Job Description

Posting number: 26DOT-WSF-91020r

Department: Dept. of Transportation

Division: Washington State Ferries

Job classification: TRANSPORTATION PLANNING SPECIALIST 5

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Transportation, Grants Administration

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!

Washington State Ferries (WSF) is an essential part of Washington's transportation network. Every year, we carry nearly 20 million passengers across Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands on more than 400 sailings a day. Our dedicated teams with over 2,100 people work together to serve our communities and shape the future of ferry travel.

The Opportunity

WSF, a division of WSDOT, is currently seeking a Federal Funding & Grants Specialist to lead the strategic planning, analysis, and coordination of federal funding and grant programs that support WSF’s capital and operating priorities. As WSF’s primary subject matter expert on federal and state grant programs, this position provides strategic guidance to executive leadership and represents WSF’s funding interests with federal agencies, state partners, and regional planning organizations. This role helps maximize funding opportunities, strengthen grant management practices, and ensure alignment with applicable requirements and WSF priorities. The position’s work is critical to securing and effectively managing resources that support safe, reliable ferry service and the communities that depend on Washington’s marine transportation system.

As we navigate a once-in-a-generation transformation to decarbonize our system — guided by our core values Serve, Respect, Trust, Grow Navigate, and bold strategic priorities Service Excellence, Improved Communication and Empowered People — there’s never been a more meaningful time to come aboard at Washington State Ferries.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you/the Federal Funding & Grants Specialist will:

• Serve as WSF’s subject matter expert on federal and state grant programs, policies, regulations, and funding requirements.
• Develop and maintain grant policies, procedures, and practices to ensure compliance with federal requirements.
• Lead federal funding strategy, forecasting, planning, and evaluation of grant opportunities.
• Coordinate federal funding activities with grantor agencies, WSDOT, regional partners, and internal WSF programs.
• Lead competitive grant application development, project eligibility reviews, funding recommendations, and grantor responses.
• Provide federal funding expertise for WSF capital, operating, long-range, and regional transportation planning.
• Review grant documentation, reporting, and compliance materials and provide technical guidance across WSF.
• Monitor and communicate federal policy changes, funding opportunities, deadlines, and compliance requirements.
• Uphold WSF’s strategic priorities (Service Excellence, Improved Communication, and Empowered People) and values (Serve, Grow, Trust, Respect, and Navigate), ensuring they are embedded in WSF’s culture through leadership actions.

Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required

• Federal Grants Knowledge & Expertise
  • Demonstrated knowledge of federal transportation grant programs, laws, regulations, and funding distribution processes, including FTA, FHWA, DHS, FEMA, and MARAD programs.
  • Knowledge of federal grant planning, application, budgeting, programming, and administration throughout the full grant life cycle.
  • Knowledge of federal electronic grant management systems, including TrAMS and Grants.gov.
• Strategic Planning & Analysis
  • Ability to lead strategic planning for the use of federal funds; develop and maintain federal revenue forecasts; and reconcile available federal funds against programmed uses across capital and operating programs.
  • Skill in researching, evaluating, and recommending federal funding opportunities to executive management.
• Policy Development & Advisory Services
  • Ability to develop, maintain, and analyze grant policies, procedures, and practices.
  • Skill in performing management analysis to identify efficiency improvements in grant administration.
  • Ability to prepare clear, accurate analysis and briefing materials for executive management, OFM, and legislative staff.
• Lead Work Collaboration
  • Ability to provide lead work collaboration and technical guidance across WSF on federal funding and grant matters based on subject matter expertise.
  • Skill in coordinating work activities across WSF to ensure alignment with federal requirements and program deadlines.
  • Ability to review work products for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with federal requirements.
  • Ability to serve as WSF's primary liaison with federal grantor agencies, MPOs, RTPOs, and regional planning bodies.
  • Skill in organizing, facilitating, and representing WSF in interagency meetings and regional planning forums.
• Communication
  • Ability to communicate complex grant and funding information with precision and clarity, both verbally and in writing, to audiences ranging from federal agency staff to WSF executives and legislators.
  • Ability to prepare and deliver analyses, briefing materials, and position papers that translate complex federal requirements into clear, actionable guidance for diverse audiences.
  • Ability to represent WSF's federal funding interests credibly and professionally in interagency meetings, legislative settings, and federal agency engagements.
  • Skill in communicating federal policy changes, program updates, and compliance requirements clearly and in a timely manner to internal staff and stakeholders.
• Professional Experience in Grant Development & Administration
  • Demonstrated advanced knowledge in federal grant development and administration, including a thorough understanding of federal eligibility criteria, federal transportation grant programs, and capital and operating transportation project requirements.
  • Demonstrated experience managing multiple grant programs simultaneously across different federal agencies and funding sources.
  • Demonstrated experience contributing to a work environment that fosters a culture of respect and equal opportunity.
• Growth Mindset
  • Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth; seeks feedback, applies lessons from experience, and pursues professional development relevant to procurement and maritime operations.
• Service-Oriented
  • Demonstrates a willingness to take action to meet the needs of others; proactively supports internal customers and external partners to ensure procurement needs are addressed accurately and on time.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Federal Transportation Programs
  • Knowledge of federal public transportation grant programs and applicable circulars including FTA 5307, 5309, 5310, 5311, and 5339.
  • Familiarity with IIJA/BIL funding programs and federal transportation authorization and appropriation acts.
• Regional Planning & Programming
  • Experience representing an agency on MPO or RTPO committees, including the Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC).
  • Knowledge of TIP and STIP requirements for federally funded projects and regional transportation planning processes.
• WSF & Marine Transportation
  • Working knowledge of Washington State ferry system operations, capital programs, and marine transportation.
  • Familiarity with WSF's operating and capital budget structure and program delivery processes.
• State Budget & Program Management
  • Knowledge of state budgeting and program management policies, procedures, and practices, including biennial budget development, allotment preparation, and legislative program requirements.
• Grant Policy & Guidelines Development
  • Experience developing and maintaining grant policies, procedures, and administrative guidelines at a division or agency level.
  • Familiarity with OMB, USDOT, and FTA circulars governing grant program management.
• Research & Investigative Skills
  • Strong research and analytical skills especially related to federal regulations, grant eligibility determinations, and competitive grant strategy development.
• Computer & Systems Proficiency
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
  • Demonstrated experience with federal electronic grant management systems including TrAMS and Grants.gov.
  • Ability to learn and work with new financial and technical systems; adapts quickly to system upgrades and newly implemented platforms.

Important Notes

• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options: This position is eligible for teleworking and offers a flexible work arrangement that may include remote work, in-office work, and in-person meetings based on business needs. Employees must be able to report onsite when requested for meetings, collaboration, or operational needs. Regular in-person attendance is expected at a minimum quarterly, with additional onsite presence as needed. Travel may also be required based on position responsibilities.
• 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 357-28of 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 renee.mason@wsdot.wa.gov Please be sure to reference 26DOT-WSF-91020r in the subject line.