Travel Data Processing Specialist - Transportation Planning Specialist 3

State of Washington•Thurston County – Tumwater, WA

9d•Remote

About The Position

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is seeking a Travel Data Processing Specialist to serve as a technical lead for processing, analyzing, and maintaining traffic data. This role involves using data analysis, databases, and programming skills to identify and resolve data quality issues, improve processing methods, support reporting, and respond to complex data requests. The specialist will also act as a resource for other staff by providing training, maintaining procedures, and identifying opportunities to improve accuracy, efficiency, and customer service. The data processed is crucial for informing policy and planning, improving roadway safety, supporting research, and guiding roadway design for WSDOT, local agencies, research institutions, and federal partners.

Requirements

Demonstrated ability to analyze large or complex datasets to answer questions, identify trends or anomalies, and clearly summarize findings.
Experience using critical thinking and troubleshooting skills to identify data errors and inconsistencies, determine root causes, and resolve issues.
Proven skills to use SQL, R, SAS, SPSS, or similar programming languages to extract, transform, and summarize data.
Uses advanced Microsoft Excel functions, including nested formulas, lookup functions, charts, conditional formatting, and importing data from text files.
Accurately performs basic algebraic calculations, growth-rate calculations, and statistical calculations and presents results in tables and graphs.
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in writing and verbally, including developing procedures and professional analytical reports.
Prioritizes work, manages competing assignments, and delivers accurate and timely results.
Performs work with limited supervision while maintaining productivity, accuracy, and attention to detail.
Works effectively with others to support shared data-related goals.
Evaluates existing processes and recommends improvements that increase efficiency or better meet customer needs.
Uses databases, internet resources, Microsoft Office, and other standard computer applications effectively.
Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
Takes action to meet the needs of others.

Nice To Haves

Experience applying WSDOT's linear referencing system to code or analyze transportation data.
Experience evaluating data against defined standards for accuracy, completeness, and consistency.
Experience using GIS tools to analyze or present transportation data.
Uses tools such as Tableau or Power BI to develop or support data dashboards.
Skills to provide effective guidance, feedback, and support to others through active listening, flexibility, goal-setting, and constructive conflict resolution.

Responsibilities

Serve as a subject matter expert and lead for travel data processing techniques and procedures, including training staff, monitoring work quality, maintaining procedures, and championing process improvements.
Design and create SQL database queries to address new and recurring data analysis needs.
Process short-duration traffic counts and permanent traffic recorder data by reviewing documentation, estimating traffic volumes, merging data, identifying data issues, and evaluating data accuracy and completeness.
Provide direction to field technicians on data processing procedures and coding requirements, and coordinate resolution of permanent traffic recorder data issues.
Compile traffic data from other WSDOT organizations and incorporate it into office databases.
Extract, compile, format, validate, and document data for internal processes and recurring external reporting.
Maintain data tracking workbooks that provide timely information about permanent traffic recorder status and identified issues.
Coordinate and fulfill internal and external traffic data requests accurately, efficiently, and professionally.
Evaluate data requests, identify available WSDOT resources, develop SQL queries when needed, and document responses.
Support special projects and data analyses that contribute to the goals of the Data Processing and Analysis Section.