Senior Safety Rest Area Transportation Planner (TPS4)

Opportunity WSDOT is seeking a highly motivated individual to support the mission of the HQ Capital Facilities Office by leading and enhancing statewide Safety Rest Area planning, maintenance, training, and integrated data management efforts. As the Senior Safety Rest Area Transportation Planner, the successful candidate will ensure Washington’s 47 safety rest areas, serving over 24 million travelers annually, remain safe, inclusive, and operationally effective through planning, performance monitoring, and policy development aligned with asset management goals and the Washington Transportation Plan. The role requires strong technical skills, including proficiency in MS Office, cloud tools, parcel mapping, and Esri, to support clear, accurate planning and documentation. Responsibilities Lead development, updates, and implementation of Safety Rest Area planning projects. Summarize complex data from internal WSDOT systems, geospatial and planning information for visual presentations and dashboards. Utilize advanced tools such as ArcGIS, Power BI, and evolving technologies. Ensure plans and tools are consistent with goals, policies, and applicable federal, state, and local regulations and guidelines. Act as a specialist in complex safety rest area federal and state laws. Collaborate with WSDOT divisions and regions to integrate new safety rest area policies into business processes. Develop and deliver statewide public outreach activities. Stay up to date on WSDOT's and other states rest area programs, including research on federal and state regulations affecting rest area operations. Qualifications – Required Demonstrated ability to lead and coordinate planning activities, ensuring alignment with strategic goals, asset management plans, and regulatory requirements. Experience developing or reviewing technical documents, reports, and correspondence. Expertise with MS Office Suite, including Excel, Word, SharePoint, Outlook, cloud computing, virtual meeting software, Adobe Acrobat, and browser‑based parcel mapping tools. Proficient with Esri technology, including map creation, spatial analysis, configuring web applications, and ability to quickly adapt to new technologies. Proven ability to use data integration, spatial analysis, and business intelligence tools to combine planning, infrastructure, and operational data, delivering actionable insights for decision‑making. Strong analytical thinking and problem‑solving skills; ability to manage multiple projects, schedules, and priorities. Effective written, verbal, and presentation communication skills with diverse audiences. Experience in preparing for and conducting partner and public meetings, recording meeting information, and preparing written summaries. Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply relevant legal, regulatory, or institutional frameworks. Valid driver’s license and ability to operate state‑owned vehicles. Ability to travel to safety rest areas and regional maintenance facilities as required. Qualifications – Preferred Knowledge of transportation planning, public policy, or business strategy at an expert level. Demonstrated career progression with increasing levels of responsibility and measurable impact on programs, projects, policies, or organizational outcomes. Application of analytical, technical, and policy knowledge in transportation planning, engineering, land use, environmental, business or public policy work through professional experience or formal education. Advanced technical and analytical skills to manage complex planning projects and collaborate to achieve strategic transportation outcomes. Familiarity with public water or wastewater systems, including understanding system capacity and coordinating with public utilities. Benefits Work‑life balance through flexible or remote work options. Paid leave: 12 paid holidays and up to 25 paid vacation days per year for full‑time employees. Tuition assistance and federal student loan forgiveness options for permanent employees. Comprehensive benefits package including healthcare options and state retirement programs. Equal Opportunity Statement 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr