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 an experienced and highly organized Executive Assistant to provide confidential executive-level administrative support to the Assistant Secretary for the Fish Passage Program (FPP). In this critical role, you will manage complex administrative operations, coordinate executive priorities, and provide strategic support that enables the Assistant Secretary to lead statewide efforts delivering the FPP in alignment with agency goals, statewide transportation objectives, and federal court requirements. You will serve as a trusted resource, exercising a high degree of independence, sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism while collaborating with executive leadership and providing guidance to administrative professionals across the agency. Our top candidate will possess exceptional organizational and communication skills, the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment, strong knowledge of executive administrative practices, and a commitment to confidentiality, customer service, and operational excellence.
What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Executive Assistant will:
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Maintain executive calendar and schedule multiple complex appointments with high-level staff and other government executives and partners.
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Ensure Assistant Secretary is aware of status deadlines and priority of work activities according to known needs, preferences and personal judgment.
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Create and format documents electronically including itineraries, presentations, spreadsheets, and other related documents.
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Serve as communication liaison between the Assistant Secretary, FPP staff, and other partners; relay assignments to staff, information to and coordinate with subordinate units, stakeholders, and partner agencies.
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Manage delicate or tense situations with utmost sensitivity and discretion, maintaining confidentiality and professionalism and sharing information only with those authorized.
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Independently compose and type correspondence on behalf of the Assistant Secretary; edit and proofread correspondence for signature and process and distribute correspondence.
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Track and manage all WSDOT Referrals and Governor Referrals received by FPP. Edits. Formats and garners the Assistant Secretary's approval of responses provided by FPP staff.
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Manage FPP’s fiscal notes ; obtain the Assistant Secretary's approval and ensure that due dates are met.
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Serve as the Assistant Secretary’s travel coordinator including flights, lodging, ground transportation, daily itineraries, factoring time zones, coordinating the presentation/talking points prepared and approved, etc.
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Monitor and manage office supply inventory.
Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following competencies are required:
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Executive Administrative Support: Progressively responsible, recent and substantial demonstrated experience providing professional-level administrative support to senior-level managers.
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Confidentiality & Professional Judgment: Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion, professionalism, sound judgment, and political awareness while representing executive leadership.
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Government & Administrative Knowledge: Experience and in-depth knowledge of government organization and administrative procedures, government functions, office methods and procedures, research and data collection, and state and agency functional and personnel policies.
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Communication & Professional Relationships: Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing, compose, edit, and proofread professional correspondence and reports, and build productive working relationships through collaboration, integrity, tact, and customer service.
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Organization & Workload Management: Demonstrated ability to organize, prioritize, and manage multiple assignments in a fast-paced environment, adapt to changing priorities and interruptions, and consistently deliver accurate, timely work products.
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Microsoft Office & Technology Proficiency: Advanced proficiency using Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, along with internet-based tools. Experience composing, editing, and proofreading professional communication materials to support executive administrative functions.
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Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
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Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others. Puts team success ahead of individual success and values of all team members.
It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate/have:
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Public Sector Administrative Experience: Experience providing professional administrative support in a city, county, state or federal agency, transportation or transit agency, or office of an elected official.
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Presentation & Communication: Skills and the ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing and participate in meetings in an active, cooperative, and courteous manner; share appropriate information internally and externally and is open to feedback from staff, peers, and supervisors.
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Workload Management: Skilled in organizing and prioritizing multiple assignments, sometimes of a complex nature or involving competing priorities, to produce work products that are accurate, thorough and on time.
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Teamwork: Ability to fulfill commitments to other team members, promote a friendly climate, good morale, and cooperation among team members.
Important Notes
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This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
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The salary range listed includes the 2% general wage increase, effective on July 1, 2026.
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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.
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This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
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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
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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.
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Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year!
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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.
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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 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:
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An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
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An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
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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
[email protected]. Please be sure to reference
26DOT-HQ-0E271 in the subject line.
