Project Specialist I

About the role

The Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Council of Governments is seeking a Regional Traffic Safety Specialist to assist with the Target Zero Traffic Safety Program in Cowlitz, Lewis, and Wahkiakum Counties. The position is classified as a temporary, full-time Level I Specialist and will continue through September 30, 2027, contingent upon funding.

Responsibilities

• Attend training events required by Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC).
• Ensure compliance with state and federal guidelines.
• Evaluate program effectiveness and identify needs.
• Present at meetings or conferences to foster engagement with traffic safety efforts.
• Respond to public inquiries with information on the projects process and public policy.
• Support Target Zero Lead in the following areas:
• Compiling and analyzing statistical information from data, surveys, questionnaires, studies, interviews and other materials.
• Completing monthly, quarterly, and yearly reporting documents as required by WSTC.
• Developing logic models and implementation plans for strategies or countermeasures and tracking progress.
• Establishing regional priorities for traffic safety issues.
• Identifying demographics and/or communities overrepresented in the traffic crash and fatality data.
• Planning and implementing community engagement and community outreach efforts.
• Regional Coalition and County Task Forces; recruitment and engagement of stakeholders, scheduling and facilitation of meetings and stakeholder training.

Essential Job Functions

• Designated Title VI liaison.
• Reports all Title VI activities within program to the coordinator to ensure compliance with grant, contract, and Title VI Plan fulfillment.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge & Abilities

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with state and local agency members, planning staff, and community members.
• Write clearly and concisely to effectively communicate goals, project purpose, and outcomes.
• Work independently, handle multiple tasks and consistently meet deadlines.
• Experience with and enthusiasm for organizing, conducting, and engaging the public.
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills with a high degree of organization.
• Positive and effective human relations skills to include working in a team environment and possess a high degree of professional ethics and confidentiality.
• Ability to use technology and software related to computers and communications as required for the position.

Distinguishing Position Characteristics

• This position requires direct view by lead.

Working Conditions

• Office environment requiring extended periods of sitting and concentrating; exposure to computer-related conditions with the occasional lifting of supplies/materials up to 30lbs.
• Frequent travel to attend meetings and conduct work within the local region and state.
• Flexible working hours and occasional attendance at meetings held outside normal working hours.
• Work under stress, deadlines, and while attending to multiple duties simultaneously.

Essential Applicant Prerequisites

• Technical degree/certificate or equivalent training in the field.
• Entry level experience.
• Demonstrated ability to handle the most complex situations.
• Valid driver's license.

Salary/Compensation

$27.00 - $30.00 per hour