Salary : $88,788.00 - $119,458.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 26FMSIB-HQ-00007
Department: Freight Mobility Strategic Investment Board
Opening Date: 08/13/2026
Closing Date: 8/31/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

The Opportunity

FMSIB is currently seeking to fill a Transportation Planning Specialist 5 vacancy located in Olympia, WA. Reporting to the Executive Director of FMSIB, this position will work to establish budget and policy recommendations for the Legislative Transportation Committees, Office of Financial Management, and Washington Governor. This position will serve as the subject matter expert for FMSIB's six-year investment plan recommendations, freight mobility studies, identification of emerging freight mobility issues, and feedback on freight mobility plans and funding opportunities. In this role, you will work independently with Executive Director guidance to develop common procedures and practices for identification of strategic freight mobility priorities for the Board to recommend to the Governor and Legislature. Exceptional communication skills are essential, as this position will require a collaborative approach to coordinate these efforts with tribes, WSDOT, regional planning organizations, cities, counties, ports, freight industry stakeholders, and communities.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Transportation Planning Specialist 5 will:

• Oversee projects, studies, and research to develop and administer a six-year investment plan for priority freight-mobility projects statewide.
• Manage the process established by the Board for recommending an investment program, with input from local governments, transportation planning organizations, tribes, and other public entities.
• Develop the investment program to be consistent with the federally recognized state freight plan.
• Provide analysis of the prospective investment projects and metrics for evaluation by the Board.
• Manage project studies involving Washington's freight, highway, rail, trucking, port, and maritime transportation needs to improve transportation infrastructure and facilitate these operations.
• Conduct research and outreach to identify prospective projects for the investment plan. Marshal information statewide while using GIS, digital communication, and transportation software.
• Research advanced multimodal analyses of freight projects for inclusion within the six-year investment plan that aligns with the transition to zero-emissions freight movement corridors.
• Conduct research on strategies, tools, and metrics for the freight sector to achieve zero-emissions consistent with state policy.
• Assist the Executive Director in developing the scopes of work for studies, evaluating proposals, coordinating with study consultants, monitoring progress on deliverables, and providing status reports to the Board.
• Use spreadsheets, GIS, and other digital technology to facilitate information standardization, sharing, and communication.

Qualifications

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

• Transportation Planning & Analysis: Demonstrated knowledge of transportation planning, engineering, business administration, or a closely related field, with the ability to apply advanced principles, analytical techniques, and professional judgment to support transportation programs, policies, and projects.
• Complex Planning & Program Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead complex planning initiatives, analyzing transportation issues, develop strategic recommendations, coordinate with diverse stakeholders, interpret applicable laws, regulations, and policies, and make decisions that support organizational and statewide transportation objectives.
• Freight Mobility & Transportation Projects: Experience conducting research on freight mobility projects and issues, providing technical assistance and guidance on transportation project needs: design, construction, environmental, financing, etc.
• GIS & Transportation Technology: Experience with GIS, digital communications, and transportation planning software. Intermediate skill level using Microsoft Excel.
• Stakeholder Relations & Collaboration: Skills to work with diverse groups and to act as a liaison between FMSIB , tribes, fellow state agencies, transportation planning organizations, cities, counties, ports, and freight mobility partners.
• Written & Verbal Communication: Skills and experience communicating effectively in written and verbal form to diverse audiences. Excellent writing skills.
• Growth Mindset Service-Oriented: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth. Takes action to meet the needs of others.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Transportation Project Planning: Extensive experience in transportation project planning.
• Transportation, Grants & Project Management: Experience in technical expertise in surface transportation issues. Strong background in grant program administration, funding, and project management.
• Washington Laws & Administrative Codes: Thorough knowledge of Washington State statutes and administrative codes.
• Transportation Fiscal & Business Environment: Thorough knowledge of the State's fiscal and business climate and the revenue used to finance state transportation.
• Policy & Program Management: Ability to develop policy and manage complex transportation programs. Experience working with Board members that represent different interests.
• Washington Transportation System & Legislative Process: Knowledge of the Washington State road and transportation system and knowledge of Washington's legislative process.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• Ability to travel statewide for board meetings, site visits, workshops, and conferences.
• 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 Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in of the Washington Administrative Code.
• FMSIB 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. NOTE: This information may 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 26FMSIB-HQ-00007 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