Traffic Safety Systems Operator

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 Transportation Safety Systems Operator 4 position in our South‑Central Region. The Central Washington Traffic Management Center (CWTMC) serves as the communications hub for emergency notifications and roadway incident response. It functions as the operations center responsible for monitoring roadway conditions, reporting traffic information, and operating all Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) equipment within the South‑Central Region supported by the Snoqualmie Pass Traffic Operations Center (TOC) when staffed and as needed for the North Central Region.

The CWTMC Traffic Safety System Operator 4 (TSSO4) oversees the management of the CWTMC and its staff to ensure efficient, around‑the‑clock operations, maintaining continuous public awareness of roadway conditions and travel‑impacting incidents while delivering timely and accurate information to WSDOT leadership and emergency response partners. This position directly supports WSDOT’s mission to provide safe and reliable transportation for the communities and customers we serve.

The CWTMC is a 24/7 operation, so schedule flexibility is needed for the position. This position requires flexibility to work nights, weekends, holidays, and scheduled overtime to support the 24/7 operation of the CWTMC. Telework may be optional on occasions when needed. This position will utilize 800 MHz radio, cameras, telephones, portable workstations, variable message signs, informational speed limit signs, and traction requirement signs.

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

• Supervise staff of Traffic Safety Systems Operators.
• Organize and assign shifts to maintain uninterrupted 24‑hour operations. Adapt work schedules for vacations and unplanned absences. Monitor work performance and enforce standards while promoting a positive and enjoyable work environment.
• Provide CWTMC procedural and policy guidance.
• Maintain communication between WSDOT and WSP. Initiate appropriate action for reported incidents or adverse road conditions.
• Represent the CWTMC at meetings and through correspondence.

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

• Crisis Communication
  
  Skills:
  
  Lead and manage high‑stakes communication efforts with internal and external stakeholders during critical incidents, emergencies, and high‑pressure situations.
• Leadership Accountability and Feedback Integration: Demonstrate a high level of emotional intelligence by actively seeking, accepting, and integrating feedback to strengthen personal performance, leadership effectiveness, and team outcomes.
• Oversight of Radio and Telecommunications Systems: Provide leadership and technical oversight of radio and telecommunication operations to ensure effective, reliable, and compliant communication across all operational environments.
• Strategic Incident Management and Situational Awareness: Direct and prioritize response efforts across multiple simultaneous incidents, applying strategic analysis and judgement to anticipate operational impacts and guide decisions.
• Multimodal Communication Leadership: Lead the coordination of real‑time information across radio, phone, and in‑person communication channels to ensure clarity, timeliness, and procedural consistency.
• Operational Reliability and Workforce Accountability: Demonstrate and promote a culture of reliability, punctuality, and accountability to ensure consistent operational performance and workforce readiness.
• Data Entry Accuracy and…