Puget Sound Gateway Program Deputy Administrator (WMS04) - State of Washington : Job Details

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 currently seeking a Deputy Program Administrator to lead the engineering, design, and construction delivery functions of the SR 167/SR 509 Puget Sound Gateway Program located in Seattle. A highly qualified individual, together with the Program Administrator, will lead and direct all aspects of the program including strategic planning, communications, budget and finance, right-of-way and agreements. Our top candidates will have experience believing in and promoting transparency and accountability, while working to deliver the program on time and within budgets.The Puget Sound Gateway Program is comprised of two separate corridor completion projects roughly 20 miles apart: SR 509 in south King County, and SR 167 in north Pierce County, completing critical missing links in the Puget Sound highway network that have been planned for over 30 years. The Program includes almost 10 miles of new tolled Expressway design and construction, along with improvements to I-5 and major multimodal and environmental restoration scopes. The projects that comprise the program are being delivered utilizing design-build, progressive design-build, and design-bid-build contracting approaches and are funded through state, federal, local and toll funding sources. These positions require strategic planning skills and someone who has experience developing comprehensive risk management and mitigation strategies.

What to Expect

This position will collaborate with State and Federal representatives, local elected officials and agencies, Tribal Governments, stakeholder groups and contractors to ensure successful program risk management, conflict resolution, and the development and implementation of projects and communications strategies for the program.Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Program Deputy Administrator will:

• Provide administration and leadership to program staff through planning, strategizing, organizing, and overseeing the work performed.
• Represent the Program to a wide variety of interests including the media, citizens, local jurisdictions, legislators, tribal agencies, business, property owners, and key stakeholders.
• Determine project delivery strategies, resources for delivery, limitations, and timelines to successfully deliver projects within scope, schedule, and budget.
• Oversee the administration of up to $1.8 billion in concurrent construction activity across up to five concurrent contracts.
• Ensure all projects are completed to standards and requirements outlined in contractual documents; ensure projects are closed in a timely fashion.
• Maintain constant communication between design, construction, and maintenance to build and correct any project needs or existing highway problems.
• Serve as a member of WSDOT State or nationally appointed policy teams and committees.
• Serve as the primary point of contact with the public, businesses, contractors, media, local elected officials, legislators and staffers, local agencies, transit and federal agencies, tribal organizations and other third parties.

Qualifications

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

• Advanced written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex information to diverse technical and non-technical groups and the media.

• Extensive knowledge of:
  • Civil/Transportation Engineering
  • Highway construction administration
  • Management Principles
  • Leadership Principles
  • Environmental and Highway design laws and regulations
  • Legislative processes
  • Finance, budget, and programming procedures
• Ability to:
  • Direct and manage a large and complex organization
  • Translate strategic plans into detailed goals and objectives
  • Implement and encourage continuous improvement/change
  • Coach, motivate, and empower employees
  • Understand and develop complex engineering solutions
  • Resolve employee grievances
  • Build trust with the public, build consensus, and facilitate competing interest groups/individuals in solving complex problems
  • Make and carry out strategic and tactical decisions
  • Learn new information and adjust direction accordingly
• Significant experience working on large, highly complex highway and bridge projects with multiple external stakeholders and partners.
• Experience working through complex legal processes related to right-of-way acquisitions, environmental challenges, construction claims or other difficult legal efforts.
• A valid Driver's License.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• At least 12 years of progressively responsible managerial experience working with large departments or programs.
• Experience with major, complex highway and multi-modal construction programs in urban settings with multiple disciplines and diverse stakeholders.
• Previous experience as an Engineering Manager (WMS3) or equivalent.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• The recruiting efforts for this position may be extended beyond the displayed closing date for as long as and until a sufficient candidate pool has been established. However, the first review of applications will be conducted on May 14, 2025. The Appointing Authority reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any time thereafter. It is to your benefit to submit your application as soon as possible.

position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.

• The salary listed includes the legislative approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County.
• In addition to the 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 applicableCollective Bargaining Agreements. Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found inChapter 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 visitwww.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 mayearn 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.
• PlanFor 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 toState Benefitsfor 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.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 maycontact the listed Recruiter.

Contact Us

For inquiries aboutthis posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, Amanda Strebeck, [email protected]. Please be sure to reference #8W143 Puget Sound Gateway Program Deputy Administrator in the subject line.