• Job Description

  Req#: 5307415
  Salary : $126,216.00 - $161,880.00 Annually
  Location : Clark County - Vancouver, WA
  Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
  Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
  Job Number: 26DOT-SWR-4W008&
  Department: Dept. of Transportation
  Division: Southwest Region
  Opening Date: 04/14/2026
  Closing Date: 5/4/2026 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 seeking a proactive, transformational leader with experience in maintenance and a proven track record of managing and delivering transportation programs. The Assistant Regional Administrator (ARA) for Maintenance is a critical leadership role that works closely with the Regional Administrator and executive team to lead and manage the Southwest Region (SWR) Maintenance Division, which maintains more than 2,500 lane miles of highway, 450 bridges, safety rest areas, and numerous supporting facilities across seven counties.
  
  Serving as Appointing Authority for approximately 230 staff and managing an $80 million biennial budget, this position provides executive leadership and strategic direction for the Transportation Maintenance, Transportation Equipment Fund (TEF), Capital Facilities, and Strategic Preservation programs. The ARA ensures the region's transportation infrastructure and facilities are safe, reliable, and functional, oversees fleet and equipment operations, and preserves critical assets. This position also coordinates with the Oregon Department of Transportation and other partners to support a connected, multi-state system.
  
  The successful candidate will demonstrate strong strategic leadership, sound operational judgment, and a commitment to delivering safe, reliable, and equitable transportation outcomes.
  
  What to Expect
  This position oversees operations across Clark, Lewis, Cowlitz, Pacific, Wahkiakum, Skamania, and Klickitat counties and requires periodic travel throughout the Southwest Region and occasionally statewide. Most work is performed in an office or telework setting, with field visits that may include construction zones, active traffic areas, and varying weather conditions. The role requires flexibility for evenings, weekends, and holidays, to support emergency response and critical operational needs.
  Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the ARA for Maintenance will:
  
  • Provide executive leadership for the Southwest Region (SWR) Maintenance Division, ensuring achievement of agency policy objectives for highway maintenance, capital facilities, and equipment.
  • Serve as Appointing Authority for approximately 230 staff, administering policies that ensure workplace safety, employee development, diversity, and recognition.
  • Develop and implement regional policies, procedures, and strategic plans for maintaining highways, bridges, facilities, and equipment.
  • Coordinate with partner agencies, including the Oregon Department of Transportation, serving as the primary liaison to address public safety and right-of-way concerns, including impacts to unsheltered populations, and collaborate on compassionate, policy-aligned solutions.
  • Strategically plan for and manage impacts of climate change on the SWR facilities, including vulnerable geographic locations such as eroding coastlines and flood prone areas of I-5 in Lewis County and surrounding locations, consistent with statewide resilience and environmental direction.
  • Oversee budget development, resource allocation, and long-term program planning for the region's $80 million biennial operating budget across major maintenance and operational programs.
  • Develop long-term program requirements, including funding and staffing needs, program policies and procedures, support services, and budget oversight for the regional programs.
  • Coordinate WSDOT's response to tort claims related to highway design, operations, and maintenance with the Washington State Attorney General's office; provide expert testimony as needed.
  • Develop programs, benchmarks, and standards to monitor maintenance trends, identify transportation needs, and implement best practices consistent with statewide policy.
  
  
  Qualifications
  
  To be considered for this opportunity, the following competencies are required:
  
