Regional Maintenance & Operations Leader | Hybrid

State of Washington Dept. of Transportation; Lacey (WA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible/hybrid remote work options

Competitive benefits

Public sector retirement benefits

Job summary

The Olympic Region of the Washington State Department of Transportation seeks a strategic leader to oversee Highway Maintenance, Transportation Equipment Fund, Capital Facilities, Regional Emergency Operations, and Traffic Operations. You will guide delivery, manage resources, and ensure safe, reliable highways and facilities while stewarding public funds.

You will lead a large, diverse workforce, build stakeholder relationships, travel regionally, and foster an inclusive, safety‑focused culture

Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge of highway and facility maintenance principles, policies, and safety standards.
• Ability to lead planning, development, and evaluation of complex maintenance programs.
• Excellent decision-making with ability to resolve conflicting issues.
• Experience leading large, diverse teams and cross-functional collaboration.
• Knowledge of applicable statutes, codes, policies, and labor agreements.
• Experience budgeting and financial performance in large programs.
• Knowledge of emergency management procedures and NIMS/ICS requirements.
• Strong written and oral communication for diverse audiences.
• Willingness to travel to project sites with a valid driver's license.
• Commitment to learning and growth; service-oriented mindset.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight of Highway Maintenance, Transportation Equipment Fund, Capital Facilities, and Traffic Operations.
• Serve as Appointing Authority for approximately 480 staff; lead, plan, organize, and direct employees.
• Develop and coordinate regional program policies and controls for consistent delivery.
• Ensure compliance with state/federal laws and labor agreements; manage personnel actions.
• Monitor regional activities and asset conditions; champion improvements through capital programs.
• Build relationships with stakeholders; represent WSDOT in forums and communicate with officials.
• Promote safety, inclusion, and professional development through coaching and recognition.
• Travel regionally to visit work zones, monitor progress, and participate in meetings.

Skills

Maintenance expertise

Project & program management

Problem solving

People & leadership

Regulatory knowledge

Fiscal management

Emergency management & ICS

Communication & stakeholder engagement

Driver's license & travel

Growth mindset

Education

Professional Engineering certification (Civil)

Job description

The Olympic Region of the Washington State Department of Transportation seeks a strategic leader to oversee Highway Maintenance, Transportation Equipment Fund, Capital Facilities, Regional Emergency Operations, and Traffic Operations. You will guide delivery, manage resources, and ensure safe, reliable highways and facilities while stewarding public funds.

You will lead a large, diverse workforce, build stakeholder relationships, travel regionally, and foster an inclusive, safety‑focused culture