HQ Hydraulics Fish Passage Design Manager - Olympic Region (WMS3)

HQ Hydraulics Fish Passage Design Manager - Olympic Region (WMS3)

Salary

$116,400.00 - $142,488.00 Annually

Location

Thurston County - Lacey, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

26DOT-HQ-0W634

Department

Dept. of Transportation

Division

Headquarters

Opening Date

09/08/2026

Closing Date

10/6/2026 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 an experienced, civil, environmental, or water-resources engineer and mission-driven leader to join our State Hydraulics Office as the Fish Passage Design Manager in Lacey, WA. This is a unique opportunity to lead some of Washington's most challenging fish passage, stream restoration and transportation water-crossing projects. If you have a strong background in hydraulics, fish passage, stream restoration, geomorphology, scour or related water-resources engineering and are ready to apply that expertise at a statewide level, this position offers an opportunity to make a lasting difference.

As the Fish Passage Design Manager, you will lead the Fish Passage Section serving the Olympic Region while also providing statewide technical leadership for fish passage, stream restoration, and streambed scour design. You will work alongside engineers, project teams, Tribal governments, regulatory agencies, and other partners to turn complex environmental and transportation challenges into practical, resilient solutions where rivers, fish, infrastructure, and the public safety intersect. Your work will directly influence how WSDOT designs and delivers transportation projects that restore fish passage, protect communities and infrastructure, improve stream function, and keep Washington moving. You will also help shape statewide engineering practices, mentor technical professionals, advance practical, resilience solutions that balance environmental stewardship with the needs of a modern transportation system. If you are looking for a leadership role where your technical expertise can influence projects, policy, and engineering practices across Washington, we want to hear from you.

What to Expect

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

• Lead statewide fish passage and stream restoration policy and standards by developing, implementing, and enforcing design criteria, policies, and procedures for fish passage, stream restoration, streambed scour, and hydraulic practices.
• Direct the Fish Passage Design program and provide statewide technical authority by leading the Olympic Region Fish Passage Design Section and serving as the final technical authority for complex, high-risk design decisions.
• Ensure quality and consistency in project delivery by overseeing and approving hydraulic and restoration design products and ensuring deviations from standards are technically justified, documented, and approved.
• Guide multidisciplinary project delivery across scoping, design, and construction for Fish Passage, Mega, Improvement, and Chronic Environmental Deficiencies projects.
• Provide advanced hydraulic engineering expertise through complex analyses of hydrology, hydraulics, scour, lateral migration, and by establishing guidance for bridge hydraulics, water crossing design, and habitat-integrated restoration.
• Strengthen workforce expertise by mentoring, training, coaching, and developing staff, consultants, and project engineers statewide.
• Coordinate with partners and represent WSDOT with regulatory agencies, Tribal governments, federal partners, and technical organizations at regional and national levels.
• Support program integration and infrastructure resilience by contributing to bridge scour, stormwater retrofit, major drainage, and chronic environmental deficiency programs, including budgeting, policy updates, and long-term strategy.
• Provide emergency response leadership by serving as a statewide hydraulic expert during emergency events and providing technical analysis, risk assessment, and executive-level communication.
• Advance WSDOT's values by incorporating environmental stewardship, safety, responsive service, innovation, and long-term sustainability into decisions and project delivery.

Qualifications

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

• Technical Leadership in Hydraulic and Environmental Engineering: Applies advanced expertise in fish passage, stream restoration, streambed scour, and transportation hydraulics to guide complex design, construction, and restoration solutions.
• Policy Development and Implementation: Leads development, interpretation, and implementation of complex engineering and environmental policies and ensures consistent application of standards.
• Strategic Leadership and Organizational Alignment: Sets direction and priorities for programs with statewide impact and aligns multidisciplinary teams, resources, and stakeholders to achieve agency goals.
• Program and Financial Management: Applies management principles to program delivery, budgeting, resource allocation, prioritization, and performance management across large-scale programs.
• Project Delivery and Execution Excellence: Directs complex, multidisciplinary projects through development, design, and construction while ensuring quality, consistency, and compliance.
• Decision-Making Under Uncertainty: Exercises independent judgment in high-risk or ambiguous situations and balances technical, financial, environmental, and legal considerations.
• Change Leadership and Continuous Improvement: Leads organizational change and process improvements that enhance efficiency, consistency, and quality.
• Collaborative Leadership and Influence: Builds relationships across organizational boundaries, including internal teams, executive leadership, regulatory agencies, Tribal governments, and industry partners, and influences outcomes without direct authority.
• Workforce Leadership and Development: Leads, mentors, and develops staff and indirect reports while building technical capacity and accountability.
• Communication and Executive Presence: Communicates complex technical and policy information clearly to executives, engineers, stakeholders, and external partners.
• Stakeholder and Regulatory Engagement: Coordinates with federal, state, and local agencies, Tribal governments, and industry partners to achieve compliant and collaborative outcomes.
• Systems Thinking and Integration: Integrates engineering, environmental, operational, and policy considerations to develop practical, forward-looking solutions.
• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.

