Travel Data Processing Specialist - Transportation Planning Specialist 3

Washington State Department of Transportation

Olympia (WA)

Hybrid

USD 73,000 - 98,000

Full time

23 hours ago

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Job summary

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is seeking a Travel Data Processing Specialist to serve as a technical lead for processing, analyzing, and maintaining traffic data in Thurston County, WA. You will use SQL, databases, and programming skills to identify data quality issues and improve processing methods, while supporting reporting and training staff.

This full-time, hybrid role offers opportunities to collaborate with state and federal partners, advance data-driven

Qualifications

Data analysis: Analyze large or complex datasets to answer questions, identify trends or anomalies, and summarize findings.
Problem solving: Identify data errors, root causes, and resolve issues.
Data programming: Use SQL, R, SAS, SPSS to extract, transform, and summarize data.
Microsoft Excel: Advanced Excel functions including nested formulas, lookup functions, charts, conditional formatting, and importing data from text files.
Statistical reasoning: Perform algebraic, growth-rate, and statistical calculations; present results in tables/graphs.
Communication: Communicate clearly in writing and verbally; develop procedures and professional analytical reports.
Organization: Prioritize work, manage competing assignments, and deliver accurate results.
Independence: Work with limited supervision while maintaining productivity and accuracy.
Collaboration: Work with others to support shared data-related goals.
Process improvement: Evaluate existing processes and recommend improvements.
Computer skills: Use databases, internet resources, MS Office, and standard tools effectively.
Growth mindset: Demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
Service‑Oriented: Takes action to meet others' needs.
Geographic Information Systems: GIS experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Serve as a subject matter expert and lead for travel data processing techniques, including training staff and championing process improvements.
Design and create SQL database queries to address data analysis needs.
Process short-duration counts and permanent recorder data, estimate volumes, merge data, and assess accuracy.
Provide direction to field technicians on data processing procedures and coding requirements.
Compile travel data from other WSDOT organizations and import into office databases.
Extract, format, validate, and document data for internal processes and recurring external reporting.
Maintain data tracking workbooks on permanent recorder status and issues.
Coordinate internal and external traffic data requests accurately and efficiently.
Evaluate data requests, identify resources, and develop SQL queries as needed.
Support special projects and data analyses for the Data Processing and Analysis Section.

Skills

Data analysis

Problem solving

Data programming

Microsoft Excel

Statistical reasoning

Communication

Organization

Independence

Collaboration

Process improvement

Computer skills

Growth mindset

Service‑oriented

Tools

SQL

SAS

SPSS

Tableau

Power BI

GIS

Job description

Salary: $72,900.00 - $98,064.00 Annually

Location: Thurston County - Tumwater, WA

Job Type: Full Time - Permanent

Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number: 26DOT-HQ-00600

Department: Dept. of Transportation

Division: Headquarters

Opening Date: 08/31/2026

Closing Date: 9/14/2026 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 is currently seeking a Travel Data Processing Specialist to serve as a technical lead for processing, analyzing, and maintaining traffic data. In this role, you will use data analysis, databases, and programming skills to identify and resolve data quality issues, improve processing methods, support reporting, and respond to complex data requests. You will also serve as a resource for other staff by providing training, maintaining procedures, and identifying opportunities to improve accuracy, efficiency, and customer service. The data you work with helps WSDOT, local agencies, research institutions, and federal partners inform policy and planning, improve roadway safety, support research, and guide roadway design.

What To Expect

Serve as a subject matter expert and lead for travel data processing techniques and procedures, including training staff, monitoring work quality, maintaining procedures, and championing process improvements.
Design and create SQL database queries to address new and recurring data analysis needs.
Process short-duration traffic counts and permanent traffic recorder data by reviewing documentation, estimating traffic volumes, merging data, identifying data issues, and evaluating data accuracy and completeness.
Provide direction to field technicians on data processing procedures and coding requirements, and coordinate resolution of permanent traffic recorder data issues.
Compile traffic data from other WSDOT organizations and incorporate it into office databases.
Extract, compile, format, validate, and document data for internal processes and recurring external reporting.
Maintain data tracking workbooks that provide timely information about permanent traffic recorder status and identified issues.
Coordinate and fulfill internal and external traffic data requests accurately, efficiently, and professionally.
Evaluate data requests, identify available WSDOT resources, develop SQL queries when needed, and document responses.
Support special projects and data analyses that contribute to the goals of the Data Processing and Analysis Section.

