Benefits

Paid time off

Vacation (annual leave)

The amount of vacation leave you can accrue increases the longer you work with us.

Vacation accruals for full-time employees:

Vacation leave accrual for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours the part-time employee is in pay status during the month to that required for full-time employment.

Employees covered by a Marine Collective Bargaining Agreement may have different vacation accrual rates. Please refer to your CBA.

A maximum of 280 hours may be carried over each year. Accrual maximums may vary depending on your collective bargaining agreement.

Sick leave

Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Part-time employees will accrue sick leave in an amount proportionate to the number of hours they are in pay status in the month, up to a maximum of eight hours in a month.

For more information on how sick leave can be used, refer to your applicable collective bargaining agreement or Human Resources Desk Manual.

Miscellaneous leave

WSDOT employees are also entitled to additional leaves outside of regular leave accruals under certain circumstances. Some of the more common reasons for Miscellaneous Leave are:

• Career Development
• Civil Duty
• Bereavement Leave
• Military Leave -
  • Washington State generously supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

For a full list of Miscellaneous Leave and when it can be used, refer to your applicable collective bargaining agreement or Human Resources Desk Manual.

Paid holidays

Full-time employees are entitled to twelve paid holidays:

Employees covered by a Marine Collective Bargaining Agreement may have different holiday dates. Please refer to your CBA.

Holiday pay for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours the part-time employee is in pay status during the month to that required for full-time employment.

*Personal Holidays are automatically granted for employees anticipated to work for at least 4 continuous months.

Union represented employees also receive one Personal Leave Day per Fiscal Year after four continuous months of employment.

Commute trip reduction

Many WSDOT employees don't use a single occupancy vehicle to travel to and from work. Some ride a bus, train or bicycle; and some employees choose to walk or share the ride in a carpool or vanpool. They are saving money, helping to relieve traffic congestion and keeping our air and water clean. WSDOT offers several different programs to support commute trip reduction. Employees who meet eligibility and tracking requirements may receive a free or subsidized transit pass; vanpool fare subsidy; or an incentive for walking, biking and carpooling. To learn more about your commute options contact your employee transportation coordinator or view the CTR flyer.

Wellness program

WSDOT is a participant in the SmartHealth Program, which is Washington state’s voluntary wellness program that supports employees on their journey toward living well. SmartHealth is a combination of online personalized challenges, social activities and interactive learning. Subscribers and their spouse or state-registered domestic partner who are enrolled in PEBB medical coverage can participate in SmartHealth. For those eligible, you can earn points toward a $125 SmartHealth incentive. You can learn more on HCA's SmartHealth PEBB webpage.

Modern work environment

WSDOT is working to build a modern work environment and create an organizational culture that empowers employees with choice, enables excellent performance, supports all generations, and is mindful of our effect on the environment by taking actions outlined in Secretary's Executive Order E 1099.00. WSDOT will maintain policies that support mobility, including telework and flexible work hours, and will maintain the technology necessary to provide the ability to work in a variety of locations. Read more about WSDOT's modern work environment and watch a video of what our workforce has to say about it.

WSDOT offers an Infant at Work program. Research proves that allowing a parent and infant to remain together in this early stage of life supports critical bonding, healthy infant brain development, parental wellbeing and enables exclusive breastfeeding, which improves lifelong health. The IAW program allows eligible mothers, fathers and legal guardians to return to work with their infant.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) helps employees and their family members resolve personal or work-related problems. EAP can help employees with a wide range of issues, including but not limited to depression, stress anxiety, anger, parenting issues, workplace issues, marital or relationship issues, grief and loss. For more information, check out the Washington State Department of Enterprises EAP website. Your first consultation is free.

Employee & business resource groups

WSDOT is committed to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (YouTube video). Our Diversity Advisory Group (DAG) is an employee resource group that serves as the advisory body to agency executive leadership in supporting strategic diversity efforts throughout WSDOT. The DAG is a work group of employee representatives from all WSDOT regions and headquarters. Additionally, Washington State Enterprise has several Business Resource Groups (BRGs) that were created for state employees as a way of supporting and encouraging diversity throughout our workforce. Contact your local HR office for more information on WSDOT DAG groups.

The Interagency Committee of State Employed Women (ICSEW) aims to improve the lives of Washington state-employed women through advocacy, outreach and opportunity. ICSEW members work on behalf of Washington state employees, particularly women, to enact policy solutions and provide low-cost professional development opportunities. For more information about ICSEW’s role as an advisory committee to the Governor’s office, please view Executive Order 23-01. Any employee who works for a state agency or higher education may apply to serve on the ICSEW, regardless of gender. If you have a desire to empower Washington state employees in their personal and professional lives, consider joining ICSEW.

Loan forgiveness

The Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) forgives the remaining balance on Direct Loans after 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan while working full-time for a qualifying employer. The Washington Student Achievement Council has additional information, webinars, tools and resources regarding the PSLF Program.

Tuition reimbursement

As a state employee, you may be eligible to receive tuition discounts at the state community colleges or universities (CWU, EWU, UW, WSU, or WWU). Additionally, WSDOT is proud to offer up to $4,000 per year for tuition reimbursement for permanent employees.

Productivity board program

The Productivity Board incentivizes state employees to help our government operate more efficiently. The program encourages employees to submit suggestions under two main categories, where individuals can be awarded up to $10,000:

• The Employee Suggestion Program, which awards 10% of net savings.
• The Teamwork Incentive Program, which awards up to 25% of net savings.

Charities

The Memorial Foundation provides financial assistance to WSDOT employees who have become disabled in the line of duty. It also provides assistance to the families of fallen workers, and to employee’s families impacted by catastrophic injury or illness.

The Combined Fund Drive program allows employees to make donations via check and payroll deduction to their favorite charities, including the Memorial Foundation. For quick information about this statewide program, please click here.

Employee discounts

As a state employee, you may be eligible for discounts such as car or home insurance. While we don’t maintain a list of all available discounts, you are encouraged to ask to see what discounts may be available with your local gym, cellular plan, and hotel for travel within the state. There are also specific discounts with AFLAC, Office Depot, and Microsoft Home Use Program that you can read more about in Chapter 3 of the HR Desk Manual.

Parking

Depending on the office location you work from, there will be different processes for parking. Most facilities have free parking, though you should speak with your supervisor regarding specific parking procedures.