Job Description
Posting number: 26DOT-NWR-10617e
Department: Dept. of Transportation
Division: Northwest Region
Job classification: ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRON SYS SPEC 3 –TRAN
Posting type: Open & Promotional
Categories: Public Works, Telecommunications, Trades, Transportation, Maintenance, Electronics
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 an Electrical and Electronic System Specialist 3 to support the safe and reliable operation of the I-90 Tunnels, Seattle Convention Center lid, and SR 520 Montlake and Portage Bay lids. This position performs advanced maintenance, diagnosis, installation, repair, and testing of complex electronic, fiber-optic, fire life safety, and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) equipment. The incumbent plays a critical role in ensuring tunnel and lid systems remain fully functional, operationally safe, and responsive during emergencies such as fires, collisions, and other roadway incidents. This position directly supports WSDOT’s mission and strategic plan through a strong commitment to safety, quality, stewardship, and system resilience. The successful candidate will also help foster a workplace culture grounded in respect, equal opportunity, and belonging.
What to Expect
The typical schedule for this position is Monday through Thursday, 5:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., working four 10-hour shifts per week. This position may require weekend, holiday, night, alternate, and emergency shift work in response to operational needs and emergency situations. The incumbent must be able to report to the assigned duty station within 60 minutes of an after-hours call-out and participate in a rotational 24-hour standby schedule. Occasional call-backs may be required. Employees are expected to respond to emergency situations in all weather conditions, independently or as part of a team, and may be required to work extended hours as needed.
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the EESS3 will:
- Maintain, repair, install, and troubleshoot Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), fire life safety systems, fiber-optic networks, and electronic equipment within tunnels, lids, and associated pump stations.
- Perform preventative maintenance and testing on complex electrical, communication, PLC/SCADA, and server-based control systems using specialized diagnostic and testing equipment.
- Diagnose and repair roadway and building fire alarm systems, security systems, environmental monitoring devices, emergency communication systems, and lighting controls.
- Inspect, test, and monitor fire detection systems, automated signs and gates, Variable Message Systems (VMS), sensors, and related infrastructure to ensure safe and reliable operations.
- Respond to alarms, equipment failures, emergency incidents, and third-party damages by securing affected areas, restoring systems, documenting damages, and supporting emergency operations.
- Coordinate and prioritize daily work activities, maintain inventory and computerized maintenance records, and support compliance with safety regulations, WSDOT standards, NEC, and MUTCD requirements.
- Implement traffic control operations for lane, shoulder, roadway, and tunnel closures, including flagging operations and operation of attenuator and support vehicles.
- Train and support personnel on safe equipment operation, maintenance procedures, safety practices, and Best Management Practices (BMPs), while maintaining WSDOT facilities, equipment, and work areas.
Qualifications
This is an Electrical and Electronic System Specialist position. However, the hiring manager reserves the right to fill the position at a lower level in the classification series based on candidate qualifications, providing an opportunity for an individual to gain the required experience on the job as part of a formal “in-training” plan.
To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required
Electrical & Electronic Systems Specialist 3 – Transportation requirements:
- Advanced Electrical knowledge and application: Demonstrates advanced knowledge of technical electrical, fire system, and related electrical work principles AND
- Applies journey-level electrical practices specific to ITS, tunnel systems, and highway illumination, supported by prior experience as an Electrical & Electronic Systems Specialist 2 or equivalent technical electrical experience.
- Advanced Technical Interpretation and Analysis: Applies a strong understanding of electrical methods, standards and analytical approaches to support technical decision-making and operational effectiveness.
- Technical Interpretation and Analysis: Demonstrated ability to independently read and comprehend electrical/electronic schematics, construction plans, and drawings.
- Leadership Skills: Strong communicator with proven ability to lead and coach subordinate staff, including evaluating performance, identifying training needs, and resolving personnel issues.
Electrical & Electronic Systems Specialist 2 – Transportation requirements:
- Intermediate Electrical knowledge and application: Demonstrates intermediate knowledge of electrical, electronic, and fire system principles AND
- Applies intermediate-level electrical practices specific to ITS, tunnel systems, and highway illumination, supported by prior experience as an Electrical & Electronic Systems Specialist 1 or equivalent technical electrical experience.
- Technical Interpretation and Analysis: Demonstrates understanding of electrical methods, standards and analytical approaches to support technical decision-making and operational effectiveness.
- Technical Interpretation and Analysis: Demonstrated ability to read and comprehend electrical/electronic schematics, construction plans, and drawings.
