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 currently seeking a strategic partner to spearhead and lead safety initiatives for Northwest Region (NWR) and Urban Mobility Access & Mega Programs (UMAM) while collaborating with each of the Leadership teams to meet the agency's goals. This position will lead the Safety Program and will be responsible for directing and controlling safety and health operations and programmatic services for the NWR and UMAM staff. In this role, you will serve as a member of the Office of Human Resources & Safety (OHR&S), the Region and UMAM Leadership Teams and is the highest-level Safety authority and subject-matter-expert in the region and UMAM. The Safety Program coverage area is vast within the NWR and UMAM, with approximately 1500 employees, these employees are broken into 127 different organizational groups spread across the region. The employees deliver vital transportation options to people and businesses in Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish, King, Island, and San Juan counties. The work of the NWR and UMAM supports the agency’s strategic plan in areas of highway maintenance, engineering, planning, environmental, safety, clerical, fiscal/budget matters, communications, community engagement, and other program areas. The UMAM has approximately 550 employees and these employees are broken into 35 different organizational groups. They are responsible for integrating mobility and technology by developing policies and programs to manage major incidents, transportation system changes and future construction coordination in the Seattle/Tacoma metro area.
What to Expect
This position works in either the office or a specific construction/maintenance site, including mountain passes. Hazards include traffic, heights, ladders, work equipment, uneven surfaces, chemicals, heat and cold, snow, bloodborne
pathogens, and confined spaces.
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Safety and Health Manager will:

• Actively work to promote and enhance a workplace culture of safety and health through the use of the Leading Indicators and Take Two programs, along with other programs.
• Draft and develop policies, procedures, protocols, and employee resources in response to emergent or changing initiatives, workplace regulations, mandates, and legislative directives, including but not limited to emergency proclamations and Governor directed orders.
• Attend leadership and staff meetings throughout the Region to promote the Safety and Health Program to managers, supervisors, and line workers, solicit program feedback, and coordinate region wide safety awareness events.
• Direct and perform the full range of administrative program functions, relying upon policy, direction, training, experience, legal rules/regulations, and professional initiative to guide safety staff, managers, supervisors, and employees in achieving the highest level of safety performance and compliance possible.
• Develop and/or approve new safety and health procedures; evaluate work practices as they pertain to a safe and healthy work environment and recommend operational procedures modification for hazardous work in cooperation with supervisors, regional leadership, Assistant Secretary & Directors of the UMAM Programs.
• Coordinate and/or respond to emergency callout to work zone accidents/injuries as they occur.
• Direct or participate in investigations of on-the-job vehicular collisions, personal injuries, and other accidents or incidents, and coordinate investigation activities amongst the parties involved.
• Provide administrative oversight for the Industrial Hygiene work performed in the region.
• Supervise, coordinate, and direct subordinate staff in achieving program and organizational objectives; coach, train, mentor, and evaluate subordinate employees.
• Assist other safety and health professionals with difficult cases, problems, and/or analysis; recommend strategies for addressing particularly complex or sensitive problems.

• A bachelor's degree in occupational safety and health, safety studies, or allied field or equivalent work experience.
• Four (4) years of advanced experience in occupational safety under construction, general industry, and maritime regulations.
• An in-depth understanding of traffic control.
• Experience supervising/leading staff.
• Experience using a variety of MS Software including Word, Excel, and electronic mail and be able to read and understand reports, forms, and drafts.
• The ability to travel throughout the NWR and state, which may involve overnight stays of several nights.
• The ability to obtain and maintain a WA state driver's license.
• Demonstrated experience as instructor of a variety of safety training subjects.
• Experience professionally and effectively communicating with employees at all levels of an organization, as well as external agencies and customers, on diverse and complex safety and health issues.

• A master’s degree in occupational safety and health, safety studies, or allied field.
• Credentialed as an Associate Safety Professional (ASP).
• Credentialed as a Certified Safety Professional (CSP).

• To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the Contact Us section of this posting.

• The salary listed includes the legislative approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County. An additional general wage increase of 3% will be applied for all state employees on July 1, 2024.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• Regular travel around the NWR and state will be required to complete all duties.
• The tentative interview date for selected candidates is July 17, 2024.
• 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.

• 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 occasional telework 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 State Benefits for more information.

• 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. NOTE: This information may be entered in the “References” section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment.