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Assistant Regional Administrator | Mount Baker Area

Washington, United States

Description




About WSDOT
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal organization with a global reputation for excellence! Our dedicated workforce is responsible to plan, design, build, and operate an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 18,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT manages the world's longest floating bridge, executes an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds a record for the world's widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

The Opportunity
WSDOT is seeking a dynamic and experienced Professional Engineer to serve as the Assistant Regional Administrator (ARA) for the Mount Baker Area. Reporting to the Deputy Regional Administrator, this key leadership role is a member of the executive management team for the Northwest Region, which serves approximately 3.5 million people—45% of Washington State’s population—across a diverse and complex transportation landscape that includes rural, suburban, and urban environments.

As the ARA for the Mt. Baker Area, you will oversee the delivery of all planning, design, and construction projects in Skagit, Island, and Whatcom Counties, and provide leadership for the Region’s Environmental Services, Hydraulics, Landscape Architecture, and Real Estate Services offices. You will manage approximately 160 WSDOT staff, ensuring the successful execution of the Mt. Baker Area highway construction program while delivering essential region-wide services. In this role, you will represent WSDOT in a variety of external forums, working closely with federal, state, and local agencies, transit partners, regional and metropolitan transportation planning organizations, and community stakeholders. You will also coordinate MBA construction activities with the Headquarters Construction Office, providing strategic guidance and policy interpretation to support the oversight and implementation of the region’s construction program.

This position requires a strong leader who can plan, direct, and monitor the work of senior managers, provide strategic direction across multiple disciplines, and ensure that the Mt. Baker Area delivers safe, efficient, and high-quality transportation solutions for the communities it serves.

What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the ARA will:
  • Provide expertise, oversight, services and products for planning, scoping, design, construction, plant establishment and maintenance of the highway roadsides and sundry sites for the NW Region, SR 520 Program and Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement Program.
  • Promote and facilitate an environmentally responsible transportation program. Manage the policies, standards, procedures and provide services, products and oversight for all environmental elements associated with the construction program (scoping, design and construction) as well as the maintenance and operations programs in the region.
  • Deliver the right of way for all highway construction projects and manage the WSDOT properties that are not used for the highway construction program through leases and property disposals.
  • Ensure appropriate and optimum use of the organization's resources and enhance the effectiveness of employees through the organization.
  • Responsible for on-time and within budget delivery of the highway construction program for all projects within Skagit, Island and Whatcom Counties and other projects as assigned.
  • Responsible for on-time and within budget delivery of right-of-way acquisitions, environmental permits and documentation, and landscape architecture design for the Northwest Region.
  • Effectively manage issues, communicate changes (no surprises), and guide and mentor senior staff in effective organization management.
  • Primary point of contact for all agency activities within Skagit, Island and Whatcom Counties, representing WSDOT with the media, citizens, local jurisdictions, legislators, and business.
  • Responsible for establishing the framework and strategies to facilitate the resolution of transportation issues within the three counties. Work with other regions and technical areas to coordinate decisions and resources to ensure a seamless delivery of the highway construction program and services.

Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:
  • Professional Engineering Expertise: Demonstrated ability to apply civil engineering principles, project development, and project management in highway planning, design, construction, and maintenance.
  • Leadership and Organizational Management: Proven skill in leading large, diverse teams, providing strategic direction, mentoring managers, and fostering an inclusive, high-performing work environment.
  • Highway and Bridge Construction Oversight: Knowledge of highway and bridge construction, contract administration, and contract law, with the ability to guide complex projects and ensure compliance with standards.
  • Regulatory, Policy, and Compliance Acumen: Ability to interpret and apply federal, state, tribal, and local laws, environmental regulations, and agency policies to ensure project and organizational compliance.
  • Strategic Planning and Program Execution: Skilled in planning, organizing, implementing, and monitoring complex transportation programs, aligning resources with organizational goals, fiscal constraints, and stakeholder priorities.
  • Stakeholder Engagement and Communication: Proven ability to build collaborative relationships with public agencies, local jurisdictions, tribes, and community stakeholders, and to effectively communicate technical and strategic information across multiple audiences.
  • Decision-Making, Negotiation, and Technical Guidance: Ability to make informed, professional decisions, negotiate agreements, provide technical support, and implement policies and standards consistently across the region.
  • Equity Minded: The ability to take action to learn and grow. The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

In addition, the following are required:
  • Registered Professional Civil Engineer in the state of WA or ability to obtain within 6 months of appointment.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher in civil engineering or public administration or similar

Important Notes
  • 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.

Why WSDOT
  • Work-Life Balance – We offer flexible work schedules that allow you time for your life outside of this excellent opportunity.
  • 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 State Benefits for more information.

Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?

How to Apply

Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine salary. Therefore, it is very important that the “Work Experience” portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible.

In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application:

  • An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
  • An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
  • Contact details for a minimum of three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. This information can be entered in the “References” section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment.


Please click the "APPLY" button to proceed.
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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 recruiter listed.


Contact Us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, Amanda Strebeck, at amanda.strebeck@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference ARA #1W116 in the subject line.

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