Electrical & Electronic Systems Specialist 1 – Transportation requirements:
- Intermediate Electrical knowledge and application: Demonstrates foundational knowledge of electrical, electronic and fire system principles AND
- Apply basic-level electrical practices specific to ITS, tunnel systems, and highway illumination, supported by prior experience as an Electrical & Electronic Systems Specialist - Trainee or equivalent technical electrical experience.
- Technical Interpretation and Analysis: Demonstrates understanding of electrical methods, standards and analytical approaches to support technical decision-making and operational effectiveness.
- Technical Interpretation and Analysis: Demonstrated ability to read and comprehend electrical/electronic schematics, construction plans, and drawings.
Electrical & Electronic Systems Specialist – Trainee requirements:
- Entry-level Electrical knowledge and application: Possesses introductory knowledge of electrical and fire-life-safety systems AND
- Supports routine electrical work for ITS, tunnel, and highway illumination systems with close supervision, gaining skills through structured training and field exposure.
Required for all Electrical & Electronic Systems Specialist levels:
- Equipment Operation: Ability to operate a range of Class A, B, and C vehicles, as well as electrical equipment and systems, in accordance with WSDOT standards.
- Mathematical Reasoning: Ability to take accurate measurements and utilize basic algebraic equations to support electrical, electronic, and maintenance-related calculations.
- Color Differentiation & Visual Accuracy: Ability to accurately see and distinguish colors required for electrical and electronic maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair work.
- Technical & Administrative: Ability to use standard computer applications for timekeeping, maintenance tracking, inventory management, and cost estimating (e.g., HATS, MPET, DOTtime, Microsoft Office, and email communication).
- Licensing & Certification:
- Possession of an unrestricted Class A or B CDL to legally operate vehicles in Washington State; or ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire.
- The ability to obtain a valid Traffic Control/Flagging card within six (6) months of hire.
- Obtain and maintain valid First Aid/CPR Certification
- Safety Awareness & Compliance: Thorough knowledge of occupational safety requirements and commitment to safe work practices in shop and field environments. Experience applying safety standards when working with heavy machinery, welding equipment, and hazardous materials.
- Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
- Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.
- Ability to traverse rough, steep, and uneven terrain.
- Ability to maneuver and transport various materials and/or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to work early morning, night, weekend, holiday, alternate, and emergency shifts based on operational needs.
- Ability to report to the assigned duty station within 60 minutes of an after-hours emergency call-out and participate in a rotational 24-hour standby schedule.
- Ability to respond to emergency situations in all weather conditions, independently or as part of a team, and work extended hours as needed.
- Ability to perform duties at elevated heights, up to 50 feet over land or water.
It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:
- Technical Training and Education: Demonstrated knowledge of electrical or electronics technology principles gained through education, apprenticeship programs, accredited technical training, military technical training, vocational training, and/or hands-on experience.
- Industry Certifications: Possession of industry-related certifications such as NFPA CFI, IT, Simplex, GROL, or similar electrical, electronics, fire life safety, communication systems, or ITS certifications.
- Technical Electrical and Electronic Experience: Demonstrated experience performing electrical, electronic, fire system, communication system, and/or Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) maintenance, installation, troubleshooting, diagnostics, testing, and repair work.
- Progressive Technical Responsibility: Demonstrated ability to progressively perform increasingly complex electrical and electronic work with increasing independence, technical responsibility, and decision-making.
Important Notes
- This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
- This position is not eligible for remote work.
- The salary listed includes the legislative approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County.
- This is an in-training position that offers a career path, hands-on learning, and mentorship. This position allows you to progress upward through the Electrical and Electronic System Specialist series and achieve the goal class of an Electrical and Electronic System Specialist 3. Candidates will be considered for the Electrical and Electronic System Specialist Trainee, 1, 2, and 3 roles, depending on their qualifications. Annual salary levels for each position are:
- Electrical and Electronic System Specialist Trainee: $59,799 - $72,815
- Electrical and Electronic System Specialist 1 $76,545 - $93,227
- Electrical and Electronic System Specialist 2 $84,520 - $102,967
- Electrical and Electronic System Specialist 3 $88,754 - $108,145
- This position is subject to the drug and alcohol testing requirements of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). For more information, please go to DOT Drug & Alcohol Testing
- 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 are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals’ lifestyle.
- Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees mayearn 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 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 listed Recruiter.
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
Contact Us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at yasmin.munoz@wsdot.wa.gov Please be sure to reference 26DOT-NWR-10617e in the subject line.
