Assistant Regional Administrator for Construction (WMS4)

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 an experienced engineering professional to serve as the Assistant Regional Administrator (ARA) for the Eastern Region Construction Division. The purpose of the Construction Division is to manage construction highway infrastructure (motorized and nonmotorized) contracts over the nearly 3,900 lane miles of state highways in the Eastern Region, including the Keller Ferry docks and in the highly urbanized Spokane Area. The Assistant Regional Administrator provides leadership and senior- level direction, support, management, and engineering oversight of the construction program activities in the Eastern Region. This is a critical position to ensure the program is delivered in conformance with applicable policies and department expectations of customer service, transparency, and accountability. Our ideal candidate will provide staff a balanced workplace, promoting training and development for professional growth and upward mobility, employee safety, workforce diversity, and pride in ownership.

What to Expect

Eastern Region includes Adams, Ferry, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Stevens, and Whitman Counties, along with a portion of Franklin County. This position is a member of the Eastern Region management team and the appointing authority for the construction division, which consists of a $250 million biennial budget and seven organizations. These organizations include three Project Engineering Offices, Design Build functions of a fourth Project Engineering Office, the Eastern Region Materials Lab, Construction Training, and Region Construction Documentation. Responsible for personnel actions including approval of new employee hiring, promotions, corrective/disciplinary actions, etc. for the Eastern Region Construction Organization.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Assistant Regional Administrator for Construction will:

• Provide Construction Administration in accordance with Federal/State Law and Stewardship Requirements, Agency and Region Vision, Values and Goals, and in accordance with contract and Stewardship Requirements.
• Establish policy and practices to ensure a consistent delivery of the construction program. 
• Serve as Acting Regional Administrator as required during their absence or as delegated. Provide response to letters from the public and governmental officials for the Regional Administrator and represent the Agency as needed with the public and media. 
• Fulfill Appointing Authority roles and responsibilities for all employees within the Eastern Region Construction Division, including responsibility for new hires, promotions, transfer, corrective/disciplinary actions up to and including dismissal, and establishment of positions in accordance with Merit System Rules. 
• Approve contract changes, responsible for the quality of contract documents to preserve continued federal funding participation on projects. 
• Negotiate with contractors related to contract disputes and potential claims that are elevated from the Engineering Manager and Project Engineers. 
• Administer projects for Head Quarters Rail Division. 
• Supervise the managers of four organizational units involved in Construction activities, three Project Engineers (PE) reporting through the Engineering Manager, and the fourth PE as a direct report Eastern Region Materials Engineer as well as direct reports consisting of the Construction Trainer and Region Documentation Engineer. 
• Represent the Department on various Department and department-related policy and working committees in public meetings, meetings with local government agencies and elected officials, and in meetings with community groups and individuals. 
• Manage Regional Emergency Contracting and Construction Procedures with FHWA, regulatory agencies, and local agencies.
• Facilitate employee development through coaching, training, and mentoring. 
• Collaborate with other Eastern Region Senior Managers in making recommendations to Program Management for future planning and budgeting.

Qualifications

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

• A Washington State Professional Engineering License. (License holders from other states will be expected to obtain a WA State PE license within six (6) months of appointment.)
• Five (5) years of recent progressive management experience with engineering background. 
• Ability to make sound judgments based on a variety of situations, and a diverse background in personnel management skills. 
• Experience supervising and directing multi-disciplinary teams. 
• A valid Driver's License.
• Ability to frequently travel the seven (7) counties of the Eastern Region to visit construction sites or attend meetings, with the ability to travel to Olympia, WA for meetings on a routine basis. 
• Knowledge of:
  • Principles of management; agency goals and objectives; maintenance accountability process; engineering processes and procedures; departmental processes; engineering judgment; vehicle and equipment use; environmental laws, regulations, and issues; emergency contract administration; principles of personnel administration; labor union bargaining agreements; department programming and budgeting procedures; strategic planning; workforce diversity.
• Leads and supports a Safety Culture that demonstrates commitment, understanding and value of employee safety practices and guidelines. Demonstrated knowledge and administration of federal, state, and local contract law including construction contract law and Disadvantage Business Enterprise programs. Understanding of local political issues particularly in regards to multimodal transportation development.
• Skills to: 
  • Manage risks; communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing; develop policy; create and maintain a cohesive management team; facilitate agreement between competing interest groups; translate general departmental goals into detailed objectives; make major decisions; develop and implement long- and short-term plans; create an environment where change through continuous improvement is a part of doing business; manage time effectively; public speaking, mentor employees; delegate authority to subordinates in order to accomplish critical job elements.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Six (6) years of progressively responsible experience as a licensed professional engineer in such areas as construction, design, and maintenance of highways, bridges and related structures. 
• Six (6) years of demonstrated and progressively responsible managerial/supervisory experience in managing a diversified workforce and external partnerships. 

*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 must frequently travel the seven (7) counties of the Eastern Region to visit construction sites or attend meetings. Position travels to Olympia, WA for meetings on a routine basis.
• 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 

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 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 Daisha.Jordan@wsdot.wa.gov . Please be sure to reference 24DOT-ER-6W006 in the subject line. 

Salary : $122,544 - $157,164