Job Description

Posting number: 26DOT-HQ-05607

Department: Dept. of Transportation

Division: Headquarters

Job classification: TRANSPORTATION PLANNING SPECIALIST 4

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Environmental Services, Planning and Development, Green-Collar/Environmental

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 seeking a knowledgeable and collaborative roadside vegetation management professional to support the safe, reliable, and cost-effective operation of Washington’s transportation system. As the State Roadside Asset Program Coordinator, you will provide technical expertise in managing vegetation across approximately 100,000 acres of roadside statewide, supporting data-driven decisions related to weed control, tree and brush control, site restoration, and Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management (IRVM) treatment plans. The position will also provide field support, manage data, develop and annually update vegetation management plans, document maintenance accomplishments, deliver formal training, and offer informal consultation to maintenance operations and project development staff throughout the state. Expertise in vegetation management, knowledge of Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management practices, strong analytical and data management skills, and the ability to collaborate with diverse teams across the state are skills top candidates will possess.

What to Expect

This position may be required to perform work in the field along state highway roadsides that includes observation and surveillance, information gathering, documentation and occasional light physical activities including walking/standing outdoors on highway roadsides and during inclement weather.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the State Roadside Asset Program Coordinator will:

• Manipulate ArcGIS software to refine and maintain an up-to-date feature-based geographic inventory of roadside vegetation treatment.
• Lead statewide Highway Activity Tracking System (HATS) GIS inventory of project development related roadside landscape treatments for the Maintenance Division.
• Collect, analyze and validate data to produce an annual summary of statewide accomplishment.
• Operate UAS equipment to perform field survey and data collection and conduct aerial herbicide application and coordinate roadside drone operations with regional staff.
• Travel statewide to attend and document all in-person and virtual IRVM planning, training, statewide site development meetings throughout the year and produce documentation.
• Organize and maintain consistent files and records of attendance at all meetings in coordination with the Regional Training Coordinators.
• Coordinate with the WSDOT Public Information Offices on social media and public relations in relation to roadside development and roadside landscape maintenance.
• Document and file information on all maintenance-based site restoration efforts to conduct weed control, restoration of soils and grading, and manage native revegetation.
• Develop and deliver presentation materials for weed control and site restoration case studies.
• Provide technical expertise to regional vegetation management staff for weed identification and mapping weed locations.
• Support region staff in developing weed control prescriptions; provide leadership and direction for the ongoing operation of the state litter control program.

Qualifications

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

• Training and Customer Support: Demonstrated experience providing training, technical assistance, and support to a diverse customer base.
• GIS Data Management: Demonstrated ability and skills to manipulate, analyze, and manage data using ArcGIS software or a GIS certification.
• Power BI: Demonstrated ability to manipulate, analyze, and present data using Microsoft Power BI.
• 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:

• A valid driver’s license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.
• A Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) Pesticide License, or ability to obtain within one (1) year of appointment.
• A FAA – UAS Pilot’s License (Part 107) or ability to obtain within one (1) year of appointment.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate/have:

• Roadside Vegetation Management: Knowledge and ability to develop recommendations for roadside preservation, restoration, weed control strategies, and plant establishment on roadway environments.
• Vegetation and Plant Management: Knowledge of invasive and native plant species, soil amendments, tree and vegetation preservation measures, adaptive management strategies, and vegetation maintenance practices.
• Roadside Vegetation Management Plans: Knowledge and understanding of Roadside Vegetation Management Plans and their application to roadway vegetation management.
• Professional Certification/Licenses: International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Arborist certification, Site Erosion and Sediment Control certification, and/or Licensed as a Landscape Architect.

*To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the Contact Us section of this posting.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• 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 offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• 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 telework options for eligible positions.
• Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees 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.

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.

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 Robyn.Lovely@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-HQ-05607 in the subject line.