Tunnels Assistant Superintendent

Tunnels Assistant Superintendent

Salary

$108,486.00 - $132,839.00 Annually

Location

King County - Seattle - Other, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

26DOT-NWR-1W303

Department

Dept. of Transportation

Division

Northwest Region

Opening Date

09/21/2026

Closing Date

10/5/2026 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 an experienced leader to serve as the Tunnels Assistant Superintendent in Seattle, WA. This key leadership role helps oversee some of Washington's most complex transportation infrastructure, including the SR 99 Tunnel, I-90 Mount Baker Tunnel, Mercer Island Lid, Seattle Convention Center Tunnel, and other critical tunnel and pump station facilities throughout the Northwest Region.

Reporting directly to the Tunnels Superintendent, the Assistant Superintendent provides leadership for three maintenance supervisors and a workforce of 47 employees responsible for the safe, reliable operation and maintenance of these vital transportation assets. This position leads workforce planning, budget development, preservation planning, and operational priorities while providing oversight of tunnel fire and life safety systems. As a senior leader within the Tunnels organization, the Assistant Superintendent plays a critical role in protecting the traveling public, ensuring long-term stewardship of WSDOT's tunnel infrastructure, and advancing safe and reliable transportation throughout the Puget Sound region. The position also serves as a state and national subject matter expert in tunnel operations and assumes leadership of the Tunnels organization in the Superintendent's absence.

What to Expect

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

• Provide executive leadership and operational oversight for the Northwest Region Tunnel Maintenance Program, exercising full organizational authority in the absence of the Tunnels Superintendent. Establish priorities and direct personnel, equipment, and financial resources to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient tunnel operations, maintenance, special-event support, and emergency response.
• Direct the maintenance, operation, reliability, and continuous improvement of complex tunnel systems, including intelligent transportation systems (ITS), electrical and mechanical systems, roadway ventilation, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), incident detection cameras and software, CCTV and tunnel automation platforms, and fire and life safety systems. Provide strategic technical leadership throughout the planning, design, construction, commissioning, operation, maintenance, and final acceptance of tunnel infrastructure.
• Lead and develop the tunnel maintenance workforce through three maintenance supervisors overseeing approximately 47 technical maintenance specialists and traffic control professionals. Direct workforce planning, performance management, employee development, resource allocation, operational priorities, labor agreement compliance, workplace accommodations, and safety standards.
• Oversee regional pump station operations to ensure system reliability, preventive maintenance, emergency preparedness, and regulatory compliance.
• Provide strategic leadership for contracts, agreements, and fiscal operations, including developing, negotiating, implementing, and administering local agency and interagency agreements; contract administration; purchasing; payroll approval; and utility payments.
• Lead organizational safety, security, risk management, and continuous improvement efforts by evaluating operational risks and implementing strategies that protect employees, facilities, vehicles, equipment, and critical infrastructure while promoting a strong Culture of Safety.
• Serve as the Northwest Region's senior technical advisor and subject matter expert for tunnel systems, providing guidance on complex technical issues and supporting the development and continuous improvement of statewide electrical and electronic systems and tunnel maintenance programs.
• Lead the evaluation, testing, and implementation of emerging technologies and innovative practices that improve tunnel systems, fire and life safety, ITS, traffic control, maintenance efficiency, and operational reliability.
• Serve as the senior tunnel decision-maker during emergencies and major incidents, including fires, natural disasters, system failures, and events affecting tunnel operations. Represent the Tunnel organization during Emergency Operations Center (EOC), Area Operations Center, and Regional EOC activations and perform assigned Incident Command System (ICS) leadership roles, including Operations Section Chief, to support emergency response and continuity of transportation operations.

Qualifications

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

• Project Management: Demonstrated ability to plan, coordinate, and deliver complex maintenance, construction, or operational projects involving multiple stakeholders, competing priorities, and constrained resources.
• Supervisory Experience: Demonstrated experience providing leadership and oversight for teams of five or more employees, including assigning work, monitoring performance, ensuring safety compliance, and achieving operational objectives.
• Progressive Leadership Experience: Demonstrated supervisory experience overseeing at least two employees, including responsibility for coaching, performance management, and work coordination in a technical or operational environment.
• Technical Experience: Demonstrated experience in roadway, building, construction, electrical maintenance, or related engineering fields requiring application of safety standards, operational procedures, troubleshooting, and maintenance of complex systems.
• Incident Command System (ICS) Training: Completion of ICS courses 100, 200, 700, 800, and 2200.
• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.

The following qualifications are also required:

• Ability to respond to both tunnels' organization emergencies but also region/statewide emergencies 24 hours a day.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

• Fire and Life Safety Systems Knowledge: Demonstrated experience working with building or roadway fire and life safety systems, including application of safety standards, operational requirements, and maintenance practices in complex environments.
• Technical Plan Interpretation and Development: Demonstrated ability to read, interpret, and develop roadway or building plans, schematics, and technical documentation to support maintenance, construction, or operational decision-making.
• Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Expertise: Demonstrated experience in the design, operation, maintenance, or integration of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), including related hardware, software, and system controls.
• Organizational Skills: Demonstrated ability to organize, prioritize, and coordinate multiple complex tasks, projects, and operational demands while maintaining accuracy and meeting deadlines.
• Self-Motivation and Initiative: Demonstrated ability to work independently, identify needed actions, and follow through with minimal direction in a complex operational environment.
• Complex Work Execution: Demonstrated track record of successfully planning, coordinating, and completing complex assignments involving multiple stakeholders, competing priorities, and operational constraints.
• Leadership and Influence: Demonstrated ability to motivate, guide, and influence diverse teams and work groups to achieve operational objectives, maintain safety standards, and support organizational goals.

