Design - build Site Manager (wms2)

Design-Build Site Manager

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!

WSDOT is currently seeking a Design-Build Site Manager to support the Fife Project Engineering Office to assist in the delivery of the new SR 167 expressway that's part of the Gateway Program. The Gateway Program will provide critical infrastructure that will connect I-5 in Fife and SR 167 in Puyallup to the Port of Tacoma to enhance freight mobility into and out of the Port. This position assumes limited authority of the Project Engineer when absent and provides leadership, management, and oversight to a field office of approximately 50 engineers and technicians responsible for the delivery of the SR 167 Gateway Program that includes approximately $1 Billion in construction. The field office is responsible for delivering design-build highway construction projects that are on schedule, within budget, and meet quality, safety, and stewardship standards. The Site Manager monitors and reports on project delivery in accordance with WSDOT policies and departmental expectations for transparency and accountability. They also foster a balanced workplace that promotes training, professional growth, upward mobility, employee safety, workforce diversity, and pride in ownership, while serving as a local WSDOT representative to legislators, local agencies, stakeholders, Co-Managers, and industry partners. The ideal candidate is an experienced construction leader with strong collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills who can ensure high-quality project delivery, effectively manage staff, and contribute to a positive and professional office culture.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Design-Build Site Manager will:

• Assist the Project Engineer and assume limited authority when absent to provide leadership, management, and oversight to the field office delivering the Gateway SR 167 design-build program.
• Ensure projects are on schedule, within budget, and meet quality, safety, and stewardship standards, maintaining compliance with WSDOT policies and departmental expectations for transparency and accountability.
• Review and recommend approvals for design changes, work methods, contract modifications, material certifications, and payments.
• Collaborate and build effective working relationships with internal teams, contractors, stakeholders, elected officials, and the public to support project delivery and resolve conflicts.
• Oversee staffing, personnel actions, training, mentoring, and professional development, fostering a balanced and inclusive workplace that promotes safety, diversity, and upward mobility.
• Work closely with WSDOT and Design-Builder subject matter experts to resolve complex engineering issues in a manner that best serves the project needs.
• Promote a safety-focused work environment, engaging staff in safety programs and implementing strategies to reduce accidents and incidents.
• Ensure effective use of resources, project scheduling, and operational efficiency, monitoring staff performance and implementing best practices to support project and team success.

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

• Construction Contract Management & Leadership: Demonstrated ability to manage significant transportation infrastructure construction contracts exceeding $50 million, including providing effective supervision and oversight of staff.
• Civil Engineering Expertise: Effective working knowledge of civil transportation engineering design and construction principles and practices, contracting methods and procedures, and program (budget, schedule, environmental, quality, etc.) accountability. Proficient in reviewing and comprehending plans, specifications and working drawings for transportation projects.
• Project Management & Scheduling: Demonstrated ability to effectively plan, organize, and deliver multiple projects concurrently. Effective skills in establishing plans and setting objectives and goals that support overall program strategy/results; monitoring, measuring performance, and making necessary course corrections to the same.
• Effective Communication & Collaboration: Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills to engage internal teams, contractors, stakeholders, and the public. Capable of representing the agency in meetings and on project sites. The ability to evaluate, coordinate, and respond to customers and contractors in a professional, collaborative and timely way.
• Problem Solving & Decision-Making: The ability to make timely, effective decisions in the best interest of the department and the project based on an array of complex and competing issues. Proven ability to identify issues, evaluate options, and implement practical solutions. Skilled in conflict resolution and facilitating constructive dialogue.
• Respect & Inclusivity: Advanced skills in effective and professional communications with a diverse audience, including those with non-technical backgrounds, both virtually and in-person, using a variety of electronic media, including, but not limited to telephones, email, text, video conferencing. Ability to contribute to a respectful, inclusive, and equitable work environment.
• Leadership: Effective working knowledge of the principles of project management with strategic leadership abilities to build and maintain effective teams; motivate, coach, mentor, and empower employees; embrace and lead change; resolve conflicts; encourage employee engagement; foster and maintain a positive work environment; develop and implement process improvements; and demonstrate interpersonal skills to a diverse interdisciplinary workforce in developing and delivering multiple projects.
• Driver's License: Demonstrated ability to travel to project sites as required to fulfill project responsibilities. Must possess and maintain a valid, unrestricted Driver's License.
• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Leadership & Team Development: Demonstrates progressively responsible leadership and/or supervisory experience guiding a diverse workforce in a collaborative and inclusive environment. Builds and maintains effective working relationships across organizational boundaries, fosters employee engagement, and promotes accountability and teamwork. Skilled in coaching, mentoring, training, and developing employees while supporting performance management and team success. Applies principles of project management and team leadership to effectively coordinate work, prioritize resources, and achieve organizational goals.
• Complex Transportation Project Oversight: Demonstrated knowledge of transportation design and construction principles, practices, and project delivery methods related to large, complex public sector transportation projects. Skilled in coordinating project activities, monitoring scope, schedule, budget, quality, and risk, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, contractors, stakeholders, and partner agencies to support successful project delivery.
• Technical Scheduling & Budget Management Proficiency: Demonstrated experience utilizing engineering, scheduling, and budgeting software to support project planning, tracking, analysis, and reporting. Skilled in using technology and data management tools to monitor project schedules, resource allocation, financial performance, and project progress while supporting accurate documentation and decision-making.

This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs. This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options but requires regular field and office presence to fulfill the duties of this position. Travel is an expectation of the position and may be required to perform site/field visits, attend off-site meetings, meet with stakeholders, or attend training. Overnight travel may be required.

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.

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

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 a choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information.

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