Qualifications

Data Analysis: Demonstrated ability to analyze large or complex datasets to answer questions, identify trends or anomalies, and clearly summarize findings.
Problem Solving: Experience using critical thinking and troubleshooting skills to identify data errors and inconsistencies, determine root causes, and resolve issues.
Data Programming: Proven skills to use SQL, R, SAS, SPSS, or similar programming languages to extract, transform, and summarize data.
Microsoft Excel: Uses advanced Excel functions, including nested formulas, lookup functions, charts, conditional formatting, and importing data from text files.
Statistical Reasoning: Accurately performs basic algebraic calculations, growth-rate calculations, and statistical calculations and presents results in tables and graphs.
Communication: Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in writing and verbally, including developing procedures and professional analytical reports.
Organization: Prioritizes work, manages competing assignments, and delivers accurate and timely results.
Independence: Performs work with limited supervision while maintaining productivity, accuracy, and attention to detail.
Collaboration: Works effectively with others to support shared data-related goals.
Process Improvement: Evaluates existing processes and recommends improvements that increase efficiency or better meet customer needs.
Computer Skills: Uses databases, internet resources, Microsoft Office, and other standard computer applications effectively.
Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
Service‑Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.

It Is Preferred That Qualified Candidates Also Demonstrate

Linear Referencing: Experience applying WSDOT's linear referencing system to code or analyze transportation data.
Quality Assurance: Experience evaluating data against defined standards for accuracy, completeness, and consistency.
Geographic Information Systems: Experience using GIS tools to analyze or present transportation data.
Dashboarding: Uses tools such as Tableau or Power BI to develop or support data dashboards.
Leadership and Mentoring: Skills to provide effective guidance, feedback, and support to others through active listening, flexibility, goal‑setting, and constructive conflict resolution.

Important Notes

This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
This position is eligible for remote work up to 100%, per supervisor approval.
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.
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 may 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.

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: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

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 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.

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 nonovertime 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

Data Analysis

Data Analysis: Which best describes your experience analyzing large or complex datasets to answer questions, identify trends or anomalies, or summarize findings?

I routinely analyze large or complex datasets to answer novel questions, identify previously unknown trends or features, and clearly communicate findings.
I regularly analyze datasets to identify trends, anomalies, or data quality issues and summarize the results.
I have analyzed datasets using established methods but have limited experience with complex or novel analysis.
I have limited experience analyzing datasets.
I do not have this experience.

Data Programming

Data Programming: Which best describes your experience using SQL, R, SAS, SPSS, or similar programming languages to extract, transform, or summarize data?

I independently develop complex queries or programs to extract, transform, and summarize data and troubleshoot results.
I regularly use programming languages to perform data extraction, transformation, or summarization.
I have some experience using programming languages for data analysis.
I have limited experience with data programming.
I do not have this experience.

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Excel: Which best describes your experience using advanced Microsoft Excel functions?

I routinely use nested formulas, lookup functions, charts, conditional formatting, and data imports to perform complex data analysis.
I regularly use several advanced Excel functions to analyze and present data.
I have experience using Excel for basic data analysis and reporting but limited experience with advanced functions.
I have limited experience using Excel.
I do not have this experience.

Quality Assurance

Quality Assurance: Please describe your experience evaluating data against defined standards for accuracy, completeness, and consistency. If you do not have this experience, please enter N/A.

Geographic Information Systems

Geographic Information Systems: Which best describes your experience using geographic information systems?

I routinely use GIS to analyze, manage, or present transportation or other complex datasets.
I regularly use GIS to view, analyze, or present data.
I have some exposure to GIS but limited hands‑on experience.
I have no GIS experience.

Dashboarding

Dashboarding: Which best describes your experience using Tableau, Power BI, or similar dashboarding tools?

I independently develop and maintain interactive dashboards used to communicate complex data.
I regularly use dashboarding tools to create or maintain data visualizations.
I have some experience with dashboarding tools.
I have limited exposure to dashboarding tools.
I do not have this experience.

Leadership and Mentoring

Leadership and Mentoring: Please describe your experience providing guidance, mentoring, feedback, and support to others through active listening, flexibility, goal-setting, and constructive conflict resolution. If you do not have this experience, please enter N/A.

How did you learn of this employment opportunity?