Job Description

Assistant Regional Administrator | Mount Baker Area at State of Washington summary:

The Assistant Regional Administrator for the Mount Baker Area at WSDOT leads and manages all transportation planning, design, construction, and environmental services in Skagit, Island, and Whatcom Counties. This leadership role oversees approximately 160 staff, ensuring on-time, within-budget delivery of highway construction programs while fostering collaboration with federal, state, and local agencies and stakeholders. The position requires expertise in civil engineering, strategic program management, regulatory compliance, and team leadership to deliver safe and efficient transportation solutions across diverse environments.

Salary : $126,216.00 - $161,880.00 Annually
Location : Whatcom County - Other, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 25DOT-NWR-1W116
Department: Dept. of Transportation
Division: Northwest Region
Opening Date: 09/29/2025
Closing Date: 10/13/ :59 PM Pacific
Description
About WSDOT
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal organization with a global reputation for excellence! Our dedicated workforce is responsible to plan, design, build, and operate an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 18,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT manages the world's longest floating bridge, executes an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds a record for the world's widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!
The Opportunity
WSDOT is seeking a dynamic and experienced Professional Engineer to serve as the Assistant Regional Administrator (ARA) for the Mount Baker Area. Reporting to the Deputy Regional Administrator, this key leadership role is a member of the executive management team for the Northwest Region, which serves approximately 3.5 million people-45% of Washington State's population-across a diverse and complex transportation landscape that includes rural, suburban, and urban environments.
As the ARA for the Mt. Baker Area, you will oversee the delivery of all planning, design, and construction projects in Skagit, Island, and Whatcom Counties, and provide leadership for the Region's Environmental Services, Hydraulics, Landscape Architecture, and Real Estate Services offices. You will manage approximately 160 WSDOT staff, ensuring the successful execution of the Mt. Baker Area highway construction program while delivering essential region-wide services. In this role, you will represent WSDOT in a variety of external forums, working closely with federal, state, and local agencies, transit partners, regional and metropolitan transportation planning organizations, and community stakeholders. You will also coordinate MBA construction activities with the Headquarters Construction Office, providing strategic guidance and policy interpretation to support the oversight and implementation of the region's construction program.
This position requires a strong leader who can plan, direct, and monitor the work of senior managers, provide strategic direction across multiple disciplines, and ensure that the Mt. Baker Area delivers safe, efficient, and high-quality transportation solutions for the communities it serves.
What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the ARA will:

• Provide expertise, oversight, services and products for planning, scoping, design, construction, plant establishment and maintenance of the highway roadsides and sundry sites for the NW Region, SR 520 Program and Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement Program.
• Promote and facilitate an environmentally responsible transportation program. Manage the policies, standards, procedures and provide services, products and oversight for all environmental elements associated with the construction program (scoping, design and construction) as well as the maintenance and operations programs in the region.
• Deliver the right of way for all highway construction projects and manage the WSDOT properties that are not used for the highway construction program through leases and property disposals.
• Ensure appropriate and optimum use of the organization's resources and enhance the effectiveness of employees through the organization.
• Responsible for on-time and within budget delivery of the highway construction program for all projects within Skagit, Island and Whatcom Counties and other projects as assigned.
• Responsible for on-time and within budget delivery of right-of-way acquisitions, environmental permits and documentation, and landscape architecture design for the Northwest Region.
• Effectively manage issues, communicate changes (no surprises), and guide and mentor senior staff in effective organization management.
• Primary point of contact for all agency activities within Skagit, Island and Whatcom Counties, representing WSDOT with the media, citizens, local jurisdictions, legislators, and business.
• Responsible for establishing the framework and strategies to facilitate the resolution of transportation issues within the three counties. Work with other regions and technical areas to coordinate decisions and resources to ensure a seamless delivery of the highway construction program and services.

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

• Professional Engineering Expertise : Demonstrated ability to apply civil engineering principles, project development, and project management in highway planning, design, construction, and maintenance.
• Leadership and Organizational Management : Proven skill in leading large, diverse teams, providing strategic direction, mentoring managers, and fostering an inclusive, high-performing work environment.
• Highway and Bridge Construction Oversight : Knowledge of highway and bridge construction, contract administration, and contract law, with the ability to guide complex projects and ensure compliance with standards.
• Regulatory, Policy, and Compliance Acumen : Ability to interpret and apply federal, state, tribal, and local laws, environmental regulations, and agency policies to ensure project and organizational compliance.
• Strategic Planning and Program Execution : Skilled in planning, organizing, implementing, and monitoring complex transportation programs, aligning resources with organizational goals, fiscal constraints, and stakeholder priorities.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Communication : Proven ability to build collaborative relationships with public agencies, local jurisdictions, tribes, and community stakeholders, and to effectively communicate technical and strategic information across multiple audiences.
• Decision-Making, Negotiation, and Technical Guidance : Ability to make informed, professional decisions, negotiate agreements, provide technical support, and implement policies and standards consistently across the region.