  • Strategic and Organizational Leadership: Demonstrated ability to provide strategic direction and oversight for large, complex maintenance and operational programs. Leads organizational change initiatives, aligns resources with agency priorities, drives continuous improvement, and cultivates leadership capacity within the division.
  • Fiscal Management: Demonstrated experience developing, implementing, and managing large, complex budgets with accountability for financial performance. Ensures fiscal decisions align with operational priorities, program objectives, and agency goals while maintaining transparency and compliance with policies.
  • Project and Program Management: Proven ability to lead the planning, development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of complex maintenance and operational programs. Applies advanced project and program management principles to manage multiple competing priorities, allocate resources effectively, and ensure successful outcomes.
  • Maintenance and Technical Expertise: Demonstrated knowledge of highway and facility maintenance principles, practices, policies, procedures, regulations, and safety standards. Applies expertise to guide operational decision-making and ensure safe, reliable, and effective program delivery.
  • Regulatory and Policy Knowledge and Application: Demonstrated knowledge of applicable statutes, administrative codes, agency policies, and labor agreements governing maintenance and operations. Interprets, applies, and ensures compliance with these requirements to guide program implementation, operational decisions, and consistent agency practices.
  • Emergency Management and Incident Command: Advanced demonstrated knowledge of emergency management procedures, operations center management, and incident command systems, and the ability to obtain required National Incident Management Systems (NIMS) certifications and Incident Command System Certifications (ICS) 100, 200, 400, and 700 certifications within six (6) months of appointment.
  • People Leadership and Talent Development: Demonstrated ability to effectively coach, mentor, train, evaluate, and develop staff using established performance management standards.
  • Communication Excellence: Demonstrated ability to communicate complex technical, operational, and policy information clearly and effectively in writing and orally to diverse audiences, including executive leadership, elected officials, staff, stakeholders, and the public.
  • Communication and Stakeholder Engagement: Demonstrated ability to communicate complex technical, operational, and policy information clearly and effectively to diverse audiences, including staff, executive leadership, elected officials, and the public. Builds and maintains effective relationships with internal and external partners and stakeholders to ensure collaboration, transparency, and trust.
  • Technical Communication and Technology Proficiency: Demonstrated ability to review, interpret, and develop technical documents, reports, and policy materials. Utilizes technology systems and software to collect, analyze, and present operational and administrative information that supports informed decision-making and program oversight.
  • 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:
  
  • Agency Maintenance Experience: Experience managing maintenance in compliance with Washington State Department of Transportation procedures, practices, and policies.
  • Legal and Risk Management Expertise: Experience coordinating legal risk management activities, including tort claims response, interagency agreements, and expert testimony.
  • Multi-Agency Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead complex, politically sensitive, multi-agency initiatives involving vulnerable populations and public right-of-way management.
  • Infrastructure Resilience Planning: Demonstrated ability to strategically plan for and manage infrastructure resilience in response to climate change and environmental risk factors.
  
  *To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the Contact Us section of this posting.
  Important Notes
  
  • This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
  • This position requires periodic travel across the region and availability to respond to emergency situations as needed, including outside standard business hours.
  • 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.
  
  Check out this video to learn more:
  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 . Please be sure to reference 26DOT-SWR-4W008& in the subject line.
  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
  01
  
  Please select the option that best describes your experience providing strategic direction and organizational leadership for large, complex maintenance programs or operations.
  • Expert Experience: Extensive experience leading large, complex maintenance or operational programs; set strategic vision, lead significant organizational change, optimize resource alignment, and actively cultivate leadership capacity across the organization.
  • Advanced Experience: Regularly provide strategic direction and oversight for maintenance programs or operations; lead change initiatives, align resources with priorities, and drive continuous improvement across teams or divisions.
  • Intermediate Experience: Independently led teams or functional areas; contributed to program direction, implemented initiatives, and aligned work with organizational priorities.
  • Basic Experience: Basic familiarity with organizational leadership concepts; assisted with maintenance program coordination or supported leadership initiatives under guidance.
  • No Experience: No experience providing strategic direction or leading organizational initiatives.
  
  02
  
  Briefly describe your experience providing strategic direction and organizational leadership for large, complex maintenance programs or operations. If you do not have this experience, enter N/A.
  03
  
  Please select the option that best describes your experience leading and developing large teams, including performance management, employee development, and fostering organizational culture.
  • Expert Experience: Extensive experience leading large, complex teams; set clear expectations, manage performance at all levels, develop future leaders, and actively shape a positive, accountable organizational culture.
  • Advanced Experience: Regularly lead teams and supervise staff; manage performance, support employee development, and contribute to a strong team culture and engagement.
  • Intermediate Experience: Independently supervised staff or led teams; provided performance feedback, supported employee growth, and contributed to team effectiveness.
  • Basic Experience: Basic familiarity with team leadership; assisted with coordinating staff or supporting team activities under guidance.
  • No Experience: No experience leading or developing teams.
  
