Land Use Planning Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $80,496.00 - $108,228.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Tumwater, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 26DOT-HQ-05346
Department: Dept. of Transportation
Division: Headquarters
Opening Date: 07/09/2026
Closing Date: 7/27/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
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's Multimodal Planning and Data Division is seeking a Transportation and Land Use Planner to join the Transportation Regional and Integrated Planning (TRIP) Office. This position provides advanced professional planning support to integrate transportation, land use, and state policy objectives while advancing agency priorities related to multimodal transportation, safety, climate, and customer service. Under the direction of the Transportation and Land Use Planning Lead, this role supports WSDOT's Land Use Team by reviewing planning and policy materials, identifying transportation related implications of land use strategies and decisions, and supporting coordination with local, regional, and state partners. This position helps connect local plans, development patterns, housing, multimodal access, safety, vehicle miles traveled, and state transportation systems considerations through technical assistance, research, policy analysis, guidance development, and implementation support. The successful candidate will act as a liaison and a key resource for the department, local governments, and project proponents regarding land use decisions.
What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Transportation and Land Use Planner will:

• Assist with the development and implementation of policies, programs, and process improvements that support transportation-efficient-development patterns, multimodal access, transportation safety outcomes, vehicle miles traveled reduction, and the coordination of land use, housing, and transportation planning. Conduct research, analysis, and prepare summaries of relevant planning issues related to the integration of land use and transportation.
• Support the advancement of the agency Safe System Approach, specifically, Safer Land Use by helping translate concepts into practical planning guidance, examples, informational materials, implementation steps, and communication products.
• Support the Land Use team by tracking and analyzing state planning requirements, agency policies, partner agency guidance, legislation, and emerging practices that affect land use and transportation integration.
• Assist with identifying barriers, opportunities, and implementation strategies that support alignment between WSDOT planning practices, land use, and state transportation policy objectives.
• Help assess and prioritize planning issues to identify potential implications for WSDOT programs, facilities, and policy objectives.
• Support analysis of proposed legislation, policy changes related to land use, transportation, housing, climate, State Environmental Policy Act, and multimodal planning.
• Prepare bill summaries, issue briefs, implementation notes, fiscal and workload considerations, and related materials for review.
• Assist with implementation of legislative and budget direction, including statewide planning initiatives related to the integration of land use and transportation.

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

• Planning and Policy Analysis: Demonstrated ability to review, interpret, and integrate planning, policy, or program information to support clear and objective recommendations, guidance, technical assistance, and implementation coordination.
• Land Use and Transportation Planning: Strong understanding of how land use, housing, infrastructure, community design, transportation safety, climate, mobility, and environmental considerations interact within local, regional, and statewide settings.
• Planning Analysis and Problem Solving: Ability to analyze relevant complex and emerging planning issues, evaluate potential impacts and implications for WSDOT, identify objective responses and resolutions, and apply sound judgement when working with incomplete information, competing priorities, and sensitive policy issues.
• Written and Verbal Communication: Demonstrated ability to prepare clear, accurate, objective, and well-organized written materials, and communicate complex planning and policy topics to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Initiative and Independent Judgement: Actively demonstrates ability to identify issues, initiate research, gather relevant information, recommend next steps, and move forward with appropriate independence while keeping supervisors and colleagues informed.
• Collaboration and Facilitation: Strong ability to work effectively with internal and external partners, support of productive meetings and working groups, clarify issues, document outcomes, and help participants move towards a shared understanding and actionable next steps.
• Interagency Coordination and Professional Judgement: Ability to navigate complex or sensitive topics with professionalism, objectivity, and understand different perspectives. Ability to support constructive coordination across agencies, disciplines, and different levels of government.
• Project and Task Coordination: Demonstrated ability to organize and track tasks, schedules, deliverables, stakeholder input, meeting materials, consultant products, or follow-up actions while maintaining accuracy, responsiveness, and accountability.
• Growth Mindset and 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:

• Professional Planning: Experience reviewing, developing, or supporting comprehensive plans, housing, land use, or transportation elements, municipal codes, land use applications, environmental review documents, or local implementation guidance.An understanding of how local policies and regulations influence development patterns, housing production, multimodal access, VMT/GHG reduction, safety, and transportation system outcomes.
• Comprehensive Planning Knowledge: Ability to understand and apply Washington's Growth Management Act, State Environmental Policy Act, comprehensive planning requirements, regional transportation planning frameworks. Ability to apply or learn Washington-specific planning requirements and guidance in state, regional, or local planning contexts.
• Interagency and Stakeholder Coordination: Demonstrated experience collaborating with local governments, counties, state agencies, MPOs, RTPOs, tribal nations, consultants, community partners, and multidisciplinary teams on planning, policy, implementation, or technical assistance efforts. Experience navigating complex topics with competing priorities and fostering a supportive and collaborative environment to advance transportation planning initiatives.
• Program and Project Management: Experience coordination work plans, schedules, deliverables, consultant tasks, stakeholder input, meeting materials, reporting requirements, or implementation activities for planning, policy, guidance, or technical assistance projects. Ability to organize complex work, track decisions and next steps, and support timely completion of products or implementation activities.

*To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the Contact Us section of this posting.
Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• The salary range listed includes the 2% general wage increase, effective on July 1, 2026.
• 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.
• 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 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.
• Plan For 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 for more information.

Check out this video to learn more:
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 about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at . Please be sure to reference 26DOT-HQ-05346 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