Transportation Management Center Technician | Transportation Technician 3 (In-Training)
About WSDOT
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is the steward of an integrated, multimodal transportation system that helps to ensure that 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
The Northwest Region (NWR) Transportation Management Center (TMC) has an outstanding entry level opportunity in our new state-of-the-art facility. Candidates should have a passion for computers, real-time traffic management, and serving the people of Washington. Successful applicants will provide daily traffic management activities in the TMC consisting of operating traffic management systems, tunnel control systems, and radio communications. This position is required to perform advanced traffic management activities and analysis. The goal of this position is to manage daily traffic, accidents, construction, and maintenance closures in the greater Seattle area, Canadian border, and Island County. Decisions made by this position directly affect the safety and traffic flow on the freeway and the adjacent arterial system.
What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Transportation Management Center Technician will:
- Monitor traffic within the Region’s highway system via CCTV, traffic management software (NG_TMS), computer aided dispatch (CAD), and other incident detection systems. Identify traffic impacts and employs ITS to communicate, manage demand, and control traffic. Follow guidelines and procedures for diversion, VMS messaging, and incident response. Coordinate with Radio, PIOs, maintenance crews, engineers, management, and local agencies. Identify system and publication errors, troubleshoot, and escalate to appropriate staff.
- Operate the I-90 and SR 99 tunnels central control system, supervising the fire life safety systems utilizing CCTV, traffic detection, incident detection cameras, carbon monoxide sensors, heat detection, and other detection systems. In the event of an incident, follows SOP as approved by fire marshals, tunnel maintenance, and/or supervising engineers. Coordinate incident response with emergency responders, maintenance crews, TMC operators, Radio, engineers, PIOs, management, and external agencies. Apply traffic incident management protocols to manage traffic approaching tunnels and divert traffic away on adjacent roadways. Document and inform staff of incidents, system events, and alarms. Identify system errors and escalate to appropriate staff; respond per SOP.
- Uses telephone and radio systems to communicate with WSDOT field crews, Washington State Patrol, local police departments, local transportation agencies, fire departments, Department of Ecology, etc. Logs all communications and actions performed.
- Use CCTV to identify incidents or disabled vehicles prior to reversal or closure. Identify damaged or failed equipment and escalate to appropriate staff. Coordinate reversal with field maintenance operators and IRT crews.
- Monitor and verify toll rate and information display within I-405 Express Toll system. Respond to blocking incidents or planned closures with appropriate override messaging. Identify system and sign errors, troubleshoot, and escalate to appropriate staff.
- Conduct training for new and current staff on topics. Prepares and maintains training materials. Conducts continuing education for listed topics and provides remedial materials. Maintains and updates SOPs.
- Perform data retrieval, analysis, and reporting of traffic and tolling data. Collect operation data, system logs, and control information. Collect, review, and archive operator and system logs and digital voice recordings as legal records for SCADA.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- Be available to work night shift, with at least one weekend day; available for on-call as need arises
- Ability to arrive at the TMC within 1 hour
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to work independently and as a part of a team
- Ability to independently investigate and study necessary info to complete an in-training plan
- Ability to read, comprehend, and verify contract plans and specifications including traffic control plans
- Ability to train new staff members with varying knowledge and backgrounds
- Strong understanding of computer operation; ability to rapidly multitask between multiple software applications in emergency situations
- Possess and maintain a valid driver's license
Preferred Qualifications:
- Prior operation of mission critical software suites, response to emergency situations, and/or previous transportation experience
- Two or more years of experience working in a major metropolitan TMC; Working knowledge of freeway management practices and principles - ability to make operational assessment of freeway flow conditions and derive traffic management strategies and tactics on the fly
- Working knowledge of data collection, analysis, and reporting practices and principles - must be able to analyze and summarize data to create actionable reports for traffic and tolling operations
- Detailed knowledge of tunnel environmental systems operations and procedures
- Ability to read, comprehend, and verify contract plans and specifications including traffic control plans
Important Notes
- The information provided on your application profile, any supplemental material attached to your application, and the responses to the supplemental questions will be used to determine qualifications for interview selection. Therefore, it is to your advantage that your application packet be completed in as much detail as possible.
- The recruiting efforts for this position may be extended beyond the displayed closing date for as long and until a sufficient candidate pool has been established. The Appointing Authority reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any time thereafter. It is to your benefit to submit your application as soon as possible.
- This position requires the incumbent to work various shifts in the 24/7 facility including day, evening and night shifts ranging from 8 to 12 hours. These positions include shifts on weekends.
- This is an in-training position that offers a career path and on-the-job training. This position allows you to progress through the Transportation Technician field, and achieve the goal class of a Transportation Technician 3. Candidates will be considered a Transportation Technician 2 or Transportation Technician 3, depending on qualifications. Annual salary levels for each position are:
- Transportation Technician 2: $51,445 - $69,224
- Transportation Technician 3: $58,300 - $78,334
- The salary listed for this position includes the legislative approved 5% premium for workers in King County.
- Interested candidates are encouraged to virtually visit the TMC to learn more about our operation. To schedule a virtual visit, contact nwflow@wsdot.wa.gov Candidates can also visit the TMC websites (Seattle Traffic homepage, WSDOT TMCs, Active Traffic Management, Ramp Meters, HOV, Express Lanes) for more information.
Why WSDOT
- Work-Life Balance – We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals’ lifestyle. As such, there are a number of flexible schedule options available to staff, including occasional telework for eligible positions.
- Paid Leave – In addition to 10 paid holidays, full-time employees earn a minimum 14 paid vacation days per year!
- Plan For Your Future – WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options, and free dental coverage! Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information.
- Tuition Assistance – Our 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.
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:
- An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
- An attached Cover Letter that further details your qualifications, and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
- Contact information to be included in the “References” section of the online application for a minimum three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, knowledge base, and job-related competencies.
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.
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, Eric Saniatan, at SaniatE@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 21DOT-NWR-12577e-1 in the subject line.
Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter.