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 recommendation, 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:

• Manage project studies involving Washington’s freight, highway, rail, trucking, port, and steamship transportation needs in improving transportation infrastructure to facilitate these operations. 
• Utilize GIS skills while developing six-year Investment Program.
• Develop the investment program to be consistent with the federally recognized state freight plan.
• Conduct research and outreach to identify prospective projects for the investment plan; share information statewide while using Geographic Information System (GIS), digital communication, and transportation software.
• Provide analysis of the prospective investment projects and metrics for evaluation by the Board.
• Assist Director with developing the scopes of work for studies, evaluating proposals, coordinating with study consultants, monitor progress on deliverables, providing status reports to the Board.
• Act as the main point of contact for professional specialists for studies.
• 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:

• A bachelor’s degree in transportation planning, engineering, planning, business administration or closely related field; OR five (5) years of experience as a TPS4 or equivalent. 
• Two (2) years of experience utilizing GIS skills.
• Two (2) years of experience conducting research on freight mobility projects and issues, providing technical assistance and guidance on transportation project needs: design, construction, environmental, financing etc.
• Two (2) years of experience with GIS, digital communications, transportation planning software.
• Skills to work with diverse groups and to act as a liaison between FMSIB Board, tribes, WSDOT, transportation planning organizations, cities, counties, ports, and freight mobility. 
• Skills and experience communicating effectively in written and verbal form to diverse audiences.
• Intermediate skill level with Microsoft Excel.

It is preferred  that qualified candidates also have:

• Experience in transportation project planning.
• Experience in technical expertise in surface transportation issues.
• Strong background in funding and project management.
• Excellent writing skills. 
• Thorough knowledge of Washington State statutes and administrative codes.
• Thorough knowledge of the State’s fiscal and business climate and the revenue used to finance state transportation.
• Ability to develop policy and manage complex transportation programs.
• Experience working with Board members that represent different interests. 
• Solid knowledge of the Washington State Road system.
• Knowledge of Washington’s legislative process.