GIS & Roadway Data Office Manager (WMS3)

Washington State Department of Transportation; Olympia (WA); Hybrid; USD 116,000 - 142,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington State Department of Transportation seeks a strategic GIS & Roadway Data Office Manager to lead 19 IT and transportation planning professionals across five teams, overseeing geospatial and roadway data assets, enterprise GIS services, and federal reporting.

The role focuses on governance, data quality, agency collaboration, and budget stewardship, with hybrid/remote options and a comprehensive benefits package supporting work-life balance.

Qualifications

• Geospatial data expertise
• Leadership of diverse teams
• Budgets and program management

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic governance of geospatial and roadway data assets.
• Oversee enterprise GIS services and data operations.
• Lead system modernization and federal roadway data reporting.
• Manage staff and resources within a multimillion-dollar budget.

Job description

Salary : $116,400.00 - $142,464.00 Annually

Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA

Job Type: Full Time - Permanent

Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number: 26DOT-HQ-0W019

Department: Dept. of Transportation

Division: Headquarters

Opening Date: 09/17/2026

Closing Date: 10/5/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Description

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's Multimodal Planning and Data Division (MPDD) is seeking a strategic and innovative leader to manage the resources, personnel, and operations responsible for producing geospatial and roadway data and enterprise GIS services that support decision-making across the agency and transportation system. Serving as the GIS & Roadway Data Office Manager, you will provide strategic governance and direction for WSDOT's geospatial and roadway data assets, oversee enterprise GIS services and roadway data operations, and ensure the timely, accurate, secure, and effective management and reporting of critical data, including information required by the Federal Highway Administration for federal-aid highway funding. In this role, you will collaborate with internal and external partners, including city, county, regional, state and federal agencies and tribes, to advance the accessibility, reliability, and value of transportation data. Our top candidates will possess technical expertise in GIS and roadway data systems, management and leadership skills, and the ability to build effective partnerships and lead multidisciplinary teams.

What to Expect

The GIS & Roadway Data Office provides strategic governance and operational management of WSDOT's core geospatial and roadway data assets and related technologies, including Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Linear Referencing Systems (LRS), the Highway Performance Monitoring System (HPMS), and the Model Inventory of Roadway Elements (MIRE). The Office also provides enterprise GIS services, including project management, business analysis, application and solution development, map and geoprocessing services, technical coordination, and user support. This position serves as the highest-level manager for the Office and leads 19 information technology and transportation planning professionals across five teams: GIS Data, GIS Services, Application Development, Project Management, and Highway Performance Monitoring System. Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the GIS & Roadway Data Office Manager will:

• **Provide strategic governance of geospatial and roadway data.**Establish strategic long-term plans and policies for developing, processing, disseminating and using geospatial and roadway data. Identify and advance initiatives to improve the value and accessibility of the Division's geospatial and roadway data assetsMake geospatial and roadway data and GIS infrastructure decisions for WSDOT, working collaboratively with the Technology Services Division and geospatial and roadway data users. Work collaboratively with federal and state agencies, metropolitan planning organizations, regional transportation planning organizations, counties, cities, and tribes to coordinate GIS services and address data sharing and uniformity issues.
• **Manage geospatial and roadway data operations.**Establish policies, procedures, and methodologies for collecting, processing, analyzing, and managing geospatial and roadway data. Oversee the compilation and development of metadata for geospatial and roadway data assets, including the 24K LRS, city limits, functional classification, all public roads, HPMS, and MIRE. Make tactical decisions regarding the management, processing, storage and reporting of geospatial data to various customers.
• **Lead enterprise GIS services.**Oversee custom application development services, software support and maintenance, helpdesk support, map production and stewardship, and the deployment, maintenance and operations of GIS software, services, and server architecture.
• Manage federal roadway data reporting. Oversee the timely, complete, and accurate reporting of required roadway and traffic data to the Federal Highway Administration annually. Coordinate with local governments to collect required data. Lead system modernization efforts.
• Manage staff and administer resources. Align team activities with legal requirements and agency vision and goals. Oversee a $6 million biennial budget. Recruit and hire, assign work, coach and develop staff.

Qualifications

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

• **Transportation & Geospatial Data:**Expert knowledge of policies and practices related to geospatial and roadway data collection, processing, analysis, reporting and cartographic production
• **Management & Leadership:**Advanced knowledge and skill leading a diverse professional workforce and managing operations and programs involving first- or second-level supervisors, including establishing priorities, balancing competing resource needs, managing workflows, hiring and developing staff, managing performance, fostering team development, resolving conflicts, and supporting effective service delivery.
• **Transportation Agency Operations & Business Practices:**Basic knowledge of transportation agency business functions, operations, and priorities sufficient to recognize opportunities to advance GIS and roadway data program objectives and ensure technical and professional resources are effectively developed and applied.
• **Budget, Procurement, & Project Management:**Basic knowledge of and skill in applying budgetary and operational management practices to effectively steward program resources and delivery quality products and services that meet customer needs including: budget development, expenditure control, procurement, contracting, purchasing, project management, and change management.
• **IT Operations & Interagency Coordination:**Basic knowledge of IT operations, project delivery practices, and policies and procedures for interagency coordination related to statewide GIS management and support.
• **Technical & Business Communication:**Skill in communicating effectively across technical and business contexts; translating business needs into effective technical solutions; explaining geospatial concepts, capabilities, and limitations to varied audiences; building consensus; minimizing conflict; and working productively with diverse audiences.
• Growth Mindset & **Service-Oriented:**Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth. Takes action to meet the needs of others.

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 Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in of the Washington Administrative Code.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options. Occasional travel is required to meet with internal and external stakeholders.
• 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;

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 for more information.

Check out this video to learn more:

More than Just a Paycheck!

Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:

The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note:

Insurance Benefits Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax‑deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long‑term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre‑tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well‑being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre‑tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness If you are employed by a government or not‑for‑profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays Full-time and part‑time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note:

Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full‑time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 non-overtime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part‑time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro‑rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full‑time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave Full‑time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full‑time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part‑time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full‑time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave) Full‑time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full‑time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 non-overtime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part‑time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro‑rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full‑time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump‑sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note:

Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave Leave Sharing

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026
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