Safe Systems Planner – TPS5 - State of Washington

About WSDOT
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal organization with a global reputation for excellence! Our dedicated workforce is responsible to plan, design, build, and operate an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 18,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT manages the world's longest floating bridge, executes an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds a record for the world's widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!
 
The Opportunity
WSDOT is currently seeking to fill a Transportation Planning Specialist 5 vacancy within the Transportation Safety and System Analysis Division. In this role, the selected candidate will develop policies, procedures, and processes that will continue WSDOT’s progress towards the Safe Systems Approach. The Safe System Approach initiates a new scope for WSDOT in data collection, analysis, and reporting responsibilities as well as ranking and prioritization of investments. The Safe System Approach is fundamental to developing Complete Streets, and in carrying out a safety program that will reduce fatal and serious crashes. The incumbent in this position will work with internal and external partners to carry out a comprehensive and coordinated safety program and operationalize a safety approach that enhances safety outcomes in planning, programming, and project development processes. The position draws heavily from statewide plans that address safety: Target Zero, Getting to Zero, the Statewide Active Transportation Plan, and the Highway System Plan in performing work duties that implement the goals, objectives and strategies outlined by each. This position will also work with other organizations, offices, and regions to identify locations that would benefit from safety treatment.

What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Safe System Planner will:

• Serve as an agency expert in safety planning and programming, working across divisions to carry out the policy and procedures related to the safety program and safety related activities within all programs. Special emphasis is provided to complete streets and safe systems.
• Development and implement the planning processes, policies, and procedures required to carry out the State Highway Safety Plan, and Highway Safety Improvement Plan.
• Work across divisions to continue the implementation of the Safe System Approach by providing expertise to WSDOT regions and headquarters divisions.
• Serve as a statewide expert related to evaluation, analysis, and diagnosis as a fundamental role in network screening and planning level analysis for safety.
• Assess the current state of the WSDOT system in terms of safety related outcomes.
• Work with other divisions to develop potential approaches for both reactive and proactive strategies to address road safety.
• Develop datasets for use in safety analysis, including data using crash geometric, traffic asset, and socio-economic factors.
• Carry out activities related to federal target setting, and reporting for the Highway Safety Improvement Program and Rail Highway Grade Crossing Program.
• Report to the Federal Highway Administration as required under 23 USC 148 and 23 USC 130.
• Establish safety performance targets in partnership with the Washington Traffic Safety Commission and metropolitan planning organizations.

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

• Seven (7) years transportation planning experience involving transportation planning or engineering, with analysis and evaluation of multimodal transportation issues and problems OR two (2) years of experience as Associate Planner/Transportation Planning Specialist 3 or equivalent role at public agency, non-governmental organization, or private consulting firm. (An advanced degree in transportation planning or related field may substitute for one year of experience.) 
• Understanding of Safe System Approach, analysis, tools and methods.
• Ability to consistently analyze safety performance using a variety of techniques and select the most appropriate, considering goals, potential payback, resource requirements, and possible drawbacks.
• Effectively document justification for safety decision-making and communicate how the technique will accomplish the desired goals of the Safe System Approach. 
• Analyze transportation plans and data and make recommendations based on the analysis.
• Ability to use computers and a variety of software, including Teams, Excel, Word, and Outlook. Skill with Geographic Information System (GIS) software, Statistical Analysis Software, Streetlight, Tableau, and the more advanced capabilities of excel may also be needed for specific assignments.
• Ability to use critical problem-solving skills, systems, and multimodal and multidiscipline thinking in addressing the needs of safety planning.

 
It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Meeting facilitation skills.
• Experience in organizational change/development and multidisciplinary teambuilding.
• Experience working in local government and/or a metropolitan or regional transportation planning organization.
• Proficient in quantitative data analysis using sources as tools such as, ArcGIS, Streetlight Data, lnrix, Cube Access, Tableau, Power Bl, and/or other geographic and data analytic tools.

 
 Important Notes 

• 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.
• This position may be eligible for remote work up to 100%, per supervisor approval.
• 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 occasional telework for eligible positions.  
• 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. 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 via email.
 
Contact Us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, at Rachel.Giese@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 24DOT-HQ-05196 in the subject line.