Assistant Region Administrator - Maintenance & Operations

Salary : $135,000.00 - $165,120.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Lacey, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 26DOT-OR-3W036
Department: Dept. of Transportation
Division: Olympic Region
Opening Date: 10/14/2026
Closing Date: 10/30/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

The Opportunity
WSDOT is currently seeking a strategic and experienced leader to oversee Olympic Region's Highway Maintenance, Transportation Equipment Fund, Capital Facilities, Regional Emergency Operations, and Traffic Operations programs. In this critical leadership role, you will guide the delivery of essential transportation services, ensuring highways remain safe and reliable, equipment and facilities are maintained, and the region is prepared to respond to emergencies and traffic incidents. You will lead a large, diverse workforce and manage significant resources to support efficient operations, responsible stewardship of public funds, and the continued movement of people and goods throughout the region.

Through your leadership, you will help strengthen transportation system resilience, enhance public safety, and advance WSDOT's mission to keep people and businesses moving. You will also foster a respectful, inclusive workplace where employees are supported in delivering high-quality service to Washington's communities.
What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Assistant Regional Administrator for Maintenance & Operations will:

• Provide strategic leadership, management, and oversight of the region's Highway Maintenance, Transportation Equipment Fund, Capital Facilities, and Traffic Operations programs, including long-term program requirements, funding, staffing, support services, and budget oversight.
• Serve as Appointing Authority for approximately 480 staff and act as backup to the Region Administrator; lead, plan, organize, and direct Maintenance and Operations employees to ensure effective performance and optimal use of resources.
• Develop, implement, and coordinate regional program policies, procedures, standards, and controls in collaboration with other regions and headquarters to ensure consistency and effective program delivery.
• Ensure maintenance and operations programs comply with applicable state and federal laws, regulations, policies, and Collective Bargaining Agreements; oversee personnel actions, staffing levels, position establishments, leave and travel approvals, and corrective or disciplinary actions.
• Monitor regional activities, projects, and asset conditions through field visits; identify system deficiencies and champion improvements through capital improvement and preservation programs.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders; represent WSDOT in regional, statewide, and national forums, and respond to inquiries and resolve complaints from the public, local and elected officials, and legislators.
• Promote employee safety, engagement, inclusion, workforce diversity, and professional development through clear expectations, training, coaching, mentoring, recognition, and performance guidance.
• Regularly travel throughout the region to visit work zones and remote facilities, monitor project progress, evaluate and train staff, and participate in in-person meetings and stakeholder coordination.

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

• Maintenance and Technical Expertise: Demonstrated knowledge of highway and facility maintenance principles, practices, policies, procedures, regulations, and safety standards. Advanced skills to review, interpret, and develop technical documents, reports, and policy materials to support informed decision-making and program oversight.
• Project and Program Management: Demonstrated ability to lead the planning, development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of complex maintenance and operational programs. Advanced skills in establishing plans and setting objectives and goals that support overall program strategy/results; monitoring, measuring performance, and making necessary course corrections to the same.
• Problem Solving & Decision-Making: The ability to make timely, effective decisions in the best interest of the department based on an array of complex and competing issues. Proven skills to identify issues, evaluate options, and implement practical solutions. Advanced skills in conflict resolution and facilitating constructive dialogue.
• People & Organizational Leadership: Advanced skills in providing strategic direction and oversight for large, complex maintenance and operational programs. Progressively responsible leadership or supervisory experience with a diverse workforce, with demonstrated leadership abilities to work across boundaries; build and maintain effective teams; coach, mentor, and train; and encourage employee engagement. A strong working knowledge of principles of project management and team leadership.
• Regulatory and Policy Knowledge and Application: Demonstrated knowledge of applicable statutes, administrative codes, agency policies, and labor agreements governing maintenance and operations.
• Fiscal Management: Demonstrated experience developing, implementing, and managing large, complex budgets with accountability for financial performance.
• Emergency Management and Incident Command: Demonstrated knowledge of emergency management procedures, operations center management, and incident command systems, and the ability to obtain required National Incident Management Systems (NIMS) certifications and Incident Command System Certifications (ICS) 100, 200, 400, and 700 certifications within six (6) months of appointment.
• Communication and Stakeholder Engagement: Demonstrated ability to communicate complex technical, operational, and policy information clearly and effectively to diverse audiences, including staff, executive leadership, elected officials, and the public. Build and maintain effective relationships with internal and external partners and stakeholders to ensure collaboration, transparency, and trust.
• Driver's License: Demonstrated ability to travel to project sites as required to fulfill project responsibilities. A valid driver's license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles
• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

• Professional Engineering Certification: Licensed as a Civil Professional Engineer in the State of Washington or currently holding a Civil PE license from another state with the ability to obtain Washington State licensure within six (6) months of hire.
• Public Sector Transportation Maintenance Knowledge: Demonstrated experience in maintenance and operation roles within large public sector transportation organizations.
• Knowledge of American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) standards.
• Knowledge of Washington State and local agency guidelines

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position offers some flexible/hybrid remote work options and will require regular in-person office time.
• 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

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.

Contact Us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at Please be sure to reference Assistant Regional Construction Engineer #3W036 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.