Operations Assistant Jobs in Olympia, WA (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $94,260.00 - $114,540.00 Annually
Location : Skagit County - Mt. Vernon, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 26DOT-NWR-1W082e
Department: Dept. of Transportation
Division: Northwest Region
Opening Date: 08/18/2026
Closing Date: 9/8/2026 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 is currently seeking a Maintenance and Operations Assistant Superintendent to lead the operation, maintenance, repair, and preservation of critical highway infrastructure throughout Area 2 of Northwest Region. Area 2 serves Skagit, Island, Snohomish and eastern Whatcom counties and is situated in a critical transportation corridor. This position provides strategic leadership for maintenance programs, overseeing planning, budgeting, policy implementation, staff development, and operational performance to ensure the efficient movement of people and commerce. The role also coordinates responses to emergencies, severe weather, natural disasters, and construction impacts while administering key programs such as pavement management, environmental compliance, vegetation management, and snow and ice control. As a leader, this position fosters a respectful, inclusive workplace that reflects WSDOT's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion while supporting the agency's mission to improve communities and economic vitality.
What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you will:

• Lead the planning, direction, and oversight of Area 2 maintenance operations, ensuring the safe, efficient, and cost-effective maintenance and preservation of the state highway system.
• Plan and coordinate emergency preparedness and response for incidents such as severe weather, natural disasters, collisions, and roadway closures while partnering with emergency management agencies and the Washington State Patrol.
• Plan and manage long- and short-term programs, budgets, capital investments, fleet needs, and funding requests, including an assigned portion of a $14.57 million biennial budget.
• Oversee environmental compliance, office operations, and administrative functions, ensuring adherence to agency policies, financial controls, and environmental stewardship requirements.
• Develop, solicit bids for, award, and administer contracts for region maintenance and preservation projects, asphalt and aggregate procurement, equipment rentals and miscellaneous goods and services.
• Collaborate with internal teams, contractors, local jurisdictions, partner agencies, and the public to coordinate maintenance activities, support highway construction projects, and represent WSDOT's maintenance interests.
• Monitor operational performance, expenditures, safety metrics, and public concerns, and implement improvements that enhance maintenance effectiveness, employee safety, and customer service.
• Supervise and develop staff by coaching, mentoring, and training employees while promoting a safe and inclusive workplace.

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

• Maintenance and Operations Knowledge: Knowledge of highway maintenance operations, including roadway, right-of-way, incident response, signage, and rest area maintenance. Working knowledge of engineering and construction principles sufficient to support maintenance and operational activities.
• Leadership and Supervision: Demonstrated ability to supervise employees and coordinate daily maintenance operations.
• Policy, Regulatory, and Personnel Knowledge: Working knowledge of policies, procedures, personnel practices, and applicable labor agreements.
• Operational Planning and Coordination: Experience coordinating multiple maintenance activities, prioritize competing work demands, and support implementation of operational plans and maintenance programs.
• Resource and Budget Administration: Experience monitoring and administering assigned budgets and effectively coordinating personnel, equipment, materials, and other resources to accomplish operational objectives.
• Emergency Response and Operational Support: Ability to coordinate emergency response activities, including snow and ice operations, and make sound operational decisions in rapidly changing conditions.
• Communication and Working Relationships: Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, and establish productive working relationships with employees, customers, partner agencies, and other stakeholders.
• Technology and Operational Systems: Experience using maintenance management systems, communication tools, and other technology to support field operations, documentation, and decision-making.
• 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.
• Completion of National Incident Management System (NIMS) ICS 100, 200, 700, and 800 certifications.
• Ability to respond to non-scheduled emergencies, including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Available for call and consultation at all hours outside of normal work schedule.
• Ability to travel locally to perform field visits/inspections and occasionally travel regionally and statewide to attend meetings/ conferences or participate in training.
• Ability to traverse rough, uneven, or steep terrain, assess confined spaces, and work at heights above 25 feet over land or water when conducting field visits/inspections.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

• Agency-Specific Experience: Experience applying WSDOT maintenance practices, policies, and procedures in an operational environment.
• Regulatory and Environmental Knowledge: Experience applying federal, state, and local regulations, including environmental requirements, to transportation maintenance activities.
• Budget Administration Experience: Experience assisting with the development, monitoring, or administration of maintenance or operational budgets.
• Emergency Management Experience: Experience coordinating emergency response activities and supporting incident management, including snow and ice operations.
• Project and Contract Coordination: Experience coordinating maintenance contracts, operational projects, or interagency work efforts.
• Licensure: A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Class A without air brake restrictions with "N" endorsement.

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.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• This position directs and manages four Highway Maintenance Supervisors, one Highway Maintenance 4, one Fiscal Specialist Supervisor, and 51 FTEs.
• 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

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 may 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. 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 visit www.uscis.gov.
Contact Us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at . Please be sure to reference 26DOT-NWR-1W082e 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 a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement pro