Assistant Region Administrator - Maintenance & Operations

State of Washington • Thurston County – Lacey, WA

10d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is seeking a strategic, experienced leader to oversee Olympic Region Highway Maintenance, Transportation Equipment Fund, Capital Facilities, Regional Emergency Operations, and Traffic Operations programs. The Assistant Region Administrator will guide delivery of transportation services, support safe and reliable highways, maintain equipment and facilities, and help ensure regional readiness for emergencies and traffic incidents. The role leads a large, diverse workforce and manages significant resources to support effective operations, stewardship of public funds, and transportation system resilience and safety. The position also promotes a respectful, inclusive workplace and requires regular travel throughout the region, with some flexible or hybrid remote-work options and regular in-person office time.

The role provides strategic leadership and oversight for regional maintenance and operations programs, serves as Appointing Authority for approximately 480 staff, and acts as backup to the Region Administrator. It coordinates program policies and standards, ensures compliance with laws and labor agreements, monitors projects and asset conditions, manages budgets and staffing, and represents WSDOT with stakeholders and the public. Required NIMS and Incident Command System certifications may be obtained within six months of appointment.

Requirements

• Demonstrated knowledge of highway and facility maintenance principles, practices, policies, procedures, regulations, and safety standards.
• Advanced skill reviewing, interpreting, and developing technical documents, reports, and policy materials.
• Ability to lead the planning, development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of complex maintenance and operational programs.
• Advanced skill establishing plans, objectives, and goals; monitoring and measuring performance; and making course corrections.
• Ability to make timely, effective decisions amid complex and competing issues; identify issues, evaluate options, and implement practical solutions.
• Advanced conflict-resolution skills and ability to facilitate constructive dialogue.
• Progressively responsible leadership or supervisory experience with a diverse workforce, including the ability to work across boundaries, build teams, coach, mentor, train, and encourage employee engagement.
• Strong working knowledge of project management and team leadership principles.
• Knowledge of applicable statutes, administrative codes, agency policies, and labor agreements governing maintenance and operations.
• Experience developing, implementing, and managing large, complex budgets with accountability for financial performance.
• Knowledge of emergency management procedures, operations center management, and incident command systems.
• Ability to obtain NIMS certifications and ICS 100, 200, 400, and 700 certifications within six months of appointment.
• Ability to communicate complex technical, operational, and policy information clearly to staff, executive leadership, elected officials, the public, and other audiences.
• Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with internal and external partners and stakeholders.
• Ability to travel to project sites; valid driver’s license and ability to operate state-owned vehicles.
• Demonstrated commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-oriented approach and willingness to take action to meet others’ needs.

Nice To Haves

• Licensed as a Civil Professional Engineer in Washington State, or holding a Civil PE license from another state with the ability to obtain Washington State licensure within six months of hire.
• Experience in maintenance and operations roles within large public-sector transportation organizations.
• Knowledge of American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) standards.
• Knowledge of Washington State and local agency guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership, management, and oversight of Highway Maintenance, Transportation Equipment Fund, Capital Facilities, and Traffic Operations programs, including long-term requirements, funding, staffing, support services, and budgets.
• Serve as Appointing Authority for approximately 480 staff and act as backup to the Region Administrator.
• Lead, plan, organize, and direct Maintenance and Operations employees to ensure effective performance and optimal use of resources.
• Develop, implement, and coordinate regional program policies, procedures, standards, and controls with other regions and headquarters.
• Ensure maintenance and operations programs comply with applicable state and federal laws, regulations, policies, and Collective Bargaining Agreements.
• Oversee personnel actions, staffing levels, position establishments, leave and travel approvals, and corrective or disciplinary actions.
• Monitor regional activities, projects, and asset conditions through field visits; identify deficiencies and champion improvements through capital improvement and preservation programs.
• Build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders; represent WSDOT in regional, statewide, and national forums; respond to inquiries and resolve complaints from the public, local and elected officials, and legislators.
• Promote employee safety, engagement, inclusion, workforce diversity, and professional development through expectations, training, coaching, mentoring, recognition, and performance guidance.
• Travel throughout the region to visit work zones and remote facilities, monitor project progress, evaluate and train staff, and participate in in-person meetings and stakeholder coordination.

Benefits

• Flexible work schedules.
• Up to 25 paid vacation days per year for full-time employees.
• 12 paid holidays.
• Tuition reimbursement and other education-expense assistance options for permanent employees.
• Government discounts at participating colleges throughout the state.
• Eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness.
• Comprehensive benefits package with a variety of healthcare options.
• Choice of state retirement programs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed