Principal Planner Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Washington
Principal planner visa sponsorship jobs in Washington draw from a broad base of employers: Sound Transit, King County, the City of Seattle, and major engineering consultancies like WSP and HDR actively hire for these roles. Demand is concentrated in Seattle and Bellevue, with growing activity around Tacoma and Spokane as regional transit and infrastructure programs expand.
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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!
Washington State Ferries (WSF) is an essential part of Washington's transportation network. Every year, we carry nearly 20 million passengers across Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands on more than 400 sailings a day. Our dedicated teams with over 2,100 people work together to serve our communities and shape the future of ferry travel.
The Opportunity
WSF, a division of WSDOT, is currently seeking a dedicated professional to help shape ferry service that connects communities across Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands. This position brings a customer service perspective to service planning, schedule improvements, and system performance analysis, helping WSF respond to the needs of the public. Through thoughtful planning and collaboration, this role supports safe, reliable ferry operations and informed decisions that strengthen service delivery. This is an opportunity to advance WSF’s priorities of Service Excellence, Improved Communication, and Empowered People while contributing to an essential part of Washington’s transportation network.
As we navigate a once-in-a-generation transformation to decarbonize our system — guided by our core values Serve, Respect, Trust, Grow Navigate, and bold strategic priorities Service Excellence, Improved Communication and Empowered People — there’s never been a more meaningful time to come aboard at Washington State Ferries.
What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you/the Senior Transportation and Service Planner will:
- Lead or coordinate significant multi-modal, multi-agency transportation projects; establish scope and goals, recommend capital and service programs, and represent WSF on project committees.
- Determine service needs, develop service plans, and coordinate quarterly seasonal sailing schedule changes across WSF departments.
- Maintain analytical methods to improve service based on customer needs, operational requirements, and long-range goals; apply budget considerations and collective bargaining agreements to maximize productivity and minimize costs.
- Support public and employee outreach, prepare communications, explain service constraints, and incorporate feedback into schedules and service plans.
- Evaluate strategic capital programs for alignment with agency objectives and coordinate alternatives to minimize service disruptions from terminal and vessel projects.
- Collect, analyze, and share ridership, service reliability, and on-time performance data to support service planning and ridership and fare revenue forecasting.
- Coordinate schedules and maintain regional transit partnerships to improve multimodal connectivity.
- Uphold WSF’s strategic priorities (Service Excellence, Improved Communication, and Empowered People) and values (Serve, Grow, Trust, Respect, and Navigate), ensuring they are embedded in WSF’s culture through leadership actions.
Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:
- Growth Mindset – Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
- Service-Oriented – Demonstrates a willingness to take action to meet the needs of others.
- Communicate Clearly and Responsively – Share the right information at the right time, make space for honest input, and follow through to reduce confusion and build trust.
- Collaboration and Team Coordination – Engage with multiple departments within WSF and WSDOT to ensure projects and work align with budget constraints and policy priorities. Ensure smooth communication between teams.
- Embrace Big Picture Thinking – Connect daily work to long-term goals and system-wide results.
- Project Management and Time Management – Lead cross-functional teams on projects, ensuring that timelines and milestones are met.
- Critical Thinking and Problem Solving – Use critical thinking to identify potential issues before they arise and create proactive solutions.
- Demonstrated experience presenting plans to external stakeholders.
- Experience with data systems.
It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:
- Professional certification such as American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) desirable but not required.
- Prior service planning experience for a public transit agency is desirable but not required.
Important Notes
- This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
- The salary listed includes the legislative approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County.
- 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.
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.
- 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 State Benefits for more information.
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. 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 renee.mason@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-WSF-90989 in the subject line.
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!
Washington State Ferries (WSF) is an essential part of Washington's transportation network. Every year, we carry nearly 20 million passengers across Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands on more than 400 sailings a day. Our dedicated teams with over 2,100 people work together to serve our communities and shape the future of ferry travel.
The Opportunity
WSF, a division of WSDOT, is currently seeking a dedicated professional to help shape ferry service that connects communities across Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands. This position brings a customer service perspective to service planning, schedule improvements, and system performance analysis, helping WSF respond to the needs of the public. Through thoughtful planning and collaboration, this role supports safe, reliable ferry operations and informed decisions that strengthen service delivery. This is an opportunity to advance WSF’s priorities of Service Excellence, Improved Communication, and Empowered People while contributing to an essential part of Washington’s transportation network.
As we navigate a once-in-a-generation transformation to decarbonize our system — guided by our core values Serve, Respect, Trust, Grow Navigate, and bold strategic priorities Service Excellence, Improved Communication and Empowered People — there’s never been a more meaningful time to come aboard at Washington State Ferries.
