Regional Local Programs Engineer

Posting number: 26DOT-OR-3W035e

Department: Dept. of Transportation

Division: Olympic Region

Job classification: WMS BAND 3

Posting type: Open

Categories: Engineering, Public Safety, Transportation, Management, Program Management

Summary

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 world's longest floating bridge, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

The Opportunity
WSDOT is currently seeking a Region Local Programs Engineer to lead the Region Local Programs Office and strengthen partnerships that deliver transportation improvements across Washington. In this key leadership role, you will collaborate with local agencies, Tribal Governments, regional organizations, and the Federal Highway Administration to help advance federally and state-funded transportation projects that serve communities statewide. Your expertise will help ensure projects are delivered in compliance with state and federal requirements while supporting safe, reliable, and efficient transportation systems. This position plays a vital role in advancing WSDOT's mission by fostering collaboration, promoting accountability, and improving mobility and public safety for the traveling public.

What to Expect
This position provides technical direction, guidance, and training for internal and external staff. Occasionally requested by agencies to be on interview panels for the selection of key staff members or consultants.

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

• Lead, plan, organize, and supervise the Region Local Programs Office, ensuring effective use of resources, maintaining high ethical and professional standards, and supporting a diverse workforce.
• Administer and enforce compliance with state and federal laws, regulations, and funding requirements for transportation programs and projects, applying appropriate oversight to protect federal funding and address noncompliance.
• Oversee project management and serve as the approving authority for federally funded projects administered by non-certified local agencies, including consultant selection, agreements, project design, plans, specifications, estimates, contract advertisement and award, change orders, contractor claims, final inspections, and project closeout.
• Conduct project risk assessments, monitor project delivery, and provide technical, schedule, financial, and funding oversight throughout all project phases, including planning, environmental documentation, right of way, design, and construction.
• Provide technical guidance, consultation, training, and federal compliance support to local agencies, including assistance with consultant procurement and project administration.
• Build and maintain collaborative partnerships with local agencies, Tribal Governments, MPOs, RTPOs, and other stakeholders, representing WSDOT and facilitating coordination, transportation agreements, and route transfer processes.
• Resolve complex transportation issues and politically sensitive conflicts between WSDOT and local agencies, advocate for mutually beneficial solutions, and represent local agency interests during transportation planning and project delivery.
• Respond to inquiries from the public, media, and legislative officials, gather customer feedback, and recommend improvements to enhance program effectiveness and stakeholder satisfaction.

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

• Professional Licensure: Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) in Civil Engineering in the State of Washington, or the ability to obtain Washington State PE licensure within 3 months of hire.
• Engineering Management: Applies sound engineering judgment and extensive knowledge of project development, construction principles, contract administration, and program delivery, including budget, schedule, environmental, and quality accountability.
• Strategic Planning and Program Management: Develops strategic plans, establishes performance objectives, monitors results, and implements corrective actions to achieve program goals.
• Communication and Stakeholder Relations: