Communications Consultant 1

Communications Consultant 1

Salary

$43,836.00 - $58,392.00 Annually

Location

Thurston County - Olympia, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

26DOT-HQ-05616

Department

Dept. of Transportation

Division

Headquarters

Opening Date

10/05/2026

Closing Date

10/12/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

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 leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, manages the worlds longest floating bridge, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

The Opportunity

WSDOT is currently seeking a Communications Consultant 1 to support communications and workforce development within the Multimodal Planning & Data Division in Olympia, WA. In this role, you will work to inform decisions by helping to develop, edit, coordinate, and distribute communications materials that support planning, policy, data, and analysis services.

You will collaborate with division and agency staff, external stakeholders, and agency leadership to develop clear and effective documents, graphics, emails, web content, and other communications. You will also provide quality control for a variety of materials. Your work will help advance the divisions mission to inform decisions through expertise and innovation that support a statewide sustainable and integrated multimodal transportation system.

What to Expect

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

• Import, format, merge, and manipulate text and graphic images using standard PC applications.
• Review and assist with copy editing, design, layout, publication, and sharing of materials through email, Teams, SharePoint, and the web.
• Research and work with internal partners to draft division publications, including folios, reports, fact sheets, and one-pagers consistent with WSDOT style and graphic standards.
• Assist in developing graphics, tables, charts, polls, and surveys using Microsoft, Adobe, SurveyMonkey, and/or Mentimeter.
• Draft content for internal communications, including blogs, newsletters, Teams channels, and other publications.
• Draft materials that increase the visibility and credibility of planning and data products and services.
• Assist with sharing messages about how the division supports strategic goals, including the WSDOT Strategic Plan, Federal Planning Emphasis Areas, Title VI, and state environmental justice goals.
• Develop scripts, record, and edit videos to support planning-related communications.
• Support virtual, hybrid, and in-person meetings and conferences, including scheduling, agendas, presentations, speakers, registration, food and materials, technical support, and day-of-event activities.
• Review and assist with revising web content and build and update content in Drupal for the WSDOT public website and/or InsideDOT employee intranet.
• Collaborate with authors and subject matter experts to review, revise, and update web content and provide workflow feedback to improve governance.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support operational needs, team projects, and cross-functional initiatives.

Qualifications

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

• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Demonstrates a willingness to take action to meet the needs of others.
• Writing and Editing Skills: Strong writer with ability to edit the writing of others.
• Web Development: Ability to develop and publish web content consistent with agency guidelines.
• Graphic Design: Ability to use industry standard software to develop a variety of graphic elements, including logos, images, flow charts, and design visualizations.
• Document Layout: Able to take large amounts of text/photos/graphics/tables and import them into a document for publication using Microsoft Word and/or Adobe InDesign. Documents must pass accessibility check.
• Meeting Support/Event Management: Actively supports all aspects of in-person, hybrid, and virtual meetings, including scheduling, developing materials, arranging speakers, presenting, arranging food, setting up, and cleaning up.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

• WSDOT Style Guidance: Knowledge about WSDOT communications and graphic style requirements.
• Drupal Proficiency: Experience editing websites using Drupal.
• Lean Six Sigma: Experience and/or certification in the Lean process improvement methodology.
• ADA Accessibility Standards: Base level knowledge about creating and publishing documents that are accessible for the widest possible audience.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• In addition to base salary, employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type, duties, or location of the position. For union-represented positions, more information on other forms of compensation can be found in the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements. Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in Chapter 357-28 of the Washington Administrative Code.
• WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.

Why WSDOT

• Work-Life Balance - We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals' lifestyle. As such, there are a number of flexible schedule options available, including telework options for eligible positions.
• 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 their choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information.

How to Apply

Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine salary. Therefore, it is very important that the "Work Experience" portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible.

In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application:

• An attached resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
• An attached cover letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
• Contact details for a minimum three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. This information can be entered in the "References" section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment.

Please click the "APPLY" button to proceed. Note that you will be prompted to either sign in or create an account. This step is required in order to submit an application to this opportunity.

WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. All persons, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/ or gender identity, are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter.

WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at Rachel.Giese@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-HQ-05616 in the subject line.

More than Just a Paycheck!

Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. Thats why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:

The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits

Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation

State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security

All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays

Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave

Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)

Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave

Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave

Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave

Leave Sharing

Parental Leave

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026

01

Which best describes your writing and editing experience?