  04
  
  Briefly describe your experience leading and developing large teams, including performance management, employee development, and fostering organizational culture. If you do not have this experience, enter N/A.
  05
  
  Please select the option that best describes your experience developing, implementing, and managing complex budgets.
  • Expert Experience: Extensive experience managing large, complex budgets with full accountability for financial performance; ensure fiscal decisions align with strategic priorities, maintain transparency, and ensure compliance with policies and regulations.
  • Advanced Experience: Regularly develop, implement, and manage budgets; monitor financial performance, make adjustments, and ensure alignment with operational priorities and organizational goals.
  • Intermediate Experience: Independently managed portions of a budget or financial processes; tracked expenditures and ensured alignment with program or operational needs.
  • Basic Experience: Basic familiarity with budgeting or financial tracking; assisted with budget-related tasks under supervision.
  • No Experience: No experience developing or managing budgets or financial processes.
  
  06
  
  Briefly describe your experience developing, implementing, and managing complex budgets. If you do not have this experience, enter N/A.
  07
  
  Please select the option that best describes your knowledge and experience applying highway and facility maintenance principles, practices, policies, procedures, regulations, and safety standards.
  • Expert Experience: Extensive experience applying maintenance and technical expertise to lead programs or operations; ensure compliance with policies and regulations, uphold safety standards, and guide decision-making for reliable and effective maintenance delivery.
  • Advanced Experience: Regularly applied knowledge of maintenance practices, policies, procedures, and regulations to guide operational decisions and ensure safe and effective program delivery.
  • Working Experience: Independently applied maintenance principles and safety standards to perform roadway or facility maintenance tasks and support day-to-day operations.
  • Limited Experience: Basic familiarity with maintenance principles or safety practices; assisted with maintenance activities under supervision.
  • No Experience: No experience with highway or facility maintenance practices, policies, or safety standards.
  
  08
  
  Briefly describe your experience applying highway and facility maintenance principles, practices, policies, procedures, regulations, and safety standards. If you do not have this experience, enter N/A.
  09
  
  Please select the option that best describes your experience planning for and leading emergency response, natural disasters, or other critical incidents affecting transportation infrastructure.
  • Expert Experience: Extensive experience directing emergency response or disaster management for large-scale transportation systems; lead planning, coordination, and operational execution across multiple teams and agencies, ensuring public safety and continuity of operations.
  • Advanced Experience: Regularly lead emergency or critical incident response efforts; coordinate resources and personnel, implement plans, and ensure operational continuity.
  • Intermediate Experience: Independently supported or led emergency response activities for specific programs or sites; assisted in resource coordination and implementation of emergency plans.
  • Basic Experience: Limited exposure to emergency response planning or execution; assisted under supervision with response activities or procedures.
  • No Experience: No experience planning or participating in emergency response or disaster management.
  
  10
  
  Briefly describe your experience planning for and leading emergency response, natural disasters, or other critical incidents affecting transportation infrastructure. If you do not have this experience, enter N/A.
  11
  
  Do you have experience coordinating legal risk management activities, including tort claims response, interagency agreements, and expert testimony?
  • Yes
  • No
  
  12
  
  Briefly describe your experience leading complex, politically sensitive, multi-agency initiatives involving vulnerable populations and public right-of-way management. If you do not have this experience, enter N/A.
  13
  
  How did you learn of this employment opportunity?
  • Indeed
  • LinkedIn
  • Direct Email Notification
  • WSDOT social media (Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, etc)
  • Career Fair
  • Monster
  • WorkSource
  • Handshake
  • AASHTO
  • NACTO
  • COMTO
  • APWA
  • "NOW HIRING" banner/sign
  • Radio advertisement
  • WSDOT Employment Site
  • Careers.wa.gov
  • governmentjobs.com
  • Other (specify below)
  
  14
  
  If you selected 'Other' on the previous question, please specify how you learned of this employment opportunity in the space provided:
  Required Question

• About the company

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