External Civil Rights Specialist

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 manages the world's longest floating bridge, leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds the record for the world’s widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

Washington State Ferries (WSF) is an essential part of Washington's transportation network. Every year, we carry nearly 20 million passengers across Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands on more than 400 sailings a day. Our dedicated teams with over 2,100 people work together to serve our communities and shape the future of ferry travel.

The Opportunity

WSDOT is currently seeking an External Civil Rights Specialist to support equitable participation in federally and state funded transportation programs. This role serves as a subject matter expert in administering and monitoring Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and related small and diverse business programs, helping ensure compliance with state and federal regulations. The position provides program oversight, conducts Commercially Useful Function (CUF) reviews, and offers guidance and training to promote transparency, integrity, and fair access to contracting opportunities. Through these efforts, the specialist helps safeguard program compliance, reduce fraud, and support responsible stewardship of public funds. This work plays an important role in advancing WSDOT’s commitment to equity, accountability, and delivering safe, reliable transportation services for the traveling public.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you/the External Civil Rights Specialist will:

• Lead compliance for federal and state diverse business programs.
• Advise WSDOT and partner agencies on DBE, FSBE, and related program policies and practices.
• Conduct Commercially Useful Function (CUF) reviews on regionally assigned contracts in accordance with CFR requirements.
• Provide guidance, training, and interpretation to internal and external partners on program requirements.
• Apply federal, state, and agency civil rights requirements to support contract compliance.
• Conduct compliance reviews, including investigation, analysis, reporting, and recommendations to remedy non-compliance.
• Monitor program reporting; collect data, develop reports, and provide reporting guidance.
• Respond to public inquiries and complaints; perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:

• Civil Rights and Compliance Experience – Demonstrated professional experience performing work related to civil rights compliance, investigations, regulatory oversight, or related program administration.
• Regulatory Knowledge and Application – Working knowledge of federal and state regulatory frameworks, including 49 CFR Part 26, and the ability to apply regulatory requirements to contracts, programs, or real-world scenarios.
• Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills – Ability to analyze regulations, policies, and complex situations to develop informed recommendations and solutions.
• Professional Communication and Guidance – Experience clearly communicating regulatory requirements and providing guidance to diverse internal and external stakeholders, including leadership, partner agencies, and the public.
• Equity and Inclusive Workplace Practices – Demonstrated experience fostering and contributing to inclusive environments that support respect, fair access, and equal opportunity.
• Customer and Service Orientation – Experience providing responsive, solution-focused service to stakeholders, partners, or the public.
• Continuous Learning and Professional Development – Demonstrated commitment to professional growth, learning new regulations, policies, or program requirements.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Investigative Processes and Procedures – Demonstrated experience conducting or supporting investigations, compliance reviews, or fact-finding processes related to regulatory or civil rights programs.
• Compliance Training and Program Expertise – Advanced experience developing, delivering, or supporting training on regulatory compliance or civil rights program requirements, typically supported by certifications or specialized professional experience.

Important Notes

• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• 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 357-28of 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 are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals’ lifestyle.
• 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 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. Note that you will be prompted to either sign in or create an account. This step is required in order to submit an application to this opportunity.

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.

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

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at renee.mason@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-HQ-04272 in the subject line.