Transportation Planning Specialist

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 manages the world's longest floating bridge, leads an award‑winning Active Transportation Plan, holds the record for the world’s widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

WSDOT is currently seeking a detail‑oriented and customer‑focused Transportation Planning Specialist 2 level to support the Public Transportation Division (PTD) by coordinating planning projects, data collection and analysis, stakeholder outreach, and reporting that inform program decisions and advance safe, reliable, and cost‑effective transportation services. This position will respond to grantee inquiries, ensure timely processing of capital and operating claims, maintain fiscal and budget reports, and provide training and support to grantees.

Assist employees with WSDOT’s labor tracking system “DOTtime” related inquiries. Support contract development, travel booking and tracking, accounting, and Grant Management System. The position will also perform a variety of fiscal and administrative functions, working closely with Accounting and Financial Services (AFS) to manage authorizations and expenditures. A strong candidate will bring analytical and organizational skills, experience with grants or financial systems, attention to detail, and clear written and verbal communication.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Transportation Planning Specialist will:

• Accomplish specific portions of the public transportation program's planning and project‑delivery efforts.
• Ensure timely processing and execution of programming, planning, financial, and other types of tasks and activities.
• Independently assist public transportation grantees with claims‑related questions; provide clarity on policies and state and federal requirements when reporting and seeking reimbursement on projects.
• Perform a key role in contract development, payroll utilizing DOTime, and travel requests. Serve as a primary point of contact for WSDOT's AFS office.
• Perform a key role in closing the fiscal year and biennial periods.
• Review and process travel reimbursement requests and other payment requests submitted by PTD staff.
• Provides financial data to the fiscal analyst to complete accruals.
• Ensures alignment of work orders and groups with contracts, appropriations, federal aid agreements, and the division's Grants Management System.
• Work directly with transit agencies, counties, cities, tribes, nonprofit organizations, and other customers to enhance communication, exchange knowledge, and explore ideas for improving processes and enhancing customer experiences.
• Participate in and contribute to projects, programs, and initiatives as requested.

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

• Public Transportation Program Knowledge: Skills to apply knowledge of public transportation programs, planning processes, project programming, and provide technical and financial support to subrecipients.
• Grant Administration & Compliance: Demonstrated knowledge of federal and state grant administration requirements, including eligibility determination, reimbursement procedures, and compliance monitoring.
• Financial & Accounting Fundamentals: Working knowledge of accounting and fiscal practices, including budgets, expenditures, accruals, reconciliations, and financial tracking.
• Administrative & Business Operations: Understanding and ability to apply organizational processes related to contracts, payroll, travel, purchasing, and general administrative operations.
• Data Collection & Analysis: Demonstrated ability to collect, organize, validate, and analyze quantitative and qualitative data to inform planning, financial, and programmatic decisions.
• Written Communication &…