What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you/the Senior Transportation and Service Planner will:
- Lead or coordinate significant multi-modal, multi-agency transportation projects; establish scope and goals, recommend capital and service programs, and represent WSF on project committees.
- Determine service needs, develop service plans, and coordinate quarterly seasonal sailing schedule changes across WSF departments.
- Maintain analytical methods to improve service based on customer needs, operational requirements, and long-range goals; apply budget considerations and collective bargaining agreements to maximize productivity and minimize costs.
- Support public and employee outreach, prepare communications, explain service constraints, and incorporate feedback into schedules and service plans.
- Evaluate strategic capital programs for alignment with agency objectives and coordinate alternatives to minimize service disruptions from terminal and vessel projects.
- Collect, analyze, and share ridership, service reliability, and on-time performance data to support service planning and ridership and fare revenue forecasting.
- Coordinate schedules and maintain regional transit partnerships to improve multimodal connectivity.
- Uphold WSF’s strategic priorities (Service Excellence, Improved Communication, and Empowered People) and values (Serve, Grow, Trust, Respect, and Navigate), ensuring they are embedded in WSF’s culture through leadership actions.
Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:
- Growth Mindset – Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
- Service-Oriented – Demonstrates a willingness to take action to meet the needs of others.
- Communicate Clearly and Responsively – Share the right information at the right time, make space for honest input, and follow through to reduce confusion and build trust.
- Collaboration and Team Coordination – Engage with multiple departments within WSF and WSDOT to ensure projects and work align with budget constraints and policy priorities. Ensure smooth communication between teams.
- Embrace Big Picture Thinking – Connect daily work to long-term goals and system-wide results.
- Project Management and Time Management – Lead cross-functional teams on projects, ensuring that timelines and milestones are met.
- Critical Thinking and Problem Solving – Use critical thinking to identify potential issues before they arise and create proactive solutions.
- Demonstrated experience presenting plans to external stakeholders.
- Experience with data systems.
It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:
- Professional certification such as American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) desirable but not required.
- Prior service planning experience for a public transit agency is desirable but not required.
Important Notes
- This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
- The salary listed includes the legislative approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County.
- 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.
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.
- 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 State Benefits for more information.
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. 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 renee.mason@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-WSF-90989 in the subject line.
Principal Planner Job Roles in Washington
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Search Principal Planner Jobs in WashingtonPrincipal Planner Jobs in Washington: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies sponsor visas for principal planners in Washington?
Public agencies and engineering consultancies are the primary sponsors for principal planner roles in Washington. Sound Transit, King County Metro, the Washington State Department of Transportation, and the City of Seattle regularly hire at this level. Large consulting firms with Washington offices, including WSP, HDR, AECOM, and Kimley-Horn, also have documented H-1B visa and EB-2/EB-3 sponsorship histories for senior planning positions.
Which visa types realistically fit principal planner roles in Washington?
Principal planner roles typically qualify as specialty occupations requiring a bachelor's degree in urban planning, civil engineering, or a related field, making H-1B the primary pathway. Employers can also sponsor EB-2 or EB-3 green cards through PERM labor certification. F-1 students with STEM-designated degrees in planning or engineering may be eligible for OPT or a 24-month STEM OPT extension, depending on their specific degree program's CIP code.
Which cities in Washington have the most principal planner sponsorship jobs?
Seattle accounts for the largest share of principal planner sponsorship activity in Washington, driven by its major transit expansion projects, dense municipal planning departments, and concentration of engineering consulting offices. Bellevue and Redmond also generate consistent demand, particularly from technology-adjacent infrastructure projects. Tacoma and Spokane are growing markets, supported by regional transportation agencies and city planning departments increasing their senior staff.
How to find principal planner visa sponsorship jobs in Washington?
Migrate Mate lists principal planner roles in Washington filtered to employers with verified visa sponsorship history, so you can focus on organizations that have sponsored similar positions before. Search by city to compare Seattle, Bellevue, and Tacoma opportunities side by side. Filtering by sponsorship type lets you distinguish between employers offering H-1B, EB-2, or EB-3 pathways, which is particularly useful at the principal level where long-term green card sponsorship is a realistic conversation.
Are there state-specific factors that affect principal planner sponsorship in Washington?
Washington's sustained investment in transit infrastructure, including Sound Transit's decades-long expansion program, creates steady demand for experienced planners at the principal level. The state's growth management framework also drives ongoing planning work at county and municipal agencies. University programs at the University of Washington generate a local pipeline, but the seniority and specialization required at the principal level means employers frequently recruit nationally and internationally, supporting sponsorship willingness.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored principal planner jobs in Washington?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.