Maintenance and Operations Assistant Superintendent; WMS

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!

WSDOT is currently seeking a Maintenance and Operations Assistant Superintendent to lead the operation, maintenance, repair, and preservation of critical highway infrastructure throughout Area 2 of Northwest Region. Area 2 serves Skagit, Island, Snohomish and eastern Whatcom counties and is situated in a critical transportation corridor. This position provides strategic leadership for maintenance programs, overseeing planning, budgeting, policy implementation, staff development, and operational performance to ensure the efficient movement of people and commerce.

The role also coordinates responses to emergencies, severe weather, natural disasters, and construction impacts while administering key programs such as pavement management, environmental compliance, vegetation management, and snow and ice control. As a leader, this position fosters a respectful, inclusive workplace that reflects WSDOT’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion while supporting the agency’s mission to improve communities and economic vitality.

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

• Lead the planning, direction, and oversight of Area 2 maintenance operations, ensuring the safe, efficient, and cost-effective maintenance and preservation of the state highway system.
• Plan and coordinate emergency preparedness and response for incidents such as severe weather, natural disasters, collisions, and roadway closures while partnering with emergency management agencies and the Washington State Patrol.
• Plan and manage long- and short-term programs, budgets, capital investments, fleet needs, and funding requests, including an assigned portion of a $14.57 million biennial budget.
• Oversee environmental compliance, office operations, and administrative functions, ensuring adherence to agency policies, financial controls, and environmental stewardship requirements.
• Develop, solicit bids for, award, and administer contracts for region maintenance and preservation projects, asphalt and aggregate procurement, equipment rentals and miscellaneous goods and services.
• Collaborate with internal teams, contractors, local jurisdictions, partner agencies, and the public to coordinate maintenance activities, support highway construction projects, and represent WSDOT’s maintenance interests.
• Monitor operational performance, expenditures, safety metrics, and public concerns, and implement improvements that enhance maintenance effectiveness, employee safety, and customer service.
• Supervise and develop staff by coaching, mentoring, and training employees while promoting a safe and inclusive workplace.

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

• Maintenance and Operations Knowledge: Knowledge of highway maintenance operations, including roadway, right-of-way, incident response, signage, and rest area maintenance. Working knowledge of engineering and construction principles sufficient to support maintenance and operational activities.
• Leadership and Supervision: Demonstrated ability to supervise employees and coordinate daily maintenance operations.
• Policy, Regulatory, and Personnel Knowledge: Working knowledge of policies, procedures, personnel practices, and applicable labor agreements.
• Operational Planning and Coordination: Experience coordinating multiple maintenance activities, prioritize competing work demands, and support implementation of operational plans and maintenance programs.
• Resource and Budget Administration: Experience monitoring and administering assigned budgets and effectively coordinating…