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 listed includes the legislative approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County.
• 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 a choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information.

How to Apply

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

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

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

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

WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. All persons, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/ or gender identity, are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the 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 Tunnels Assistant Superintendent #1W303 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

Which best describes your experience planning, coordinating, and delivering complex maintenance, construction, engineering, or operational projects involving multiple stakeholders, competing priorities, and/or constrained resources?

• Expert: I have extensive experience leading complex, high-impact projects from planning through completion, coordinating multiple stakeholders, managing competing priorities and constrained resources, and adjusting strategies to achieve project objectives.
• Advanced: I have independently led complex projects involving multiple stakeholders, competing priorities, and resource constraints, with responsibility for coordinating activities, resolving issues, and delivering project outcomes.
• Intermediate: I have coordinated projects involving multiple stakeholders or competing priorities and contributed to planning, scheduling, resource coordination, and issue resolution.
• Foundational: I have participated in projects and assisted with project planning, coordination, scheduling, or tracking.
• No Experience: I do not have this experience.

02

Please briefly describe your experience planning, coordinating, and delivering complex maintenance, construction, engineering, or operational projects involving multiple stakeholders, competing priorities, and/or constrained resources. If you do not have this experience, please note 'N/A'.

03

Which best describes your experience providing direct supervision and operational leadership for a team of five or more employees?

• Expert: I have extensive experience supervising teams of five or more employees, including assigning and prioritizing work, monitoring performance, addressing performance issues, ensuring safety and policy compliance, developing employees, and achieving operational objectives.
• Advanced: I have directly supervised teams of five or more employees, with responsibility for work assignments, performance management, employee development, safety, and operational results.
• Intermediate: I have provided day-to-day supervision or lead-worker oversight for teams of five or more employees, including assigning work, monitoring performance, and supporting safe and effective operations.
• Foundational: I have provided work direction or coordination to employees but have not had full supervisory responsibility for a team of five or more.
• No Experience: I do not have this experience.

04

Please briefly describe your experience providing direct supervision and operational leadership. If you do not have this experience, please note 'N/A'.

05

Which best describes your experience applying technical knowledge, safety standards, operational procedures, troubleshooting practices, and maintenance principles in a roadway, building, construction, electrical, engineering, or related technical environment?

• Expert: I have extensive experience independently applying technical knowledge to troubleshoot, maintain, improve, or oversee complex systems while interpreting and enforcing applicable safety standards, operational procedures, and maintenance requirements.
• Advanced: I have independently performed or overseen technical work involving troubleshooting, maintenance, system operations, and application of safety standards and established procedures.
• Intermediate: I have applied technical knowledge and established procedures to perform maintenance, troubleshooting, construction, engineering, or operational work in a technical environment.
• Foundational: I have assisted with technical, maintenance, construction, engineering, or operational activities under established procedures and direction.
• No Experience: I do not have this experience.

06

Which best describes your experience working with fire and life safety systems in a complex building, roadway, industrial, transportation, or similar environment?

• Expert: I have extensive experience overseeing the operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, testing, and/or integration of complex fire and life safety systems, including applying applicable safety standards, operational requirements, and maintenance practices.
• Advanced: I have independently worked with complex fire and life safety systems, including performing or overseeing maintenance, troubleshooting, testing, inspections, or operational activities while applying applicable safety standards and requirements.
• Intermediate: I have experience operating, maintaining, testing, inspecting, or troubleshooting fire and life safety systems in a building, roadway, industrial, transportation, or similar environment.
• Foundational: I have assisted with the operation, maintenance, inspection, testing, or troubleshooting of fire and life safety systems under established procedures or direction.
• No Experience: I do not have this experience.

07

Which best describes your experience reading, interpreting, developing, or applying roadway, building, engineering, electrical, mechanical, or other technical plans and documentation?

• Expert: I have extensive experience independently interpreting and developing complex technical plans, schematics, specifications, and related documentation and using them to make maintenance, construction, design, or operational decisions.
• Advanced: I have independently interpreted and developed technical plans, schematics, or documentation to support complex maintenance, construction, engineering, or operational activities.
• Intermediate: I regularly interpret technical plans, drawings, schematics, specifications, or other documentation to perform or coordinate maintenance, construction, engineering, or operational work.
• Foundational: I have experience reading and interpreting basic technical plans, drawings, schematics, or documentation under established procedures or direction.
• No Experience: I do not have this experience.

08

Which best describes your experience with Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) or comparable technology-based transportation, facility, or operational control systems?

• Expert: I have extensive experience leading the design, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, integration, or continuous improvement of complex ITS or comparable systems involving multiple hardware, software, communications, and system-control components.
• Advanced: I have independently operated, maintained, troubleshot, integrated, or supported the implementation of complex ITS or comparable technology-based systems and their associated hardware, software, and controls.
• Intermediate: I have hands-on experience operating, maintaining, troubleshooting, configuring, or supporting ITS or comparable automated control, monitoring, communications, or technology-based systems.
• Foundational: I have assisted with the operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, or implementation of ITS or comparable technical systems under established procedures or direction.
• No Experience: I do not have this experience.

09

Please select the ICS courses you have completed (select all that apply):

• 100
• 200
• 700
• 800
• 2200
• None of the above

10

Do you have the ability to respond to both tunnels' organization emergencies but also region/statewide emergencies 24 hours a day?

• Yes
• No

11

Please indicate your highest level of completed education:

• Master's degree or higher
• Bachelors degree
• Associate degree
• High school diploma or GED
• None of the above

12

Please list your degree and field of study, or type N/A.

13

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)

14

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