Transportation Planning Specialist 5 | FMSIB

Transportation Planning Specialist 5 | FMSIB

Salary

$88,788.00 - $119,458.00 Annually

Location

Thurston County - Olympia, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

26FMSIB-HQ-00007

Department

Freight Mobility Strategic Investment Board

Opening Date

08/13/2026

Closing Date

8/31/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

About FMSIB

The Washington State Freight Mobility Strategic Investment Board (FMSIB) is a micro-state agency and seventeen-member policy board made up of both public and private sector members appointed by the governor. FMSIB is held accountable to create a comprehensive and coordinated state program to facilitate freight movement between and among local, national, and international markets which enhances trade opportunities. The board's purpose is to:

• Provide strategic guidance to the governor and the legislature regarding the highest priority freight mobility needs in the state.
• Identify and recommend a program of high-priority strategic freight mobility investments.
• Encourage policies that support a competitive, resilient, sustainable, and equitable freight system.
• Serve as a forum for discussion of state transportation decisions affecting freight mobility.

The Opportunity

FMSIB is currently seeking to fill a Transportation Planning Specialist 5 vacancy located in Olympia, WA. Reporting to the Executive Director of FMSIB, this position will work to establish budget and policy recommendations for the Legislative Transportation Committees, Office of Financial Management, and Washington Governor. This position will serve as the subject matter expert for FMSIB's six-year investment plan recommendations, freight mobility studies, identification of emerging freight mobility issues, and feedback on freight mobility plans and funding opportunities. In this role, you will work independently with Executive Director guidance to develop common procedures and practices for identification of strategic freight mobility priorities for the Board to recommend to the Governor and Legislature. Exceptional communication skills are essential, as this position will require a collaborative approach to coordinate these efforts with tribes, WSDOT, regional planning organizations, cities, counties, ports, freight industry stakeholders, and communities.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Transportation Planning Specialist 5 will:

• Oversee projects, studies, and research to develop and administer a six-year investment plan for priority freight-mobility projects statewide.
• Manage the process established by the Board for recommending an investment program, with input from local governments, transportation planning organizations, tribes, and other public entities.
• Develop the investment program to be consistent with the federally recognized state freight plan.
• Provide analysis of the prospective investment projects and metrics for evaluation by the Board.
• Manage project studies involving Washington's freight, highway, rail, trucking, port, and maritime transportation needs to improve transportation infrastructure and facilitate these operations.
• Conduct research and outreach to identify prospective projects for the investment plan. Marshal information statewide while using GIS, digital communication, and transportation software.
• Research advanced multimodal analyses of freight projects for inclusion within the six-year investment plan that aligns with the transition to zero-emissions freight movement corridors.
• Conduct research on strategies, tools, and metrics for the freight sector to achieve zero-emissions consistent with state policy.
• Assist the Executive Director in developing the scopes of work for studies, evaluating proposals, coordinating with study consultants, monitoring progress on deliverables, and providing status reports to the Board.
• Use spreadsheets, GIS, and other digital technology to facilitate information standardization, sharing, and communication.

Qualifications

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

• Transportation Planning & Analysis: Demonstrated knowledge of transportation planning, engineering, business administration, or a closely related field, with the ability to apply advanced principles, analytical techniques, and professional judgment to support transportation programs, policies, and projects.
• Complex Planning & Program Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead complex planning initiatives, analyzing transportation issues, develop strategic recommendations, coordinate with diverse stakeholders, interpret applicable laws, regulations, and policies, and make decisions that support organizational and statewide transportation objectives.
• Freight Mobility & Transportation Projects: Experience conducting research on freight mobility projects and issues, providing technical assistance and guidance on transportation project needs: design, construction, environmental, financing, etc.
• GIS & Transportation Technology: Experience with GIS, digital communications, and transportation planning software. Intermediate skill level using Microsoft Excel.
• Stakeholder Relations & Collaboration: Skills to work with diverse groups and to act as a liaison between FMSIB , tribes, fellow state agencies, transportation planning organizations, cities, counties, ports, and freight mobility partners.
• Written & Verbal Communication: Skills and experience communicating effectively in written and verbal form to diverse audiences. Excellent writing skills.
• Growth Mindset Service-Oriented: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth. Takes action to meet the needs of others.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Transportation Project Planning: Extensive experience in transportation project planning.
• Transportation, Grants & Project Management: Experience in technical expertise in surface transportation issues. Strong background in grant program administration, funding, and project management.
• Washington Laws & Administrative Codes: Thorough knowledge of Washington State statutes and administrative codes.
• Transportation Fiscal & Business Environment: Thorough knowledge of the State's fiscal and business climate and the revenue used to finance state transportation.
• Policy & Program Management: Ability to develop policy and manage complex transportation programs. Experience working with Board members that represent different interests.
• Washington Transportation System & Legislative Process: Knowledge of the Washington State road and transportation system and knowledge of Washington's legislative process.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• Ability to travel statewide for board meetings, site visits, workshops, and conferences.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• 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.
• FMSIB 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.

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.

FMSIB is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. All persons, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity, are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter via email.

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, at Robyn.Lovely@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26FMSIB-HQ-00007 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 role in applying advanced principles to support transportation programs, policies, and projects. If you do not have this experience, please enter N/A.

02

Transportation Planning & Analysis: Which best describes your knowledge and ability to apply planning, transportation planning, engineering, business administration, or closely related principles?

• Advanced knowledge and demonstrated ability to independently apply analytical techniques and professional judgment to complex transportation programs, policies, and projects.
• Working knowledge and demonstrated ability to apply analytical techniques and professional judgment to transportation programs, policies, and projects with limited guidance.
• Foundational knowledge of transportation planning, engineering, planning, business administration, or a closely related field and the ability to apply established principles to transportation-related work.
• I do not possess this knowledge.

03

Complex Planning & Program Leadership: Which best describes your experience leading complex planning initiatives and supporting transportation objectives?

• I independently lead complex planning initiatives, analyze transportation issues, develop strategic recommendations, coordinate diverse stakeholders, interpret applicable laws, regulations, and policies, and make decisions supporting organizational and statewide transportation objectives.
• I lead planning initiatives, analyze transportation issues, develop recommendations, coordinate stakeholders, and apply laws, regulations, and policies with limited guidance.
• I support planning initiatives by analyzing transportation issues, coordinating stakeholders, developing recommendations, and applying established laws, regulations, and policies.
• I do not have this experience.

04

Please briefly describe your experience leading complex planning initiatives and supporting transportation objectives. If you do not have this experience, please enter N/A.

05

Freight Mobility & Transportation Projects: Which best describes your experience conducting research and providing technical assistance related to freight mobility and transportation projects?

• I independently conduct complex research on freight mobility projects and issues and provide technical expertise and guidance on design, construction, environmental, financing, and other transportation project needs.
• I conduct research on freight mobility projects and issues and provide technical assistance and guidance on transportation project needs with limited guidance.
• I assist with research and provide technical support related to freight mobility projects and transportation project needs.
• I do not have this experience.

06

Please briefly describe your experience conducting research and providing technical assistance related to freight mobility and transportation projects. If you do not have this experience, please enter N/A.

07

GIS & Transportation Technology: Which best describes your experience using GIS, digital communications, and transportation planning software?

• I regularly use GIS, digital communications, and transportation planning software to analyze information, develop products, communicate results, and support transportation planning and decision-making.
• I use several of these technologies to support transportation planning, analysis, communication, or project work, at an intermediate skill level.
• I have experience using some of these technologies to support transportation-related work and have developed basic proficiency.
• I do not have this experience.

08

Please list the GIS and transportation planning software you are proficient in using. If none, please enter N/A.

09

Transportation Project Planning: Do you have experience in transportation project planning? If yes, please briefly describe your experience, including the types and scope of transportation projects you have planned or supported. If no, please enter N/A.

10

Policy & Program Management: Do you have experience developing policy, managing complex transportation programs, or working with Board members who represent diverse interests? If yes, please briefly describe your experience, including the types of policies or programs you managed. If no, please enter N/A.

11

In reference to the question above, please briefly describe your experience. If you do not have this experience, please type N/A.

12

Please select all the following that you have knowledge of/experience with:

• Washington's legislative process
• Washington State road system
• Board members that represent different interests
• State's fiscal and business climate and the revenue used to finance state transportation
• Washington State statutes and administrative codes
• None of the above

13

Please briefly describe the experience indicated in the question above. If you do not have any of the above, please enter N/A.

14

How did you learn of this employment opportunity?

• Indeed
• LinkedIn
• Direct Email Notification
• FMSIB/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)

15

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