ROW Permitting Specialist (TE2)

State of Washington•Chelan County – Wenatchee, WA

9d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is seeking a skilled Transportation Engineer 2 to join the North Central Region (NCR) Planning Office. This role supports Development Services by leading the access management and control program, overseeing general right of way (ROW) permitting, and coordinating the review of land development proposals that may impact state highways. The position serves as a region specialist in Managed and Limited Access inquiries, reviews and processes access connection permits and applications to state highways, considering future WSDOT plans, projected traffic, and local land use. The ideal candidate will have knowledge of access management, ROW permitting, and land development processes, and the ability to work effectively with internal and external partners to support safe and effective transportation development.

Requirements

Analytical Thinking & Problem Solving: Demonstrated ability to apply critical thinking, sound judgment, strategic judgment, logical reasoning, and problem-solving skills to address difficult and complex challenges while exercising tact and adhering to established practices.
Land Development & Regulatory Knowledge: Knowledge of the authorities and responsibilities of local, regional, and state agencies and applicable local, state, and federal statutes related to land development.
Transportation & Access Management: Knowledge of the principles and impacts of land development on traffic operations, highway access, safety, vehicle mobility, and active transportation safety and comfort, including highway access management programs.
Construction & Contract Administration: Knowledge of construction practices, contract administration, contractor/owner relationships, basic contract law, and material testing procedures.
Technical Research & Interpretation: Ability to research, interpret, and apply contract provisions, plans, drawings, and technical details.
Workload Management: Ability to work independently, prioritize workload, and effectively manage multiple assignments.
Safety: Positively contributes to a culture of safety.
Communication & Collaboration: Ability to communicate effectively in writing, orally, and graphically; collaborate with internal and external interdisciplinary teams; and share accurate, pertinent information in a timely manner.
Growth Mindset & Service-Oriented: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth. Demonstrates a willingness to take action to meet the needs of others.
A valid driver’s license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.

Nice To Haves

Interagency & Stakeholder Coordination: Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with government agencies, the public, private citizens, contractors, and other stakeholders.

Responsibilities

Coordinate ROW and access permits from initial inquiry and application review through issuance, construction inspection, compliance resolution, and closeout.
Respond (written and verbal) to numerous access inquiries from the public.
Inspect permitted work and ensure permit compliance; inspect, review, and formally respond to un-permitted access connections.
Research and develop recommendations regarding department, abutters, and local jurisdictions' rights and responsibilities, highway and non-highway use of right-of-way, and temporary encroachments.
Prepare and review permits and agreements.
Support Development Services Lead in compiling, reviewing, and identifying private land use proposals and decisions that result in impacts to the state highway through the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) notices and coordinating with developers and local jurisdictions.
Identify, comment, and report on local, regional, and state land use actions that result in impacts to the state highway system.
Travels regularly to and from construction sites to perform inspection and/or materials testing in assigned geographic areas.