Maintenance Policy Branch Manager

About WSDOT
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is the steward of an integrated, multimodal transportation system that helps to ensure people and goods move safely and efficiently throughout the state. In addition to building, maintaining, and operating the state highway system, WSDOT operates the largest ferry system in the nation, manages the world's longest floating bridge, and recently completed the world's widest tunneling project.
The Opportunity
WSDOT is seeking a Maintenance Policy Branch Manager in Olympia, WA. The Headquarters Maintenance Policy Branch is responsible for performance measurement and management, information management system development and implementation, and managing the Highway Maintenance Program budget. In this role you will be responsible for the development and deployment of management policies, programs, and tools used in the overall management and delivery of the statewide highway maintenance program. This include financial planning, tracking, and reporting; information management systems in which highway asset inventories are maintained and completed maintenance work is recorded; and performance measurement programs such as the Maintenance Accountability Process (MAP). This position is also responsible for developing strategic/long-term plans such as the maintenance portion of the Washington Transportation Plan. The successful candidate will provide clear communication of program expectations, expenditures, and performance in order to demonstrate the effective delivery and stewardship of public resources.
What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Maintenance Policy Branch Manager will:

• Provide program management direction for integrating maintenance activities and information with activities and information from other WSDOT functions towards better asset management.
• Develop, report, track, and communicate the needs and status of the $600 million Highway Maintenance budget.
• During emergencies and natural disasters, serve in a management capacity in the HQ Emergency Operations Center.
• Develop databases and other technology applications and deploy objectives focused on training maintenance personnel in the use of such programs/tools and serving as an advocate of the value that these programs/tools add to delivery of highway maintenance services.
• Make work assignments to personnel as needed within HQ Maintenance for administration of the MAP including field condition surveys and analysis required to determine the outcomes of service delivery of region programs.
• Provide strategic direction and management within the Headquarters Maintenance Office.
• Provide program management direction for revising and updating the WSDOT Maintenance Manual to keep maintenance policies and procedures up to date with contemporary practices and needs.
• Provide program management direction for development of long-term strategic plans for the maintenance function and response to Legislative directives.

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

• Detailed knowledge of transportation budget management concepts.
• Detailed knowledge of highway maintenance performance measures and performance management concepts.
• Experience building consensus and team building.
• Detailed knowledge on the inter-workings of the WSDOT accounting system, various information technology applications, and operational components of maintenance program delivery.
• Supervise, lead and mentor team members.
• Strong leadership and human relations/personnel skills to facilitate overall participation and buy-in of program product; coordinate activities of multiple projects to achieve a coordinated outcome.
• A valid driver’s license.
• Communicate, negotiate, and partner with a variety of different individuals, both internal and external to the Agency.
• Detailed knowledge of maintenance management concepts and systems. This includes system components such as the WSDOT accounting system, maintenance management systems, feature inventory databases, and mobile data collection applications.
• Knowledge of highway maintenance methods, work operations, and procedures.
• Four-year college degree in business administration, public administration, engineering, or related field OR five (5) years of progressively more responsible experience in leadership positions, including management of staff and budgets.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Agency purchasing and procurement policies and procedures.
• WSDOT organization, structure, function, and budgeting to effectively develop short- and long-term program goals and objectives.
• Significant experience with Maintenance Program elements.
• General knowledge of maintenance operations and activities.
• Extensive experience in a leadership position in the Maintenance Program or similar program is strongly desired.
• Department safety standards, policies, and practices.
• Maintenance agreements and related policies and procedures.

Important Notes

• 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. 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. For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov

Why WSDOT

• 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.
• Work-Life Balance – We offer flexible work schedules that allow you time for your life outside of this excellent opportunity.
• 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.
• Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees can earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year!

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:

• 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.
• An attached cover letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.

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. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, as well as people of all sexual orientations and gender identities 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. For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov
Contact us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, Rachel Giese at [email protected]. Please be sure to reference 23DOT-HQ-0W156 in the subject line.