Transportation Planning Specialist 2 (In-Training)

State of Washington • Spokane County – Spokane, WA

12d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is seeking a Transportation Planning Specialist 2 to serve as a Community Transportation Planner within the Eastern Region Planning Office. This role will contribute to shaping transportation solutions through community engagement, multimodal planning, and equitable decision-making. The position involves collaborating with partners, tribal governments, local agencies, and the public to support safe and reliable transportation, strengthen public trust, and deliver sustainable transportation solutions that enhance mobility, improve quality of life, and advance WSDOT's mission.

Requirements

• Written & Visual Communication: Ability to translate technical or planning information into clear written and visual materials for decision-makers and public audiences.
• Accessibility & Compliance: Ability to review materials for compliance with ADA, Title VI, and accessibility standards.
• Organization & Prioritization: Ability to organize, prioritize, and manage multiple assignments while maintaining attention to detail and accuracy.
• Data & Records Management: Ability to maintain databases, tracking tools, and project records accurately.
• Collaboration & Communication: Ability to communicate progress, issues, and potential solutions effectively with supervisors and project teams.
• Computer Skills: Proficiency using Microsoft Office and other agency software tools.
• Travel & Mobility: Ability to travel throughout the Eastern Region to conduct field reviews, attend community engagement events, stakeholder meetings, project site visits, and interagency coordination meetings operating a state-owned vehicle.
• Possess a valid Washington State driver's license or demonstrate the ability to meet the transportation needs of the position.
• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Demonstrates a willingness to take action to meet the needs of others.

Nice To Haves

• Transportation Planning: Experience applying transportation planning, community planning, environmental justice, public policy, communications, or related principles.
• Community Engagement: Experience supporting community engagement or public involvement efforts, including working with diverse or underrepresented populations.
• GIS & Mapping: Experience using GIS software such as ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, StoryMaps, or similar mapping tools.
• Planning Communications: Experience preparing reports, presentations, visual communication materials, or planning documentation.
• Public Meeting Support: Experience supporting in-person or virtual public meetings, including the use of audio-visual or online engagement platforms.
• Presentation & Facilitation: Experience with public speaking or meeting facilitation.

Responsibilities

• Conduct transportation planning activities that support community engagement by collaborating with local agencies, tribal governments, community-based organizations (CBOs), stakeholders, and the public to foster inclusive transportation planning.
• Coordinate and support community engagement meetings and events by scheduling logistics, preparing and facilitating presentation materials, and operating audio-visual and hybrid meeting technology.
• Maintain planning and community engagement records, stakeholder information, participation data, and documentation using agency software, data management systems, and virtual engagement platforms.
• Apply established community engagement techniques and environmental justice methodologies to support meetings, analyze qualitative and quantitative data, evaluate community priorities, and improve engagement practices.
• Research transportation planning practices, policies, regulatory requirements, environmental justice considerations, and best practices, and prepare summaries and recommendations for senior planning staff.
• Develop, update, and improve community engagement guidebooks, manuals, administrative processes, and engagement tools to enhance consistency and effectiveness.
• Create and maintain transportation planning communication products using graphics, GIS mapping, StoryMaps, web content, and other visual materials that meet agency branding, ADA, Title VI, and Section 508 accessibility requirements.
• Research and evaluate emerging digital tools and technologies that enhance transportation planning, community engagement, and public communication efforts.

Benefits

• Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees may earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year!
• Tuition Assistance – Permanent employees have several options for assistance with education expenses, including tuition reimbursement programs, government discounts at participating colleges throughout the state, and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness.
• Plan For Your Future – WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options. Employees also have a choice of state retirement programs, and much more.

What This Job Offers

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