Performance Measures Specialist - Washington State Ferries

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!

Washington State Ferries (WSF) is an essential part of Washington's transportation network. Every year, we carry nearly 20 million passengers across Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands on more than 400 sailings a day. Our dedicated teams with over 2,100 people work together to serve our communities and shape the future of ferry travel.

The Opportunity

WSF, a division of WSDOT, is currently seeking a skilled performance management professional to lead the development and delivery of data-driven reporting that supports informed decision-making across Washington State Ferries. This important role oversees performance measures, reporting systems, and analysis that help evaluate service delivery, ridership trends, and organizational goals while promoting accountability and continuous improvement. The position also supports grant compliance, fare-setting analysis, and required reporting to agency leadership, state partners, and legislative stakeholders. Through accurate, transparent, and timely information, this role helps strengthen safe, reliable ferry operations and advances WSF’s commitment to public service excellence.

As we navigate a once-in-a-generation transformation to decarbonize our system — guided by our core values Serve, Respect, Trust, Grow Navigate— and bold strategic priorities Service Excellence, Improved Communication and Empowered People — there’s never been a more meaningful time to come aboard at Washington State Ferries.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you/the Performance Measures Specialist will:

• Conduct advanced studies of WSF operational and capital program performance and develops recommendations.
• Leads program evaluations and performance assessments for ferries reporting.
• Develops WSF performance reports, dashboards, measures, policies, and analytical tools.
• Supports fare setting reports through ridership, revenue, trend, and data analysis.
• Research best practices and recommends improvements to performance measurement and reporting processes.
• Prepares briefings, reports, and consultative guidance for WSF and department leadership.
• Research federal grant opportunities, monitors compliance, prepares reports, and supports applications.
• Collaborates with internal and external partners to respond to data requests and advance performance initiatives.
• Uphold WSF’s strategic priorities (Service Excellence, Improved Communication, and Empowered People) and values (Serve, Grow, Trust, Respect, and Navigate), ensuring they are embedded in WSF’s culture through leadership actions

Qualifications

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

• Performance Measurement & Reporting
  • Expert-level knowledge of performance measurement principles, frameworks, and best practices.
  • Demonstrated ability to independently develop, evaluate, and refine complex performance metrics aligned to organizational and strategic goals.
  • Skilled in designing and producing sophisticated performance reports, scorecards, and dashboards tailored to diverse audiences including executive management, OFM, and the Legislature.
• Data Analysis & Management
  • Comprehensive ability to collect, analyze, and synthesize complex, multi-source data sets to produce actionable findings.
  • Skilled in developing and directing data management systems, identifying information gaps, and producing sound analysis under tight deadlines.
  • Proficiency in statistical software, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat, and PowerPoint required.
• Communication & Stakeholder Engagement
  • Skilled in translating complex technical information into clear, concise content for non-technical audiences at all levels.
  • Ability to deliver well-organized oral and written presentations and reports to varied audiences including WSF management, OFM, the Legislature, the State Transportation Commission, media, and the public.
  • Ability to build working relationships and gain support through collaboration and diplomacy.
• Program & Project Management
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities effectively.
  • Skilled in leading work groups and coordinating analytical tasks across organizational boundaries without direct supervisory authority, including engagement with department staff, consultants, and external partners.
• Growth Mindset
  • Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth
• Service-Oriented
  • Demonstrates a willingness to take action to meet the needs of others

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Professional experience in transportation planning, public transportation, or ferry/marine operations preferred.
• Working knowledge of WSF programs including ferry operations, maintenance, and environmental programs desired.
• Knowledge of or experience in transportation business operations and capital project management desired.
• Familiarity with strategic planning principles, government budgeting, and legislative processes desired.
• Strong analytical and technical writing experience desired.
• Proficiency in data visualization tools and development of performance dashboards desired.
• Working knowledge of federal transportation funding programs (FTA, FHWA, IIJA/BIL) and grant lifecycle processes desired.
• Familiarity with federal compliance requirements, reporting obligations, and grant application processes desired.
• Experience with federal grants management systems (e.g., TrAMS, EGMS) and federal reporting portals preferred.
• Familiarity with marine union collective bargaining agreements as they relate to performance measurement and operational constraints desired.

Important Notes

• This position is eligible for teleworking and offers a flexible work arrangement that may include remote work, in-office work, and in-person meetings based on business needs. Employees must be able to report onsite when requested for meetings, collaboration, or operational needs. Regular in-person attendance is expected at a minimum quarterly, with additional onsite presence as needed. Travel may also be required based on position responsibilities.
• The salary listed includes the legislative approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County.
• 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 applicableCollective Bargaining Agreements. Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found inChapter 357-28of 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 visitwww.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.
• Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees mayearn 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 toState 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 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.

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.

WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visitwww.uscis.gov

Contact Us

For inquiries aboutthis posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter atrenee.mason@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference26DOT-WSF-90829 in the subject line.