• Advanced: I regularly write and edit communications materials and edit the writing of others for clarity, accuracy, and audience needs.
• Proficient: I have experience writing communications materials and editing my own work or the work of others.
• Developing: I have some experience writing or editing communications materials.
• No experience: I do not have this experience.

02

Which best describes your experience developing and publishing web content consistent with agency guidelines?

• Advanced: I regularly develop and publish content for the web and post it to the web consistent with agency guidelines.
• Proficient: I regularly develop and publish content for the web but am not experienced with agency guidelines.
• Developing: I have some experience developing and publishing web content.
• No experience: I do not have any experience developing and publishing web content.

03

Please describe your experience developing and publishing web content consistent with established guidelines. If you do not have this experience, please enter N/A.

04

Which best describes your graphic design experience?

• Advanced: I regularly use industry standard software to develop a variety of graphic elements, such as logos, images, flow charts, or design visualizations.
• Proficient: I use industry standard software to create and edit graphic elements for communications materials.
• Developing: I have some experience creating or editing graphics using design software.
• No experience: I do not have this experience.

05

Which best describes your experience using Microsoft Word and/or Adobe InDesign to create documents containing text, photos, graphics, and tables, including ensuring documents pass accessibility checks?

• Advanced: I regularly use both Microsoft Word and Adobe InDesign to create documents containing text, photos, graphics and tables that pass accessibility checks.
• Proficient: I regularly both Microsoft Word and Adobe InDesign to create documents containing text, photos, graphics or tables.
• Developing: I have some experience using Microsoft Word and Adobe InDesign.
• No experience: I have not used one or more of Microsoft Word or Adobe InDesign.

06

Please describe your experience using Microsoft Word and/or Adobe InDesign to create documents containing text, photos, graphics, and tables, including ensuring documents pass accessibility checks. If you do not have this experience, please enter N/A.

07

Which best describes your meeting support/event management experience?

• Advanced: I actively support all aspects of in-person, hybrid, and virtual meetings and events, including scheduling, materials, speakers, presentations, food, setup/cleanup, and technical or registration support.
• Proficient: I regularly support multiple aspects of meetings or events, including scheduling, materials, presentations, speakers, registration, or logistics.
• Developing: I have assisted with meeting or event logistics.
• No experience: I do not have this experience.

08

Which best describes your knowledge of WSDOT communications and graphic style requirements?

• Advanced: I have extensive knowledge of WSDOT communications and graphic style requirements.
• Proficient: I have some knowledge of WSDOT communications and graphic style requirements.
• Developing: I have a little knowledge of WSDOT communications and graphic style requirements.
• No experience: I do not know about WSDOT communications and graphic style requirements.

09

Which best describes your experience editing websites using Drupal?

• Advanced: I have extensive experience editing websites with Drupal.
• Proficient: I have some experience editing websites with Drupal.
• Developing: I have experience editing websites but not with Drupal.
• No experience: I have no experience editing websites.

10

Please describe your experience editing websites such as Drupal. If you do not have this experience, please enter N/A.

11

Which best describes your experience and/or certification in the Lean process improvement methodology?

• Experience: I have experience applying Lean process improvement methods.
• Certification: I hold a Lean Six Sigma certification.
• Both: I have experience applying Lean process improvement methods and hold a Lean Six Sigma certification.
• No experience or certification: I do not have experience or certification in Lean process improvement methodology.

12

Which best describes your knowledge of ADA accessibility standards and experience creating and publishing accessible documents for the widest possible audience?

• Advanced: I have strong knowledge of ADA accessibility standards and independently create and publish accessible documents. I also use accessibility checkers or similar tools in Microsoft Word, Adobe InDesign, or other programs to identify and address accessibility issues.
• Proficient: I have working knowledge of ADA accessibility standards and have created and published documents that meet accessibility standards.
• Developing: I have basic knowledge of ADA accessibility standards and have some experience creating or publishing documents, but I have limited experience applying accessibility standards to those documents.
• No experience: I do not have knowledge of ADA accessibility standards or experience creating or publishing accessible documents.

13

How did you learn of this employment opportunity?

• Indeed
• LinkedIn
• Direct Email Notification
• WSDOT social media (Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, etc)
• Career Fair
• Monster
• WorkSource
• Handshake
• AASHTO
• NACTO
• COMTO
• APWA
• "NOW HIRING" banner/sign
• Radio advertisement
• WSDOT Employment Site
• Careers.wa.gov
• governmentjobs.com
• Other (specify below)

14

If you selected Other on the previous question, please specify how you learned of this employment opportunity in the space provided:

Required Question

Employer State of Washington

Address View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504

Website http://www.careers.wa.gov