Tribal Liaison (TPS4)

Tribal Liaison (TPS4)

Salary

$80,496.00 - $108,228.00 Annually

Location

Clark County - Vancouver, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

26DOT-SWR-41599

Department

Dept. of Transportation

Division

Southwest Region

Opening Date

07/24/2026

Closing Date

8/13/2026 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 Tribal Liaison - Transportation Planning Specialist 4 to serve as the primary point of contact between the Southwest Region and Tribal governments, fostering meaningful government-to-government relationships and advancing Tribal engagement across transportation programs and projects. As the Regions trusted advisor for Tribal relations, this position provides strategic guidance to regional leadership and project teams while helping strengthen partnerships founded on trust, respect, and meaningful collaboration.

In this key role, you will collaborate with federally recognized Tribes, Tribal partners, and agencies across Washington and Oregon to ensure Tribal perspectives, sovereignty, and cultural interests are thoughtfully integrated into transportation planning, project development, construction, and maintenance activities. You will provide strategic guidance to leadership and staff, support compliance with Tribal consultation requirements and applicable laws, and help advance WSDOTs commitments to equity, inclusion, environmental stewardship, and respectful partnership.

Southwest Region offers a uniquely complex transportation environment where collaboration with eleven federally recognized Tribes, cross-jurisdictional coordination with Oregon partners, and participation in significant transportation initiatives that shape the future of Southwest Washington.

This is an exceptional opportunity to strengthen lasting government-to-government relationships while helping deliver safe, sustainable, and culturally informed transportation solutions throughout Southwest Washington.

What to Expect

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

• Serve as the primary point of contact between WSDOT Southwest Region and Tribal governments, fostering respectful government-to-government relationships and coordinating Tribal consultation throughout transportation projects.
• Lead Tribal outreach, consultation, and engagement efforts by identifying appropriate Tribal contacts, facilitating meetings, documenting consultation activities, and ensuring commitments are incorporated into project planning, design, and construction.
• Coordinate with project managers, environmental staff, WSDOT Headquarters, Tribal representatives, and partner agencies to support regulatory compliance and ensure Tribal considerations are integrated into transportation programs.
• Develop and implement Tribal coordination procedures, policies, training, and guidance that strengthen Tribal engagement, cultural competency, and compliance with applicable laws, executive orders, and agency directives.
• Provide expert consultation, planning recommendations, and technical guidance to project teams, regional leadership, and interdisciplinary workgroups on Tribal relations, consultation requirements, and long-range transportation planning.
• Promote Tribal perspectives by advancing equity, environmental justice, Complete Streets principles, and HEAL Act compliance within transportation planning and decision-making.
• Represent the Southwest Region in statewide Tribal coordination efforts, interagency partnerships, policy discussions, and major regional initiatives, including the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program.
• Conduct special projects, research, field visits, and other assignments that support Tribal engagement, transportation planning, and regional operations.

Qualifications

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

• Tribal Consultation and Coordination: Expert knowledge of Tribal sovereignty, government-to-government consultation principles, Tribal governance structures, Washington Governor Executive Order 21-02, and Tribal coordination practices.
• Transportation Project Delivery: Working knowledge of transportation planning, project development, environmental review, and construction coordination processes.
• Environmental and Cultural Resource Coordination: Proficient in state and federal laws, such as Section 106, NEPA, SEPA, Complete Streets, HEAL Act, and related environmental or cultural resource coordination processes.
• Communication and Collaboration: Highly proficient in communicating and collaborating effectively with Tribal governments, agency staff, partner organizations, and project teams.
• Policy Interpretation and Implementation: Proficiency in interpreting and applying laws, regulations, policies, agreements, and executive orders related to Tribal consultation and transportation activities.
• Relationship Management and Problem Solving: Ability to facilitate coordination, issue resolution, and collaborative problem-solving involving complex or sensitive issues.
• Organization and Project Coordination: Ability to organize and manage multiple priorities, meetings, coordination efforts, and project-related activities.
• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.

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

• Ability to traverse rough, steep, and uneven terrain.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

• Public Agency and Policy Coordination: Familiarity with Washington State legislative processes, administrative rulemaking, and interagency collaboration related to Tribal engagement and transportation activities.
• Equity and Environmental Justice: Understanding of equity and environmental justice principles, including Title VI and HEAL Act considerations involving Tribal communities.
• Technical Tools and Systems: Experience using Microsoft Office Suite, GIS applications, mapping tools, or project tracking systems to support coordination and analysis activities.
• Consultation and Facilitation: Experience facilitating meetings, collaborative discussions, training, or stakeholder engagement activities involving complex or sensitive issues.
• Tribal Engagement Experience: Experience working with Tribal governments, Tribal communities, or Tribal organizations in a manner that demonstrates respect for Tribal sovereignty, cultural values, and government-to-government relationships.
• Education and Professional Development: Coursework, training, certifications, or professional development related to Tribal relations, environmental planning, cultural resources, transportation, communications, public administration, or related fields.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• The salary range listed includes the 2% general wage increase, effective on July 1, 2026.
• 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.
• 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.

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 yasmin.munoz@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-SWR-41599 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

Select the option that best describes your experience coordinating or conducting Tribal consultation and government-to-government coordination.

• Advanced - Independently leads or coordinates government-to-government consultation with Tribal governments and applies knowledge of Tribal sovereignty, Tribal governance, Washington Governor Executive Order 21-02, and Tribal consultation practices to transportation or public-sector projects.
• Intermediate - Supports Tribal consultation or coordination activities and has experience working with Tribal governments or Tribal representatives.
• Basic - Limited experience working with Tribal governments or participating in Tribal consultation activities.
• None of the above

02

Briefly describe your experience working with Tribal governments, including your role in Tribal consultation, coordination, or government-to-government relationships. If you do not have this experience, type "N/A".

03

Select the option that best describes your experience supporting transportation project delivery.

• Advanced - Independently supports transportation projects through planning, project development, environmental review, construction coordination, or related project delivery activities.
• Intermediate - Supports transportation planning or project development activities with some guidance.
• Basic - Limited experience supporting transportation projects.
• None of the above

04

Briefly describe your experience with transportation planning, project development, environmental review, construction coordination, or related transportation project delivery activities. If you do not have this experience, type "N/A".

05

Select the option that best describes your experience applying environmental or cultural resource laws and regulations.

• Advanced - Independently applies state and federal environmental or cultural resource requirements, including laws such as Section 106, NEPA, SEPA, the Complete Streets Act, the HEAL Act, or similar regulations, to transportation or infrastructure projects.
• Intermediate - Supports environmental or cultural resource compliance activities with some guidance.
• Basic - Limited experience with environmental or cultural resource requirements.
• None of the above

06

Briefly describe your experience applying environmental or cultural resource laws, regulations, or coordination processes to transportation or infrastructure projects. If you do not have this experience, type "N/A".

07

Select the option that best describes your experience interpreting and applying laws, regulations, policies, agreements, or executive orders.

• Advanced - Independently interprets and applies laws, regulations, policies, agreements, or executive orders to support transportation programs, Tribal consultation, or public-sector projects.
• Intermediate - Applies policies, procedures, or regulations with occasional guidance.
• Basic - Limited experience interpreting or applying policies or regulations.
• None of the above

08

Briefly describe your experience interpreting and applying laws, regulations, policies, agreements, or executive orders in your work. If you do not have this experience, type "N/A".

09

Are you able to traverse rough, steep, and uneven terrain?

• Yes
• No

10

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)

11

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