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

• A valid drivers license.
• Registration as a Professional Engineer in Washington State.
• Ability to obtain WSDOT Water Crossing and Stream Restoration Design and Documentation Certification within six months.
• Ability to obtain WSDOT Scour Certification within six months.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

• Hydraulic and Transportation Engineering Expertise: Demonstrates advanced expertise in hydraulic engineering and transportation design and construction and/or advanced academic preparation in civil engineering or a related field, with emphasis in hydraulics or water resources.

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.

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:

• 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.

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-0W634 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

Technical Leadership and Decision-Making: Which best describes your experience making complex technical decisions involving hydraulics, fish passage, stream restoration, scour, or transportation water crossings?

• I have served as a senior technical authority, providing direction on complex or high-risk engineering decisions across multiple projects or teams and establishing technical approaches used by others.
• I have led complex technical analyses and made or approved significant design decisions involving multiple technical disciplines, competing risks, or unusual site conditions.
• I have independently performed technical analyses and made design decisions for individual projects involving hydraulics, fish passage, stream restoration, scour, or related water-resources engineering.
• I have supported technical analyses or designs prepared by others but have not been responsible for significant technical decisions.
• I have limited or no experience in this area.

02

Policy, Standards and Technical Guidance: Which best describes your experience developing, interpreting, or implementing engineering or environmental policies, standards, design criteria, or technical guidance?

• I have led the development and implementation of policies, standards, or technical guidance that affected multiple projects, organizations, or jurisdictions and have been responsible for resolving complex questions regarding their application
• I have developed or significantly revised technical guidance, standards, policies, or design criteria and worked with others to implement them.
• I have interpreted existing policies or standards and provided recommendations or guidance to project teams.
• I have primarily applied established policies, standards, and technical guidance to my assigned work.
• I have limited or no experience in this area.

03

Leadership and Collaboration: Which best describes your experience leading multidisciplinary teams and influencing decisions among stakeholders when you do not have direct authority over all participants?

• I routinely lead complex, high-profile efforts involving executives, technical professionals, regulatory agencies, Tribal governments, and other external partners, and I am responsible for building agreement and achieving outcomes across organizational boundaries.
• I have led complex multidisciplinary efforts involving internal organizations and external partners, resolved competing priorities, and influenced decisions without direct authority.
• I have led project teams or work groups and coordinated technical decisions among multiple disciplines.
• I have participated as a member of multidisciplinary teams and provided technical input within my area of expertise.
• I have limited or no experience in this area.

04

Workforce Leadership & Development: Which best describes your experience developing technical staff and building organizational technical capability?

• I have led technical professionals across multiple teams or disciplines and have established or significantly influenced workforce development, training, mentoring, succession planning, or technical certification programs.
• I have supervised or led technical staff and have been responsible for setting expectations, providing feedback, developing staff, and building team capabilities.
• I have regularly mentored, coached, or trained technical staff and helped others develop their skills.
• I have provided informal assistance or technical mentoring to coworkers.
• I have limited or no experience in this area.

05

Professional Engineer License: Do you currently hold a Professional Engineer (PE) license in Washington State?

• Yes
• No
• No, licensed in another state

06

If you indicated you have a Professional Engineer (PE) license, please provide your PE license number and issuing state. If no, please enter N/A.

07

Engineer/Certification Requirements: Do you have the ability to obtain the required WSDOT Water Crossing and Stream Restoration Design and Documentation Certification and WSDOT Scour Certification within six months of appointment?

• Yes
• No

08

Hydraulic and Transportation Engineering Expertise: Please describe your experience applying advanced hydraulic engineering principles to transportation design, construction, fish passage, stream restoration, or related work. If you do not have this experience, please enter N/A.

09

| 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)

10

| 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