational development. strategic planning or program evaluation, operations, logistics, service delivery management, budgeting, procurement, or financial tracking, facilitation or interagency collaboration, transportation planning?

• Less than 1 year
• 1 or more years
• 2 or more years
• 3 or more years
• 4 or more years
• 5 or more years
• 6 or more years
• I do not have this experience.

03

Do you have experience with Microsoft 365?

• Yes
• No

04

Which option best describes your experience supporting grant-funded programs, contracts, or projects, including tracking deliverables, budgets, timelines, and compliance requirements?

• I have extensive experience supporting grant-funded programs, contracts, or projects doing tasks such as tracking deliverables, budgets, timelines, and compliance requirements.
• I have experience supporting grant-funded programs, contracts, or projects doing tasks such as tracking deliverables, budgets, timelines, and compliance requirements.
• I have basic familiarity supporting grant-funded programs, contracts, or projects doing tasks such as tracking deliverables, budgets, timelines, and compliance requirements.
• I have limited or no experience supporting grant-funded programs, contracts, or projects doing tasks such as tracking deliverables, budgets, timelines, and compliance requirements.
• None of these apply.

05

Describe your supporting grant-funded programs, contracts, or projects, including tracking deliverables, budgets, timelines, and compliance requirements.

06

Which statement best describes your experience reviewing, processing, or approving grant applications, contracts, invoices, reimbursements, or other financial documents?

• I have extensive experience reviewing, processing, or approving grant applications, contracts, invoices, reimbursements, or other financial documents.
• I have experience reviewing, processing, or approving grant applications, contracts, invoices, reimbursements, or other financial documents.
• I have basic familiarity reviewing, processing, or approving grant applications, contracts, invoices, reimbursements, or other financial documents.
• I have limited or no experience reviewing, processing, or approving grant applications, contracts, invoices, reimbursements, or other financial documents.
• None of these apply.

07

Which option best describes your experience coordinating with multiple divisions, stakeholders, and external partners to support program implementation?

• I have extensive experience coordinating with multiple divisions, numerous stakeholders, and external partners to support program implementation.
• I have experience coordinating with several divisions, many stakeholders, and external partners to support program implementation.
• I have basic familiarity coordinating with a couple divisions, a few stakeholders, and some external partners to support program implementation.
• I have limited or no experience coordinating with multiple divisions, stakeholders, and external partners to support program implementation.
• None of these apply.

08

Describe your experience preparing reports, summaries, or project updates for advisory groups and/or committees.

• I have extensive experience independently preparing reports, summaries or project updates for advisory groups and/or committees.
• I have experience with preparing reports, summaries, or project updates for advisory groups and/or committees with occasional review or oversight.
• I have basic familiarity with preparing reports, summaries, or project updates for advisory committees or have assisted in this type of work.
• I have limited or no experience preparing reports, summaries, or project updates for advisory groups and/or committees.
• None of these apply.

09

Which statement describes your experience coordinating meetings or supporting advisory groups, including agenda preparation, scheduling, communications, minute-taking, or follow-up activities?

• I have extensive experience independently coordinating meetings or supporting advisory groups, including agenda preparation, scheduling, communications, minute-taking, or follow-up activities.
• I have experience coordinating meetings or supporting advisory groups, including agenda preparation, scheduling, communications, minute-taking, or follow-up activities.
• I have basic familiarity with coordinating meetings or supporting advisory groups but limited experience.
• I have limited or no experience coordinating meetings or supporting advisory groups.
• None of these apply.

10

Which statement best describes your ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines while maintaining attention to detail?

• I routinely manage numerous competing priorities and tight deadlines with minimal oversight.
• I regularly manage multiple priorities with occasional guidance.
• I manage a moderate workload with some prioritization responsibilities.
• I have limited or no experience managing competing priorities.
• None of these apply.

11

Which statement describes your experience managing administrative or logistical aspects of conferences, trainings, stakeholder meetings, or public events? Include any experience with registration systems, travel coordination, hotel/event contracts, or event communications.

• I have extensive experience independently managing administrative or logistical aspects of conference, trainings, stakeholder meetings, or public events.
• I have experience managing administrative or logistical aspects of conference, trainings, stakeholder meetings, or public events with limited or occasional oversight.
• I have basic familiarity with managing administrative or logistical aspects of conference, trainings, stakeholder meetings, or public events.
• I have limited or no experience with managing administrative or logistical aspects of conference, trainings, stakeholder meetings, or public events.
• None of these apply.

12

This position requires maintaining organized records and ensuring files meet audit and compliance standards. Which statement describes your experience with records management, file reviews, records retention, audit preparation, or public records coordination?

• I have extensive experience with ensuring files meeting state audit and compliance standards, including experience with records management, file review, records retention, audit preparation, or public records coordination.
• I have experience with organizing records and ensuring files meet state audit and compliance standards.
• I have basic familiarity with organizing records and ensuring files meet audit and compliance standards.
• I have limited or no experience with organizing records and ensuring files meet audit and compliance standards.
• None of these apply.

13

How did you learn about this opportunity?

• Careers.wa.gov
• Governmentjobs.com
• WA State Business Resource Group
• Indeed
• LinkedIn
• Direct Email Notification
• WTSC website
• WTSC social media (Facebook, Instagram, etc.)
• WorkSource
• Other (specify below)

14

If you selected "Other" on the previous question, please specify how you learned of this employment opportunity in the space provided. If this does not apply to you, type "N/a".

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