Deputy State Safety Engineer (WMS3)

Deputy State Safety Engineer (WMS3)

Salary

$122,400.00 - $149,724.00 Annually

Location

Thurston County - Lacey, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

26DOT-HQ-0W674

Department

Dept. of Transportation

Division

Headquarters

Opening Date

07/27/2026

Closing Date

8/24/2026 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 seeking a Deputy State Safety Engineer to provide strategic leadership for the agencys statewide highway safety program by developing and implementing policies, guidance, and initiatives that improve roadway safety and reduce fatal and serious injury crashes across Washington. This position works directly with the State Safety Engineer to carry out the needs of a multidisciplinary multimodal highway safety program, all the safety related activities that occur across WSDOT capital and operational programs. The Deputy State Safety Engineer partners with WSDOT regions, headquarters, and external safety agencies to ensure consistent, data-driven safety practices, oversee compliance with federal highway and rail-highway crossing safety requirements, support safety planning, performance evaluation, and knowledge transfer through training, and leads staff and cross-functional teams in advancing agency safety priorities. Strong candidates will possess expertise in transportation safety, policy development, regulatory compliance and exceptional leadership, strategic planning, and communication skills.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Deputy State Safety Engineer will:

• Develop and implement safety-specific and safety-related policies, processes and procedures, manuals, and guidance necessary to carry out WSDOT's approach to safety consistent with the Safe System Approach and Executive Order 1085.
• Report on the success of that program at the federal and state level in various forms and to multiple audiences.
• Develop the Highway Safety Programming Ranking and prioritization methods for proactive and reactive safety approaches used to develop locations for safety improvement projects.
• Provide strategic leadership, direction, expertise, and communication towards development of the Target Zero Strategic Highway Safety Plan.
• Develop, implement, and oversee the Highway Safety Implementation Plan which outlines WSDOT strategic approach to highway safety with specific actions and strategies to occur within the program for the following year to achieve a reduction in fatal and serious crashes.
• Provide strategic leadership, perform, and develop federally required analysis, evaluation, and coordination (internal, external, and public) for Safety Performance Target Setting, vulnerable road user assessments, high risk rural roads, and HSIP/RCHP federal reporting.
• Provide strategic leadership and direction necessary to carry out a program of safety audits, assessments, inspections and investigations for projects, programs, and locations.
• Provide high level safety expertise to the region, headquarters, and local agencies as necessary to achieve the Safe System, address project and program needs, and increase safety knowledge.
• Provide bill analysis and support for legislative proposals and requests related to safety.
• Provide strategic leadership to the Highway Safety Issue Group (HSIG), as chair.

Qualifications

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

Technical Expertise

• Extensive experience in quantitative and qualitative analyses to support transportation processes, policies, and projects.
• Proficiency in safety analysis, audits, evaluations, and diagnostic assessments, including identification of crash contributing factors.
• Demonstrated experience and understanding of transportation planning, design, operations, and project development.

Analysis and Implementation

• Extensive experience designing, performing, managing, implementing and reporting on quantitative and qualitative analyses to support recommendations for transportation processes, policies and projects.
• Experience in safety analysis, audits, evaluation and diagnostic assessment (understanding crash contributing factors).

Transportation Safety Expertise

• Extensive experience and applied knowledge of best practices, standards, and guidance for vehicle, bicycle, and pedestrian facility design, operations, and safety.

Leadership and Team Management

• Demonstrated ability and significant experience leading and developing professional, technical staff, and matrix-organized project teams.
• Ability to build, manage, and guide multidisciplinary teams toward successful outcomes.

Regulatory Knowledge

• Ability to interpret, apply, and analyze government rules, regulations, and laws.

Communication Skills

• Experience communicating with elected officials, agency leaders, stakeholders, the public, and the media.
• Ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear, accessible language for diverse audiences.
• Ability to testify as an expert to the legislature and courts.

Growth Mindset and Service-Oriented

• Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Takes action to meet the needs of others.

In addition to the above, the following are also required:

• A valid driver's license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.
• A bachelors degree in transportation planning, land use planning, or engineering.
• Licensed as a Professional Engineer in the state of Washington or licensed as a PE in another state with the ability to obtain licensure in Washington State within six (6) months of hire.
• Ability to testify as an expert to the legislature and courts.
• Ability to build and lead multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to travel statewide and nationally.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Additional Licensure and Certifications: Possession of safety-related professional certifications (e.g., Road Safety Professional, Safety Auditor).
• Industry Knowledge: Familiarity with nationwide perspectives and practices on safe systems approach and federal requirements for safety target setting and reporting.
• Data Analysis: Proficiency with statistical analysis tools, software, and methodologies.
• Public Sector Experience: Experience working within a public transportation agency environment, including familiarity with agency processes and stakeholder coordination.
• To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the Contact Us section of this posting.

Important Notes

• This position requires review of fatalities and serious injury crash data, photos and information, which may include on site investigations as well as review of sensitive information related to deaths and serious injuries.
• This position requires statewide and out of state travel to state agency partners, WSDOT regions and offices.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options. The official duty station and/or frequency of telework for this position will be determined based on candidate preference and overall business needs.
• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• 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 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.

Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?

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:

• 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 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.

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.

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at Robyn.Lovely@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-HQ-0W674 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

This position requires the ability to review fatalities and serious injury crash data and information, including on site investigations and review of sensitive information. Are you willing and able to comply with this essential job function?

• Yes
• No

02

Technical Expertise: Which best describes your experience conducting quantitative and qualitative analyses to support transportation processes, policies, and projects?

• I have extensive experience independently leading complex analyses, developing recommendations, and presenting findings that influenced transportation policies, programs, or projects.
• I have substantial experience conducting analyses and contributing recommendations for transportation policies, programs, or projects.
• I have some experience assisting with transportation analyses under the guidance of others.
• I have limited or no experience conducting transportation-related analyses.

03

Which best describes your experience performing transportation safety analyses, audits, evaluations, or diagnostic assessments?

• I have extensive experience independently conducting safety analyses, identifying crash contributing factors, and recommending safety improvements.
• I have experience participating in safety analyses, audits, or evaluations and contributing to recommendations.
• I have limited experience supporting transportation safety assessments.
• I have no experience performing transportation safety analyses or evaluations.

04

Please describe your experience conducting safety analyses or diagnostic assessments, including the types of analyses performed. If you do not have this experience, please enter N/A.

05

Which best describes your knowledge of transportation planning, design, operations, and project development?

• I have extensive experience applying knowledge across all phases of transportation planning, design, operations, and project development.
• I have experience applying knowledge in several areas of transportation planning, design, operations, or project development.
• I have limited experience in one or more of these areas.
• I have no experience in these areas.

06

Analysis and Implementation: Which best describes your experience designing, managing, implementing, and reporting transportation analyses used to support policy or project recommendations?

• I have independently led complex transportation analyses from planning through implementation and reporting.
• I have managed or conducted significant portions of transportation analyses and contributed recommendations.
• I have supported transportation analyses under the direction of others.
• I have little or no experience with these activities.

07

Transportation Safety Expertise: Which best describes your experience applying transportation safety best practices, standards, or guidance for vehicle, bicycle, and pedestrian facilities?

• I have extensive experience applying safety principles across multiple transportation modes and influencing statewide or organizational safety practices.
• I have regularly applied transportation safety standards and guidance to transportation projects or programs.
• I have limited experience applying transportation safety standards.
• I have no experience applying transportation safety standards or guidance.

08

Please describe your experience applying transportation safety best practices, standards, or guidance to transportation projects or programs. If you do not have this experience, please enter N/A.

09

Leadership and Team Management: Which best describes your leadership experience?

• I have extensive experience supervising professional staff while leading large multidisciplinary or matrixed teams responsible for complex transportation programs or projects.
• I have experience supervising staff and leading project teams.
• I have experience leading project teams without direct supervisory responsibility.
• I have little or no leadership experience.

10

Please describe your experience leading professional staff or multidisciplinary teams, including the size of the team, your role, and the outcomes achieved. If you do not have this experience, please enter N/A.

11

Regulatory Knowledge: Which best describes your experience interpreting and applying transportation-related laws, regulations, or policies?

• I have extensive experience interpreting and applying federal and state transportation laws, regulations, and policies to complex transportation programs or projects.
• I have experience regularly applying transportation regulations and policies in my work.
• I have limited experience interpreting transportation regulations.
• I have little or no experience interpreting transportation regulations.

12

Do you have a valid drivers license?

• Yes
• No

13

Are you currently licensed as a Professional Engineer (PE)?

• Yes, I am licensed as a PE in Washington State.
• Yes, I am licensed as a PE in another state and can obtain Washington licensure within six months of hire.
• No

14

If you indicated you currently have a PE license, please list your license number, otherwise enter N/A.

15

Are you willing and able to travel statewide and nationally as needed?

• Yes
• No

16

Do you currently possess any professional transportation safety certifications (such as Road Safety Professional or Safety Auditor)? If yes, please list any applicable transportation safety certifications you currently hold. If you do not have any certifications, please enter N/A.

17

Which best describes your familiarity with the Safe System Approach and federal transportation safety performance requirements?

• I have extensive experience applying Safe System principles and federal safety performance requirements in transportation programs or projects.
• I have working knowledge and have applied these principles in my work.
• I have basic familiarity with these concepts.
• I have little or no familiarity with these concepts.

18

Please list the software you have experience using to evaluate transportation data. If you do not have this experience, please enter N/A.

19

Do you have experience working in a public-sector transportation agency? If yes, please briefly describe your public-sector transportation agency experience. If you do not have this experience, please enter N/A.

20

Please select the response that best describes your highest level of completed education.

• I have a master's degree or higher.
• I have a bachelor's degree.
• I have an associate's degree.
• I have a high school diploma or equivalent.
• None of the above

21

If you indicated completion of a degree, please list your degree and field of study. Otherwise, enter N/A.

22

How did you learn of this employment opportunity?

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

23

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