Regional Administrator | Olympic Region

Regional Administrator | Olympic Region

Salary

$152,712.00 - $190,884.00 Annually

Location

Thurston County - Lacey, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

26DOT-HQ-3E213e

Department

Dept. of Transportation

Division

Headquarters

Opening Date

07/01/2026

Closing Date

7/15/2026 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 seeking a Regional Administrator to provide executive leadership for the Olympic Region, overseeing the delivery of transportation programs and services across Clallam, Grays Harbor, Jefferson, Kitsap, Mason, Pierce, and Thurston counties. Reporting directly to the Assistant Secretary for Regions, this position leads regional operations within the Governors and Secretary of Transportations policy direction, guiding multidisciplinary teams responsible for program management, project development, engineering, environmental services, construction, maintenance and operations, planning, safety, communications, local programs, and administrative services. This instrumental role is responsible for ensuring the customer-focused, cost-effective, and timely delivery of transportation programs and services by establishing regional priorities, driving organizational performance, developing high-performing leaders, and fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and operational excellence. Serving as the regions primary ambassador and spokesperson, this role builds and maintains strong partnerships with elected officials, tribal governments, local agencies, regional organizations, business and community leaders, and other key stakeholders to advance transportation priorities, strengthen public trust, and support successful program delivery.

What to Expect

This is a senior executive position, responsible for an entire transportation region, requiring demonstrated leadership outcomes, executive judgment, stakeholder influence, organizational management, and transportation program delivery.

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

• Provide leadership and direction to three Assistant Regional Administrators managing the many regional program areas ensuring the regions goals are met.
• Provide leadership and direction to the region Public Information Officer/Communications Manager, and the Executive Assistant.
• Provide direction for regional transportation planning and budgeting.
• Align region processes and efforts with WSDOT's Strategic Plan, Executive Orders, and agency priorities.
• Solve problems involving dealing with coordination, legal, social, environmental, engineering and fiscal matters to meet project scope, budget and delivery timelines.
• Serve as a member of WSDOT, State or nationally appointed policy teams and committees.
• As an appointing authority, approve new hires, promotions, transfers, corrective/disciplinary actions, and establishment of positions in accordance with the state personnel rules.
• Model leadership and performance characteristics that promote professionalism, integrity, accountability and public service.
• Drive to multiple worksites across the region and state in support of agency operations and program objectives.
• Facilitate partnerships/consensus among legislators, local officials, citizens, and other internal and external forces through the complex process of public involvement and legal, environmental, engineering and fiscal constraints associated with producing projects on schedule, within budget that meet needs of parties involved.

Qualifications

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

Executive Leadership and Organizational Management

• Demonstrated ability to lead large, complex organizations through multiple levels of management and establish strategic vision, goals, performance measures, and accountability systems and balance short-term operational needs with long-term strategic objectives.
• Skills to direct leadership of multiple divisions, departments, regions, or business units; develop and mentor leaders and management teams.

Transportation Program and Infrastructure Leadership

• Demonstrated ability to direct complex transportation, infrastructure, public works, engineering, construction, maintenance, operations, or capital improvement programs and make decisions involving asset preservation, safety, mobility, environmental considerations, and funding constraints.
• Skills to integrate planning, design, environmental review, construction, maintenance, and operations functions to achieve organizational objectives and lead through crises and emergency situations.

Public Sector Leadership and Governance

• Demonstrated ability to operate effectively within a governmental or a highly regulated environment and interpret and implement laws, regulations, executive directives, policies, and administrative requirements.
• Advanced expertise and knowledge of professional transportation and civil engineering practices and standards, and environmental and highway design laws and regulations. Skills to exercise sound judgment in politically sensitive situations and serve as an executive responsible for personnel actions.
• Experience in a leadership role within state, federal, tribal, county, municipal, or other public-sector organizations and/or experience working with elected and appointed officials.

Strategic Planning and Execution/Financial and Resource Management

• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement strategic plans aligned with organizational priorities, translate strategic objectives into measurable operational outcomes and balance competing priorities, risks, resources, and stakeholder interests.
• Skills to deliver complex programs and initiatives on schedule and within budget and manage competing funding priorities and resource constraints.
• Skills to direct large operating and capital budgets, allocate resources strategically to achieve organizational objectives, and exercise fiscal stewardship and accountability.
• Experience having responsibility for multimillion-dollar budgets.

Stakeholder Engagement and External Relations

• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective relationships with officials, tribal governments, community leaders, businesses, partner agencies, and advocacy organizations.
• Skills to represent an organization as a spokesperson and executive ambassador; build coalitions and facilitate consensus among groups with competing interests.
• Skills to communicate complex technical and policy issues to diverse audiences.

