Winter Traffic Safety Systems Operator 1

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 currently seeking a dedicated professional to support safe and reliable travel on Snoqualmie Pass by coordinating critical communications between maintenance crews, the traveling public, and regional transportation operations. In this role, you will help monitor and support the systems that provide real-time roadway conditions, traffic information, and operational coordination. Your work will play an important role in helping crews respond effectively to changing highway conditions and maintaining safe travel for the public. This position directly supports WSDOT’s mission to provide safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation options for Washington’s communities and travelers.

What to Expect The position actively gathers and communicates information with on-shift WSDOT units, partner agencies, and the public regarding roadway conditions, incidents, emergencies, and weather. It coordinates appropriate responses, keeps maintenance command personnel informed, and supports shift operations during emergency and unusual events. The position operates ITS equipment and communication systems, including 800 MHz radio, Highway Advisory Radio transmitters, Variable Message and speed-limit signs, traffic sensors, video systems, and computer applications used to provide timely travel information to the public.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you will:

• Maintain contact with mobile units regarding emergencies, road and weather conditions, traction requirements, equipment needs, and snow and pass reports.
• Assist radio and maintenance personnel in recognizing and reporting potential problems and system malfunctions to support timely repairs.
• Transmit information to maintenance crews for emergency and routine repairs involving roads, signs, bridges, lights, signals, radios, cameras, and other mechanical equipment.
• Receive, evaluate, document, and disseminate roadway condition and incident information, including accidents, traffic hazards, disabled vehicles, dead animals, and public complaints.
• Receive information from the public by telephone and in person and initiate appropriate action in response to reported incidents and roadway concerns.
• Relay emergency information and coordinate assistance with law enforcement agencies, ambulances, tow trucks, fire departments, and other emergency responders as requested.
• Maintain records of available emergency personnel and equipment, dispatch resources as directed, and maintain the status of mobile units and related records.
• Receive and transmit statewide roadway, road restriction, weather, snow, pass, and avalanche control information between fixed stations and mobile units using computer and communication systems.

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

• Crisis Communication Skills: Effectively communicates orally and in writing with internal and external stakeholders during high-pressure and emergency situations.

• Receptiveness to Feedback: Accepts and applies performance feedback in a constructive and professional manner to improve effectiveness.

• Radio and Telecommunication Equipment Operation: Demonstrates the ability to effectively operate telephone systems and 800 MHz radio communication equipment.

• Visual Monitoring and Attention to Detail: Monitors video and electronic control systems with strong attention to visual details and accuracy in computer data entry to assist in recognizing and reporting problems and system malfunctions.

• Incident Assessment and Situational Awareness: Monitors and evaluates multiple incidents, prioritizing tasks and recognizing patterns to anticipate operational needs while maintaining awareness of personal and co-worker safety. Assists in recognizing and reporting potential problems, receives and transmits information to maintenance and emergency crews, and maintains status of mobile units.

• Multimodal Communication Proficiency: Demonstrates the ability to accurately receive and comprehend verbal communication delivered via radio, telephone, or in person, ensuring clear and timely information exchange.

• Reliability and Punctuality: Demonstrates dependability by consistently reporting to work on time and adhering to assigned schedules.

• Growth Mindset – Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.

• Service-Oriented – Demonstrates a willingness to take action to meet the needs of others.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Project Management & Prioritization: Demonstrated experience managing multiple projects or assignments simultaneously, prioritizing workload, and meeting challenging deadlines.
• Technology Proficiency: Proficiency using electronic equipment, including computers, telephones, and other technology relevant to the duties of the position.
• Independent Work & Attention to Detail: Demonstrated ability to work independently, prioritize competing assignments, and maintain a high level of attention to detail to ensure work is completed accurately with few to no errors.

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

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• 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.
• 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 a 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 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 may contact the recruiter listed.

Contact Us For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at [email protected]. Please be sure to reference (26DOT-SCR-Winter Area 1 TSSO1) in the subject line.