Transportation Planning Specialist 5

Transportation Planning Specialist 5

Salary

$88,878.00 - $119,460.00 Annually

Location

Spokane County - Spokane, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

26DOT-ER-61199

Department

Dept. of Transportation

Division

Eastern Region

Opening Date

07/31/2026

Closing Date

8/16/2026 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 Principal Multimodal Planner (Transportation Planning Specialist 5) in Spokane, WA, to help shape the future of transportation across Eastern Washington and beyond. In this influential role, youll lead innovative planning efforts that connect long-range planning, project scoping, and design while advancing Complete Streets, active transportation, and inclusive community engagement initiatives that improve safety, mobility, and accessibility for all users.

As the regions subject matter expert, youll lead multidisciplinary teams, advise agency leadership, represent WSDOT with partners and stakeholders, and help develop statewide policies, guidance, and processes that support legislative priorities, including the Complete Streets and HEAL Acts. This is an exciting opportunity to make a lasting impact on how Washington plans, designs, and delivers a more connected, accessible, and equitable transportation system.

What to Expect

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

• Provide subject matter expertise to the Eastern Region on methods and best practices related to critical active transportation and multimodal planning and design elements, including Complete Streets requirements.
• Serve as consulting expert to provide advice and guidance on scope for study methodology in cooperative multimodal planning efforts.
• Deliver and track key milestones to ensure the delivery of Complete Streets project concepts to program management.
• Facilitate coordination on issues related to Complete Streets among our partners, stakeholders, and the community with the project engineering offices throughout the design and construction process.
• Coordinate with Jurisdictions on active transportation plan reviews and activities, including participating in Active Transportation Committees.
• Lead for local active transportation planning efforts including plan reviews and committee participation.
• Lead multidisciplinary project teams across organizational lines to determine Complete Streets options to inform pre-design and preliminary engineering.
• Develop and implement work plans to produce planning, scoping and pre-design deliverables related to planning requirements.
• Assign and review work of staff and/or consultants in the development and management of scope, schedule and budget
• Provide oversight of Eastern Region corridor planning, modeling, multimodal transportation analysis, and data functional areas in the region planning organization.
• Serve as member of agencywide policy and program development technical groups - emerging federal and state policy direction.

Qualifications

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

• Multimodal and active transportation expertise: Demonstrated hands-on experience in multimodal transportation systems, Complete Streets, and active transportation planning and design principles.
• Project leadership and coordination: Ability to lead and coordinate multidisciplinary project teams across organizational boundaries. Experience developing and managing project scope, schedule, and budget while ensuring deliverables are high quality and on time. Lead teams to generate and implement workable solutions to difficult problems. Improve work processes and efficiency.
• Collaboration and stakeholder coordination: Proven ability to collaborate effectively with internal offices, local jurisdictions, tribal governments, and external partners to reach decisions. Ability to represent the agency in working groups and public forums and communicate technical information to non-technical audiences.
• Community engagement and equity integration: Experience supporting or leading community engagement activities consistent with the HEAL Act. Ability to develop inclusive engagement plans and integrate community feedback into project development.
• Analytical thinking and decision-making: Ability to evaluate techniques and data, identify trends, and make well-supported recommendations. Skilled in documenting and presenting analytical reasoning, considering goals, trade-offs, and outcomes.
• Flexibility and creative approaches: Ability to adapt to changing business needs, conditions, and work responsibilities to achieve successful solutions and results in dynamic situations. Skilled in developing and applying novel approaches to navigate policy changes, funding constraints, and community feedback.
• Policy and program development contribution: Ability to contribute to the development of agency policies, procedures, and technical guidance related to Complete Streets and multimodal transportation. Knowledge of emerging federal and state active transportation policies and programs.
• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills for preparing reports, presentations, and correspondence for a range of audiences, including executives, policymakers, and community members. Practice attentive and active listening, with the ability to synthesize information from various resources, incorporate current conversation content with earlier discussions, and listen to and be open to other viewpoints. Gain support of others through persuasiveness, credibility, and expertise.
• Planning and organizational delivery: Demonstrated ability to manage multiple work packages, schedules, and competing priorities. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills for addressing complex transportation issues. Meets program delivery timelines related to Complete Streets and corridor studies.
• Technical Software and Data Analysis Tools: Proficient in MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook), project planning software, and able to produce accessible Title VI compliant materials for web and social media. Proficient in quantitative data analysis using tools such as ArcGIS, Streetlight Data, Inrix, Tableau, Power BI, and/or other geographic and data analytic tools.
• Mobility Requirement: Possession of a valid driver's license or the ability to obtain one by the time of appointment and the ability to travel independently throughout the service area to attend meetings, consultations, site visits, and community engagement activities.
• Travel: This position requires regular travel throughout the geographic area served by the position, including visits to tribal communities, project sites, partner agencies, and community meetings. Travel may include overnight travel.
• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

• Meeting facilitation: Skilled in planning, leading, and facilitating multidisciplinary meetings, ensuring inclusive participation and actionable outcomes.
• Organizational Change, Development & Team building: Experience in guiding organizational change, fostering team development across disciplines, and building sustainable collaboration.
• Government & Transportation Planning Collaboration: Experience working with local government entities and/or a metropolitan or regional transportation planning organization.
• Education Preparation: Demonstrated educational preparation equivalent to a bachelor's or master's degree in transportation planning, urban or regional planning, civil or transportation engineering, or a closely related field with coursework or emphasis in transportation, GIS, or related analytical disciplines.
• Ability to speak or write a second language or ASL.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the "Contact Us" section of this posting.
• 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 offer flexible work schedules that allow you time for your life outside of this excellent opportunity.
• 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.

Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?

How to Apply

Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine salary. Therefore, it is very important that the "Work Experience" portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible.

In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application:

• An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
• An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
• Contact details for a minimum of three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. This information can be entered in the "References" section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment.

Please click the "APPLY" button to proceed. Note that you will be prompted to either sign in or create an account. This step is required in order to submit an application to this opportunity.

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

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at amanda.strebeck@wsdot.wa.gov Please be sure to reference Transportation Planning Specialist 5 # 61199 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 describe your experience applying multimodal transportation planning, Complete Streets, and active transportation principles in transportation planning or project development.

• I have led the development and implementation of multimodal transportation plans, Complete Streets strategies, or active transportation projects at a regional, statewide, or agency-wide level and served as a recognized subject matter expert.
• I have independently managed multimodal transportation planning efforts and routinely incorporated Complete Streets and active transportation principles into multiple transportation projects.
• I have participated in multimodal transportation planning projects and assisted with incorporating Complete Streets or active transportation principles.
• I have limited experience supporting transportation planning efforts involving multimodal or active transportation concepts.
• I have no experience with multimodal transportation planning or Complete Streets principles.

02

Please briefly describe your experience applying multimodal transportation planning, Complete Streets, and active transportation principles in transportation planning or project development. If you do not have this experience, please note 'N/A'.

03

Please describe your experience leading multidisciplinary transportation planning or project teams.

• I have led large, complex multidisciplinary teams across multiple organizations, managing project scope, schedule, budget, and successful delivery of high-profile transportation projects.
• I have independently managed multidisciplinary transportation projects, coordinating team members and project deliverables.
• I have served as a project team member with responsibility for coordinating portions of project work.
• I have limited experience participating on project teams.
• I have no experience leading or coordinating transportation projects.

04

Please briefly describe your experience leading multidisciplinary transportation planning or project teams. If you do not have this experience, please note 'N/A'.

05

Please describe your experience collaborating with diverse stakeholders on transportation planning or project development.

• I have successfully led collaboration efforts involving local governments, tribal governments, state and federal agencies, community organizations, and elected officials to achieve consensus on transportation initiatives.
• I have regularly coordinated with multiple internal and external stakeholders on transportation projects.
• I have occasionally worked with external partners or stakeholders.
• I have limited experience collaborating outside of my immediate work group.
• I have no experience collaborating with external stakeholders.

06

Please describe your experience planning or leading community engagement activities for transportation projects.

• I have developed and led comprehensive community engagement strategies that incorporated equity principles, underserved communities, and public feedback into transportation decision-making.
• I have independently planned and facilitated public meetings, stakeholder outreach, or engagement activities.
• I have assisted with public outreach or community engagement efforts.
• I have limited exposure to community engagement activities.
• I have no experience with community engagement.

07

Please briefly describe your experience planning or leading community engagement activities for transportation projects. If you do not have this, please note 'N/A'.

08

Please describe your experience analyzing transportation data to support planning recommendations.

• I have led complex transportation analyses, evaluated multiple alternatives, and presented recommendations that influenced agency or executive decisions.
• I have independently analyzed transportation data and developed recommendations for planning projects.
• I have assisted with transportation analyses and data interpretation.
• I have limited experience analyzing transportation-related data.
• I have no experience conducting transportation analyses.

09

Please briefly describe your experience analyzing transportation data to support planning recommendations. If you do not have this experience, please note 'N/A'.

10

Please describe your experience adapting transportation projects or programs to changing priorities, funding, or policy requirements.

• I have successfully led major changes to transportation programs or projects by developing innovative solutions to complex policy, funding, or stakeholder challenges.
• I have independently adapted project approaches to changing priorities or constraints.
• I have contributed ideas that improved project outcomes.
• I have limited experience adapting projects to changing conditions.
• I have no experience in this area.

11

Please describe your experience developing transportation policies, guidance, or procedures.

• I have authored or led development of agency-wide or statewide transportation policies, technical guidance, or procedures.
• I have contributed significantly to policy or guidance development.
• I have reviewed or provided comments on policy or guidance documents.
• I have limited exposure to policy development.
• I have no experience developing transportation policies or guidance.

12

Please describe your experience preparing and presenting technical transportation information.

• I regularly prepare executive-level reports, technical guidance, and presentations and present complex information to executives, policymakers, elected officials, and public audiences.
• I frequently prepare technical reports and present project information to stakeholders.
• I occasionally prepare reports or presentations.
• I have limited experience preparing technical reports or presentations.
• I have no experience preparing technical reports or presentations.

13

Please indicate your experience using transportation planning and data analysis software (ArcGIS, Tableau, Power BI, StreetLight, INRIX, Excel, etc.).

• I am highly proficient using several of these tools to independently perform advanced transportation analyses, create dashboards, maps, and visualizations, and communicate planning recommendations.
• I regularly use multiple tools to analyze transportation data and prepare reports.
• I have working knowledge of one or more of these tools.
• I have limited experience using these tools.
• I have no experience with these software applications.

14

Please describe your experience creating accessible public-facing documents or digital content that complies with Title VI and accessibility standards.

• I routinely develop accessible reports, presentations, web content, and public outreach materials that meet accessibility and Title VI requirements.
• I have created accessible materials using agency standards.
• I have reviewed or assisted with accessible documents.
• I have limited familiarity with accessibility requirements.
• I have no experience creating accessible materials.

15

Do you have a valid driver's license and the ability to operate a state-owned vehicle?

• Yes
• No

16

Please list the highest level of education and field of study you have completed, as well as any other academic and/or professional development course you have completed.

17

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)

18

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