Growth Mindset and Service-Oriented

• Fosters a culture of inclusion, collaboration, continuous improvement, and employee engagement.
• Promotes workplace safety and employee well-being. Advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging initiatives.
• Leads organizational change and transformation initiatives.
• Takes action to meet the needs of others and actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Transportation Expertise: Knowledge of state transportation systems, highway operations, maintenance, construction, and multimodal transportation programs. Knowledge of transportation funding and programming processes.
• Tribal Relations: Experience consulting and partnering with Tribal governments. A solid understanding of government-to-government relationships.
• Legislative and Policy: Experience working directly with legislative bodies, congressional offices, or executive-level policy development.
• Emergency Management: Experience leading transportation or public infrastructure operations during emergencies, natural disasters, or major incidents.
• To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the Contact Us section of this posting.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• The salary range listed includes the 2% general wage increase, effective on July 1, 2026.
• 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. As such, there are a number of flexible schedule options available, including telework options for eligible positions.
• Paid Leave - In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees 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 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. NOTE: This information may 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.

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at Robyn.Lovely@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-HQ-3E213e 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

Please briefly describe your most recent program management or executive leadership role and responsibilities. If you do not have this experience, please enter N/A.

02

Executive Leadership and Organizational Management: Please select the response that best describes your experience leading large, complex organizations through multiple levels of management while establishing strategic vision, organizational goals, performance measures, and accountability systems.

• I have led an executive-level organization with multiple divisions, departments, or business units, established long-term strategic direction, implemented performance management systems, developed senior leaders, and was accountable for organization-wide results.
• I have led one or more large programs, departments, or functional areas through multiple levels of management, established strategic goals, managed organizational performance, and supervised managers.
• I have led a team, office, or program with responsibility for planning work, supervising staff, and implementing operational goals.
• I have experience contributing to organizational goals or leading projects but have not had responsibility for managing managers or setting organizational strategy.
• I have no experience in this area.

03

Transportation Program and Infrastructure Leadership: Please select the response that best describes your experience leading complex transportation, infrastructure, engineering, construction, maintenance, operations, or capital improvement programs.

• I have executive responsibility for multiple complex transportation or public infrastructure programs, balancing safety, mobility, environmental compliance, funding, asset management, and organizational priorities.
• I have managed one or more large transportation, engineering, construction, maintenance, or capital programs with responsibility for project delivery, budget, schedule, and operational performance.
• I have served as a technical lead, project manager, or supervisor responsible for portions of transportation or infrastructure projects.
• I have worked in transportation or infrastructure programs but have not led major programs.
• I have no experience in this area.

04

Public Sector Leadership and Governance: Please select the response that best describes your experience working within a governmental or highly regulated environment.

• I have served in an executive leadership role responsible for interpreting and implementing laws, regulations, executive directives, policies, personnel actions, and organizational governance while working with elected or appointed officials.
• I have managed programs or divisions within a governmental or highly regulated organization and routinely interpreted policies, regulations, and legal requirements.
• I have worked in a governmental or regulated environment and applied established policies and procedures in my work.
• I have limited experience working within a governmental or regulated environment.
• I have no experience in this area.

05

Strategic Planning and Execution / Financial and Resource Management: Please select the response that best describes your experience developing strategic plans and managing large organizational budgets and resources.

• I have executive responsibility for developing strategic plans and directing multimillion-dollar operating and capital budgets while balancing competing priorities, allocating resources, and ensuring fiscal accountability.
• I have managed significant program or departmental budgets, implemented strategic initiatives, and monitored financial performance.
• I have managed project budgets or contributed to strategic planning and resource allocation.
• I have limited experience with budgeting or strategic planning.
• I have no experience in this area.

06

Approximately what is the largest annual operating and/or capital budget for which you have had direct management responsibility?

• More than $500 million
• $100 million to less than $500 million
• $25 million to less than $100 million
• Less than $25 million
• I have not had direct budget management responsibility.

07

Transportation Expertise: Do you have experience with state transportation systems, highway operations, maintenance, construction, multimodal transportation programs, or transportation funding and programming processes? If yes, please briefly describe your experience. Otherwise, enter N/A.

08

Tribal Relations: Do you have experience consulting, collaborating, or partnering with Tribal governments and working within government-to-government relationships?

• Yes
• No

09

Legislative and Policy: Do you have experience working directly with legislative bodies, congressional offices, or executive-level policy development?

• Yes
• No

10

Emergency Management: Do you have experience leading transportation or public infrastructure operations during emergencies, natural disasters, or major incidents?

• Yes
• No

11

How did you learn of this employment opportunity?

• Indeed
• LinkedIn
• Direct Email Notification
• WSDOT social media (Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, etc)
• Career Fair
• Monster
• WorkSource
• Handshake
• AASHTO
• NACTO
• COMTO
• APWA
• "NOW HIRING" banner/sign
• Radio advertisement
• 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

Employer State of Washington

Address View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504

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