Winter Traffic Safety Systems Operator 1

State of Washington; Snoqualmie Pass (WA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is seeking a dedicated professional to support Snoqualmie Pass by coordinating critical communications between maintenance crews, the traveling public, and regional transportation operations. You will help monitor and support the systems that provide real‑time roadway conditions, traffic information, and operational coordination.

Your work will play an important role in helping crews respond effectively to changing highway conditions and

Qualifications

• Crisis communication skills for high-pressure incidents.
• Receives and applies performance feedback constructively.
• Operates telephone and 800 MHz radio equipment effectively.
• Monitors video and control systems with high attention to detail.
• Assesses incidents, prioritizes tasks, and maintains safety awareness.

Responsibilities

• Maintain contact with mobile units regarding emergencies, road and weather conditions, traction requirements, equipment needs, and snow and pass reports.
• Assist radio and maintenance personnel in reporting problems and malfunctions.
• Transmit information to maintenance crews for repairs to roads, signs, bridges, lights, signals, radios, and cameras.
• Receive, evaluate, document, and disseminate roadway condition and incident information.
• Receive information from the public and initiate action in response to incidents.
• Relay emergency information and coordinate with law enforcement, ambulances, tow trucks, fire departments, and others.
• Maintain records of emergency personnel and equipment, dispatch resources, and status of mobile units.
• Transmit roadway, weather, and avalanche information between fixed stations and mobile units.

Skills

Crisis communication

Feedback receptiveness

Radio & telecom equipment

Visual monitoring

Incident assessment

Job 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!

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 Opportunity

WSDOT is currently seeking a dedicated professional to support safe and reliable travel on Snoqualmie Pass by coordinating critical communications between maintenance crews, the traveling public, and regional transportation operations. In this role, you will help monitor and support the systems that provide real‑time roadway conditions, traffic information, and operational coordination. Your work will play an important role in helping crews respond effectively to changing highway conditions and maintaining safe travel for the public. This position directly supports WSDOT’s mission to provide safe, reliable, and cost‑effective transportation options for Washington’s communities and travelers.

What To Expect

The position actively gathers and communicates information with on‑shift WSDOT units, partner agencies, and the public regarding roadway conditions, incidents, emergencies, and weather. It coordinates appropriate responses, keeps maintenance command personnel informed, and supports shift operations during emergency and unusual events. The position operates ITS equipment and communication systems, including 800 MHz radio, Highway Advisory Radio transmitters, Variable Message and speed‑limit signs, traffic sensors, video systems, and computer applications used to provide timely travel information to the public.

• Maintain contact with mobile units regarding emergencies, road and weather conditions, traction requirements, equipment needs, and snow and pass reports.
• Assist radio and maintenance personnel in recognizing and reporting potential problems and system malfunctions to support timely repairs.
• Transmit information to maintenance crews for emergency and routine repairs involving roads, signs, bridges, lights, signals, radios, cameras, and other mechanical equipment.
• Receive, evaluate, document, and disseminate roadway condition and incident information, including accidents, traffic hazards, disabled vehicles, dead animals, and public complaints.
• Receive information from the public by telephone and in person and initiate appropriate action in response to reported incidents and roadway concerns.
• Relay emergency information and coordinate assistance with law enforcement agencies, ambulances, tow trucks, fire departments, and other emergency responders as requested.
• Maintain records of available emergency personnel and equipment, dispatch resources as directed, and maintain the status of mobile units and related records.
• Receive and transmit statewide roadway, road restriction, weather, snow, pass, and avalanche control information between fixed stations and mobile units using computer and communication systems.

Qualifications

• Crisis Communication Skills: Effectively communicates orally and in writing with internal and external stakeholders during high‑pressure and emergency situations.
• Receptiveness to Feedback: Accepts and applies performance feedback in a constructive and professional manner to improve effectiveness.
• Radio and Telecommunication Equipment Operation: Demonstrates the ability to effectively operate telephone systems and 800 MHz radio communication equipment.
• Visual Monitoring and Attention to Detail: Monitors video and electronic control systems with strong attention to visual details and accuracy in computer data entry to assist in recognizing and reporting problems and system malfunctions.
• Incident Assessment and Situational Awareness: Monitors and evaluates multiple incidents, prioritizing tasks and recognizing patterns to anticipate operational needs while maintaining awareness of personal and co‑worker safety. Assists in recognizing and reporting potential problems, receives and transmits information to maintenance and emergency crews, and maintains status of mobile units.