Maintenance Superintendent (WMS2)

About WSDOT

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal agency with a global reputation for excellence. Our dedicated workforce plans, designs, builds, and operates an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 20,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, manages the world's longest floating bridge, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

The Opportunity

WSDOT is seeking a strategic and results-driven leader to serve as the highest-level manager for the maintenance and operations program in the South Central Region Maintenance Area 3.Maintenance Superintendent plays a critical role in leading maintenance and operations programs that ensure the highway system, facilities, and fleet are maintained to the highest standards of safety, performance, and sustainability. With independent responsibility for a large and complex operational area, the Superintendent directs resources and activities across roadway and drainage maintenance, snow and ice control, traffic operations, roadside management, emergency response, and public safety, while managing significant assets including facilities, equipment fleets, and extensive highway infrastructure. This position also leads workforce development efforts, fosters partnerships with stakeholders and public agencies, aligns operational priorities with legislative and organizational goals, and may serve in a senior leadership capacity in the absence of the Assistant Regional Administrator. This role requires advanced technical expertise, sound decision-making, and the ability to analyze complex challenges, set both short- and long-term strategic direction, and deliver innovative, performance-based solutions.

What to Expect

This position directs and coordinates the resources needed to operate, preserve and maintain the entire highway, roadside, landscape, and safety rest area assets in all of Benton and Franklin Counties, as well as a portion of Walla Walla County. The Area consists of 1385 lane miles of State and Interstate highways, eight major bridges, one Safety Rest Area, four major Columbia River crossings, and three staffed Maintenance sheds.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, theMaintenance Superintendent will:

• Administer maintenance and operations program within the assigned Area, anticipate operational concerns which could cause major disruptions, inconveniences, or tort issues.
• Ensure appropriate and timely acquisition of materials and supplies required to support the Area, ensure all Area activities are performed in the safest possible manner and in accordance with WSDOT policies.
• Ensure the Area is proactively managing the budget to complete the assigned responsibilities in accordance with department and OFM procedures.
• Communicate directly and openly with cities, counties, other agencies, news media and the public.
• Coordinate input and resolve conflicts with internal organizations, personnel, outside agencies, and the public.
• Respond to demands from other agencies, the public, legislators, weed boards, other WSDOT regions, and WSDOT headquarters.
• Coordinate with Commercial Vehicle Services, carriers, and City and County agencies involved in the movement of oversize loads.
• Process, review, and monitor utility franchises and permits.
• Promote leadership that provides a productive and supportive work environment.
• Give instructions to direct report staff; administer employee evaluations & disciplinary actions; offer support, encouragement, coaching, & mentoring to all employees/staff.
• Report directly to the Assistant Regional Administrator for Maintenance and Operations (ARA for M&O) in the South Central Region. In the absence of ARA, perform duties as necessary.

Qualifications

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

• Highway Maintenance & Operations Expertise:Expertise in preserving transportation infrastructure and a mastery of roadway, right-of-way, signage, rest area, emergency response, and winter snow/ice operations, with the ability to apply best practices to ensure safety, efficiency, and compliance with regulations.
• Strategic Program and Budget Management:Ability to develop, administer, and monitor a large biennial budget while ensuring efficient allocation of resources (labor, equipment, contracts) to meet operational goals and compliance requirements.
• Emergency Operations and Incident Response Leadership:Proven ability to lead multi-agency emergency responses (e.g., floods, snow/ice, slides, border closures) to restore safety and mobility across critical transportation corridors.
• Financial & Asset Management:Manages multimillion-dollar budgets, fleet, and infrastructure assets with accountability, ensuring effective prioritization, fiscal stewardship, and alignment with agency policies and performance expectations.
• Supervisory and Workforce Development:Demonstrated ability to foster a respectful, equitable, and inclusive workplace and ability to manage, coach, and evaluate a diverse workforce, ensuring adherence to safety, labor agreements, and operational standards while fostering professional growth.
• Stakeholder and Interagency Collaboration:Skilled in coordinating with internal partners (construction, bridge, traffic offices) and external entities (regional governments, Washington State Patrol (WSP), resource agencies, media) to align maintenance priorities and resolve operational challenges.
• Policy Implementation and Compliance:Ability to interpret, apply, and enforce state laws, employer policies, collective bargaining agreements, and environmental regulations in daily operations and long-term planning. Ability to contribute to agency policy development by aligning policy with daily operations and legal requirements.
• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented:Takes action to meet the needs of others.

The following qualifications are also required:

• A valid driver’s license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.
• Ability to assess field conditions and respond to emergencies on a 24/7 basis to protect infrastructure and public safety.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

• Engineering Design & Construction Expertise:Advanced knowledge and understanding of engineering design and construction principles.
• Regulatory Compliance & Environmental Knowledge:Knowledge of the federal, state, and local laws and ordinances, including environmental regulations, that govern highway maintenance.
• Emergency Response & Field Decision-Making: Ability to make timely and effective decisions.
• Conflict Resolution & Facilitation: Ability to productively resolve conflict, facilitate discussions, and build consensus among diverse stakeholders in high-pressure or complex situations.
• Communication Skills: Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing with a wide range of audiences, including staff, leadership, partners, and the public.
• Technical Systems & Equipment Proficiency: Proficiency in using electronic hardware and software, including multi-brand radio systems and standard computer applications such as Microsoft Office, to support operations and communication.
• Legal & Regulatory Representation: Ability to serve as an expert witness in legal proceedings, providing clear, accurate, and professional testimony related to engineering, maintenance, or operational matters.
• Construction Management & Engineering Application: Advanced knowledge/experience and applied understanding of construction management, civil engineering, or closely related disciplines to inform decision-making, planning, and program delivery.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• 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 Collective Bargaining Agreements. Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in Chapter 357-28 of the Washington Administrative Code.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• 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, please visit www.uscis.gov.

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, including telework options for eligible positions.
• Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees 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.
• PlanFor 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 State Benefits for more information.

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 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.

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 listed Recruiter.

Contact Us

For inquiries aboutthis posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter atDaisha.Jordan@wsdot.wa.gov.Please be sure to reference26DOT-SCR-5W015in the subject line.