• Equity Minded: The ability to take action to learn and grow. The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

In addition, the following are required:

• Registered Professional Civil Engineer in the state of WA or ability to obtain within 6 months of appointment.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Bachelor's degree or higher in civil engineering or public administration or similar

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the "Contact Us" section of this posting.
• 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 . Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in 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 .

Why WSDOT

• Work-Life Balance - We offer flexible work schedules that allow you time for your life outside of this excellent opportunity.
• 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 for more information.

Check out this video to learn more:
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 of 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 recruiter listed.
Contact Us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, Amanda Strebeck, at . Please be sure to reference ARA #1W116 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. That's 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 (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 (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 , 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 .
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
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated
01
Do you have a Professional Engineer (PE) License within the state of Washington?

• Yes
• No
• No, but I have the ability to obtain this within 6 months of hire.

02
If you do have a current Civil Engineering PE license within the state of Washington, please provide the license number in the space provided. If you do not have this, please provide a description of ability to obtain active registration as a Civil Engineer in the state of Washington within six (6) months of the date of hire.
03
How would you describe your ability to apply civil engineering principles, project development, and project management in highway planning, design, construction, or maintenance?

• I have little or no experience applying civil engineering principles.
• I have some experience but require guidance to apply engineering principles effectively.
• I can independently apply civil engineering principles and manage projects in routine situations.
• I routinely lead complex projects, applying engineering principles with minimal oversight.
• I am recognized as an expert and provide guidance or training to others on engineering and project management.

04
Please briefly describe your experience applying civil engineering principles, project development, and project management in highway planning, design, construction, or maintenance. If you do not have this experience, please note 'N/A'.
05
How would you describe your ability to lead large, diverse teams and provide strategic directions to managers and staff?

• I have little or no experience managing or leading teams.
• I can manage teams with guidance but need support in strategic leadership.
• I independently lead teams and provide direction in routine situations.
• I routinely provide strategic leadership to large, complex organizations with minimal oversight.
• I am recognized as a leader who mentors managers and fosters a high-performing, inclusive workplace.

06
Please briefly describe your experience leading large, diverse teams and providing strategic directions to managers and staff. If you do not have this experience, please note 'N/A'.
07
How would you describe your ability to oversee highway and bridge construction, contract administration, and ensure compliance with standards?

• I have little or no experience in highway or bridge construction oversight.
• I have some experience but require guidance to ensure compliance and manage projects.
• I can independently oversee construction projects and administer contracts.
• I routinely manage complex construction programs and ensure compliance across multiple projects.
• I provide expert guidance on construction practices, contracts, and standards to others.

08
Please briefly describe your experience overseeing highway and bridge construction, contract administration, and ensuring compliance with standards. If you do not have this experience, please note 'N/A'.
09
How would you describe your ability to interpret and apply federal, state, tribal, and local laws, environmental regulations, and agency policies?

• I have little or no experience applying laws, regulations, or policies.
• I can apply policies with guidance but need support to interpret regulations.
• I independently apply laws and policies to routine projects and ensure compliance.
• I routinely interpret and apply regulations to complex projects and provide guidance to staff.
• I am recognized as an expert and provide strategic guidance on regulatory compliance across the organization.

10
How would you describe your ability to plan, organize, implement, and monitor complex transportation programs and projects?

• I have little or no experience planning or managing programs.
• I can assist with planning and execution with guidance.
• I independently plan and manage programs and projects effectively.
• I routinely lead complex programs, aligning resources and priorities across multiple projects.
• I provide strategic direction and oversight for large-scale, multi-project programs.

11
How would you describe your ability to engage with public agencies, local jurisdictions, tribes, community stakeholders, and communicate technical information effectively?

• I have little or no experience engaging stakeholders or communicating technical information.
• I can communicate or engage with guidance in routine situations.
• I independently communicate technical information and collaborate with stakeholders.
• I routinely build relationships, influence decisions, and communicate effectively across diverse audiences.
• I provide leadership in stakeholder engagement and communication strategies, mentoring others in best practices.

12
How would you describe your ability to make informed decisions, negotiate agreements, provide technical guidance, and implement policies consistently?

• I have little or no experience making decisions, negotiating, or providing technical guidance.
• I can make decisions and provide guidance with supervision.
• I independently make informed decisions, provide technical guidance, and implement policies.
• I routinely lead complex negotiations, provide technical expertise, and ensure consistent policy implementation.
• I provide strategic leadership, mentoring others in decision-making, negotiation, and technical guidance across the organization.

13
Please select the response that best describes your highest level of education:

• Master's degree or higher
• Bachelor's degree
• Associate's or Technical (2-year) degree
• Some college, no degree
• High School Diploma
• None of the above

14
Please list the highest level of education and field of study you have completed, as well as any other academic and/or professional development course you have completed.
15
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)

16
If you selected 'Other' on the previous question, please specify how you learned of this employment opportunity in the space provided:
Required Question

Keywords:

transportation management, highway construction, civil engineering, project management, environmental compliance, regional administration, infrastructure planning, strategic leadership, team management, stakeholder engagement

Job Tags

Permanent employment, Full time, Contract work, Part time, Work experience placement, Work at office, Local area, Immediate start, Remote work, Flexible hours, Shift work,

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