ROW Permitting Specialist (TE2)
State of Washington
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Job summary
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) in Washington State seeks a Transportation Engineer 2 for the North Central Region Planning Office. You will lead the access management and control program, oversee ROW permitting, and coordinate development proposals affecting state highways.
Ideal candidates will have knowledge of access management, ROW permitting, and land development processes, with the ability to work with internal and external partners to support safe and effective
Qualifications
- Analytical thinking and problem solving to address complex challenges with sound judgment.
- Knowledge of land development authorities and applicable statutes at local, regional, state and federal levels.
- Understanding of transportation operations, highway access, safety and active transportation considerations.
- Experience with construction practices, contract administration, and basic contract law.
- Ability to research, interpret and apply contract provisions, plans and technical details.
- Ability to manage multiple assignments and prioritize workload.
- Promotes a culture of safety in the workplace.
- Excellent written, oral and graphic communication; ability to collaborate with cross‑functional teams.
- Demonstrates growth mindset and service orientation to meet stakeholders' needs.
Responsibilities
- Coordinate ROW and access permits from inquiry through issuance, inspection, compliance resolution and closeout.
- Respond to access inquiries from the public in writing and verbally.
- Inspect permitted work and ensure permit compliance; address un-permitted access connections.
- Research and develop recommendations on rights/ responsibilities of agencies, abutters, and jurisdictions.
- Prepare and review permits and agreements.
- Support Development Services Lead in reviewing land use proposals with SEPA notices and coordinate with developers and local jurisdictions.
- Identify and report on land use actions impacting the state highway system.
Skills
Job description
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 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!
WSDOT is seeking a skilled Transportation Engineer 2 to join the North Central Region (NCR) Planning Office and support Development Services by leading the access management and control program, overseeing general right of way (ROW) permitting, and coordinating the review of land development proposals that may impact state highways. In this role, you will serve as region specialist in Managed and Limited Access inquiries, review and process access connection permits and applications to state highways while accounting for future WSDOT plans, projected traffic, and local land use. Our top candidates will have knowledge of access management, ROW permitting, and land development processes, and the ability to work effectively with internal and external partners to support safe and effective transportation development.
This position travels regularly to and from construction sites to perform inspection and/or materials testing in assigned geographic areas. Exposure to hazards include those commonly found along a state highway and in construction environments such as severe weather conditions; noise; limited visibility, proximity to high-volume, high-speed traffic; and heavy construction equipment.
- Coordinate ROW and access permits from initial inquiry and application review through issuance, construction inspection, compliance resolution, and closeout.
- Respond (written and verbal) to numerous access inquiries from the public.
- Inspect permitted work and ensure permit compliance; inspect, review, and formally respond to un-permitted access connections.
- Research and develop recommendations regarding department, abutters, and local jurisdictions' rights and responsibilities, highway and non-highway use of right-of-way, and temporary encroachments.
- Prepare and review permits and agreements.
- Support Development Services Lead in compiling, reviewing, and identifying private land use proposals and decisions that result in impacts to the state highway through the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) notices and coordinating with developers and local jurisdictions.
- Identify, comment, and report on local, regional, and state land use actions that result in impacts to the state highway system.
- Analytical Thinking & Problem Solving: Demonstrated ability to apply critical thinking, sound judgment, strategic judgment, logical reasoning, and problem-solving skills to address difficult and complex challenges while exercising tact and adhering to established practices.
- Land Development & Regulatory Knowledge: Knowledge of the authorities and responsibilities of local, regional, and state agencies and applicable local, state, and federal statutes related to land development.
- Transportation & Access Management: Knowledge of the principles and impacts of land development on traffic operations, highway access, safety, vehicle mobility, and active transportation safety and comfort, including highway access management programs.
- Construction & Contract Administration: Knowledge of construction practices, contract administration, contractor/owner relationships, basic contract law, and material testing procedures.
- Technical Research & Interpretation: Ability to research, interpret, and apply contract provisions, plans, drawings, and technical details.
- Workload Management: Ability to work independently, prioritize workload, and effectively manage multiple assignments.
- Safety: Positively contributes to a culture of safety.
- Communication & Collaboration: Ability to communicate effectively in writing, orally, and graphically; collaborate with internal and external interdisciplinary teams; and share accurate, pertinent information in a timely manner.
- Growth Mindset & Service-Oriented: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth. Demonstrates a willingness to take action to meet the needs of others.
- A valid driver’s license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.
- Interagency & Stakeholder Coordination: Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with government agencies, the public, private citizens, contractors, and other stakeholders.
- This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
- This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
- To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the Contact Us section of this posting.
- 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
- 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 a choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information.
Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?
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.
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter atAmanda.Strebeck@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-NCR-24760 in the subject line.
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.
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.
If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 nonovertime 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.
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.
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(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 WAC 357-58-175, 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.
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
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.
- Leave Sharing
- Parental Leave
- Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
- Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
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