Job Details

Salary : $92,016.00 - $118,008.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 26DOT-HQ-0W627
Department: Dept. of Transportation
Division: Headquarters
Opening Date: 01/26/2026
Closing Date: 2/9/2026 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 manages the world's longest floating bridge, leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds the record for the world's widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!
The Opportunity

WSDOT is seeking a dynamic and highly skilled Security Manager to lead and deliver a best-in-class physical security program that supports the safety and protection of more than 7,000 employees across the agency. This role will serve as a subject matter expert in physical security, enterprise risk management, and security technologies, and is instrumental in coordinating operational security strategies across statewide facilities. A strong candidate will demonstrate exceptional leadership, deep knowledge of security risk assessment methodologies, experience with security technology integration, and the ability to build trusted partnerships with law enforcement, executive leadership, and regional and divisional stakeholders. Success in this role requires strategic thinking, strong situational awareness, and the ability to create and implement security programs that are proactive, resilient, and responsive to the evolving needs of a diverse and distributed organization.
What to Expect

This position is required to interface and coordinate agency security activities; remain focused and persuasive under stressful circumstances and be an accessible resource to others. They will be required to coach, anticipate, constructively manage, and resolve security issues by pursuing mutually agreed solutions among affected parties.
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Security Manager will:

• Identify, develop, and implement policies, procedures, and regulations necessary to create best-in-class security programs.
• Evaluate, assess, and monitor WSDOT facilities and infrastructure to identify, acquire, implement, and maintain necessary technology that support 24/7 secure operations (Cell Phones, security system licensing and updates, laptops, iPads, etc.).
• Lead large-scale business and technology projects including, but not limited to security technologies, applications, and network infrastructure.
• Develop and maintain the WSDOT Security Policy and Manual that outlines security responsibilities including, but not limited to, security operations, risk assessments/facility design, security training/exercises, and security/information technologies.
• Design, develop, update, and maintain Site Security Plans to improve facility security and mitigate risk to people and property and assist responses during security-related incidents.
• Provide input on procedures and methods to prevent property loss and damage.
• Work closely and collaboratively with law enforcement partners to identify, recommend, and coordinate necessary support for improvements from crime, vulnerabilities, and response during major events or incidents.
• Have experience with, maintain, and/or the ability to develop positive working and collaborative relationships with law enforcement partners including the Washington State Patrol, City/County/Tribal/Federal law enforcement agencies, and the US Department of Homeland Security.
• Have experience with, maintain, and/or the ability to develop positive working and collaborative relationships with local, state, tribal, and federal executive and elected officials.
• Have experience working collaboratively with all levels of personnel and/or executive leadership to develop, implement, and manage statewide projects and/or programs.
• Develop and oversee all WSDOT security technologies.
• Demonstrate the ability to participate and support security planning, managing, and staffing large-scale events in public spaces.

Qualifications

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

Physical Security and Technology Management

• Demonstrated expertise in leading and managing complex physical security programs across geographically distributed facilities.
• Proficiency in modern physical security technologies and systems, including surveillance, access control, intrusion detection, and alarm systems.
• Experience integrating physical security technologies with IT infrastructure and understanding of networking and system compatibility.
• Ability to develop and implement enterprise-level security strategies, plans, and procedures aligned with organizational and regulatory requirements.
• Skilled in evaluating and deploying security system architectures that support operational needs and safety priorities.

Security Risk Assessment and Emergency Preparedness

• Experience in developing actionable security protocols, training materials, and security response plans that address workplace violence, unauthorized access, and theft.
• Proficient in conducting facility site security assessments and determining security levels in alignment with federal and state standards.
• Ability to lead and facilitate security-related training, tabletop exercises, and drills to strengthen agency readiness and awareness.
• Knowledge of U.S. Department of Homeland Security principles and best practices related to risk mitigation and facility protection.

Strategic Leadership and Program Oversight

• Demonstrated success in managing teams, guiding policy development, and supporting interdepartmental coordination and communication.
• Proven ability to lead high-visibility programs, influence organizational decision-making, and manage resources to meet evolving security demands.
• Skilled in building and sustaining cross-functional partnerships with law enforcement agencies, internal divisions, and executive leadership.
• Experience in program evaluation, continuous improvement, and aligning security operations with broader organizational objectives.

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:

Advanced Prior Experience and Expertise

• Extensive experience in security management, law enforcement, executive protection, operational, asset, facility security, or a related field and/or formal education in criminal justice, information technology, business, or public administration, or a closely related field.

Analysis and Planning

• Ability to develop a vision and plan for success and ability to grasp, conceptualize, and interpret complex business processes to develop a strategic plan to improve organizational performance.

Leadership and Facilitation

• Ability to work collaboratively and effectively with internal and external stakeholders; provide effective guidance and direction; and organize and motivate groups of people having diverse backgrounds and experience.
• Skills to coach, anticipate, constructively manage, and resolve conflict by pursuing mutually agreed solutions among affected parties.

Interpersonal Skills

• Demonstrated effective interpersonal communication and writing skills.
• Skills to work collaboratively with others to gain compliance and get results and treat others with courtesy and respect; consider different options and viewpoints; seek and accept constructive feedback; and maintain confidentiality and demonstrate professional discretion.

Judgement and Problem Solving

• Demonstrate the ability to make timely, logical, and defensible decisions based on the best information at hand.
• Identify and consider alternatives before deciding; actively seek to improve services; and consider the impact of decisions on agency and other stakeholders.

Any of the following Certifications

• ASIS Certified Protection Professional (CPP)
• ASIS Certified Physical Security Professional (PSP)
• Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPD)
• Department of Homeland Security Interagency Security Committee Risk Management Process
• Mercury Platform such as Genetec Security Center 5.11 or higher (Synergis and Omnicast)
• Pelco Video Management Systems, Certification in ASIS Facility Security Design

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

• The position is required to interface and coordinate agency emergency activities and remain focused, calm, and persuasive under stressful circumstances and be an accessible resource to others.
• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• 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.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• 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, 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 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-0W627 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 programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026
01

Managing Complex Physical Security Programs: Please select the response that best describes your experience leading physical security programs across geographically distributed facilities.

• Led enterprise-wide physical security programs across multiple regions or statewide systems, with full strategic and operational responsibility
• Managed physical security for multiple facilities with moderate complexity and shared systems
• Supported physical security operations for one or a small number of facilities
• Limited exposure through project participation or oversight support
• No direct experience

02

Please briefly describe your experience leading physical security programs across geographically distributed facilities. If you do not have this experience, please enter N/A.
03

Physical Security Technologies Expertise: Please select the response that best describes your hands-on experience with modern physical security technologies (e.g., surveillance, access control, intrusion detection, alarms).

• Expert-level: selected, implemented, and optimized multiple systems enterprise-wide
• Advanced: configured, administered, and troubleshot systems independently
• Intermediate: regularly used and monitored systems
• Basic: limited exposure or vendor-led interaction
• No experience

04

Please briefly describe your hands-on experience with modern physical security technologies. If you do not have this experience, please enter N/A.
05

Please select all certification(s) you have obtained:

• ASIS Certified Protection Professional (CPP) certification
• ASIS Certified Physical Security Professional (PSP) certification
• Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPD) certification
• Certification in Department of Homeland Security Interagency Security Committee Risk Management Process
• Certification Mercury Platform such as Genetec Security Center 5.8 or higher (Synergis and Omnicast).
• Certification in Pelco Video Management Systems
• Certification in ASIS Facility Security Design
• None of the above

06

Team and Policy Leadership: Please select the response the best describes your leadership experience.

• Managed teams and led policy development with organization-wide impact
• Supervised staff or led projects within a program
• Served as a lead or subject matter expert without formal authority
• No leadership experience

07

Please briefly describe your leadership experience to include your role and responsibilities. If you do not have this experience, please enter N/A.
08

Security Protocols and Response Planning: Please select the response that best describes your experience developing security protocols and response plans (e.g., workplace safety, unauthorized access).

• Developed comprehensive, actionable plans and training materials adopted agency-wide
• Developed plans for specific facilities or programs
• Assisted in updating or reviewing plans
• No experience

09

Please briefly describe when and where you gained your experience developing security protocols and response plans. If you do not have this experience, please enter N/A.
10

Please select the response that best describes your highest level of completed education.

• I have a master's degree or higher.
• I have a bachelor's degree.
• I have an associate's degree.
• I have a high school diploma or equivalent.
• None of the above

11

If you indicated completion of a degree, please list your degree and field of study. Otherwise, enter N/A.
12

How did you learn of this employment opportunity?

• Indeed
• LinkedIn
• Direct Email Notification
• WSDOT social media (Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, etc)
• Career Fair
• Monster
• WorkSource
• Handshake
• AASHTO
• NACTO
• COMTO
• APWA
• "NOW HIRING" banner/sign
• Radio advertisement
• WSDOT Employment Site
• Careers.wa.gov
• governmentjobs.com
• Other (specify below)

13

If you selected 'Other' on the previous question, please specify how you learned of this employment opportunity in the space provided:
Required Question