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 currently seeking multiple Transportation Engineers to support both design and construction engineering activities within the Project Engineering Office (PEO). In this role, you will contribute to the development of plans, specifications, estimates, reports, and other engineering documents that support the safety, quality, and capacity of the state’s transportation system. You will also assist with construction oversight by collecting field data, inspecting contractor work, measuring and documenting contract quantities, and coordinating with engineering staff in the field. This position plays an important role in ensuring transportation projects are designed and constructed in accordance with contract requirements and engineering standards. Through this work, you will help deliver reliable transportation infrastructure that supports WSDOT’s mission.

What to Expect

The typical schedule for this position is Monday through Friday, 40 hours per week, generally consisting of five 8-hour workdays. Flexible and/or compressed work schedules may be available based on business needs. During construction season, extended work hours may be required, including work beyond 8 hours per day and occasional weekend work. This position is eligible for daily overtime. The position may also require working nights, weekends, holidays, alternate shifts, and responding to unscheduled or emergency situations as operational needs arise.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Transportation Engineer 2 will:

• Prepare reports, contract plans, specifications, and engineers’ estimates for highway improvement projects.
• Develop design documentation using Computer Aided Design and Drafting (CADD) software to produce design and right-of-way plan sheets.
• Analyze field and survey data to determine quantities, elevations, coordinates, grades, and curve data for transportation projects.
• Evaluate engineering designs using accident data, traffic data, hydraulic considerations, environmental constraints, and applicable design standards.
• Assist with the preparation and documentation of project records, including estimates, final records, and as-built plans.
• Inspect highway construction activities such as earthwork, concrete, asphalt paving, and drainage to ensure compliance with contract plans and specifications.
• Measure and document material quantities and installation conditions while coordinating with contractors and project staff to resolve questions related to contract requirements.
• Drive a state vehicle to project sites across the region, including remote locations, to perform field inspection and support engineering staff.

Qualifications

This is a Transportation Engineer 2 position. However, the hiring manager reserves the right to fill the position at a lower level in the classification series based on candidate qualifications, providing an opportunity for an individual to gain the required experience on the job as part of a formal “in-training” plan.

Required Competencies – Transportation Engineer 2 (TE2) Level:

• Engineering Principles and Technical Analysis: Demonstrated knowledge of civil, structural, environmental, construction, mechanical, or transportation engineering principles, as evidenced by the ability to apply engineering concepts to analyze data, interpret plans or specifications, support design or project development activities, and resolve technical issues, certification as an Engineer-in-Training (EIT), or equivalent applied experience.
• Transportation Engineering Application: Experience applying engineering concepts, standards, and practices to transportation projects, including design and construction activities.
• Engineering Software and Computer Applications: Knowledge and proficiency in computer applications, including engineering design software and computer-aided drafting tools.
• Communication and Collaboration: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey technical information clearly to contractors, designers, colleagues, support offices, and the traveling public, and the ability to foster positive working relationships in collaborative, multidisciplinary environments.

Required Competencies – Transportation Engineer 1 (TE1) Level (In-Training):

• Foundational Engineering Application: Ability to apply engineering concepts, standards, and practices to transportation projects while learning and working under the guidance of more experienced engineers.
• Basic Computer and Engineering Software Skills: Basic knowledge of computer applications, including familiarity with engineering design software and computer-aided drafting tools, with the ability to learn agency-specific systems.
• Foundational Communication Skills: Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey technical information clearly and work collaboratively with contractors, designers, colleagues, support offices, and the traveling public.

In addition to the above, the following are also required at all levels:

• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.
• Required Certifications (within 12 months of hire):
  • General Inspector Certification.
  • Construction Materials Testing Certifications.

• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions, traverse uneven terrain, and perform duties in confined spaces while maintaining safety protocols.
• Ability to adjust work schedules to align with contractor activities, including working long hours, nights, and weekends when necessary.
• A valid driver’s license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.
• Ability to maneuver and transport various materials and/or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to traverse rough, steep, and uneven terrain.
  
  

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

• Transportation Engineering Fundamentals: Familiarity with transportation engineering concepts including highway geometric design, traffic design, surveying, hydraulics and stormwater management, and construction management.
• Project Development and Design Documentation: Knowledge of project development activities such as conducting field reviews, evaluating designs, performing data analysis, and preparing or reviewing reports, estimates, plans, specifications, and special provisions.
• Project Management Practices: Proficient knowledge of project management practices used to plan, coordinate, and deliver engineering projects.
• Engineering Design Software: Proficiency in engineering design software, including OpenRoads, to support transportation design and project development.
• Local Area Knowledge: Knowledge of the surrounding geographic area and transportation system to support project planning, coordination, and field activities.

In addition to the above, the following is also preferred:

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• This is an in-training position that offers a career path, hands-on learning, and mentorship. This position allows you to progress upward through the Transportation Engineer series and achieve the goal class of a Transportation Engineer 2. Candidates will be considered for a Transportation Engineer 1 or 2 position, depending on their qualifications. Annual salary levels for each position are:
  • Transportation Engineer 1: $64,776 - $87,048
  • Transportation Engineer 2: $71,472 - $96,144
• Work is performed both in the field and in an office environment. Field inspection duties involve visual inspections, measuring, and coordinating with contractors, coworkers, and members of the public. Field work may be physically demanding and is performed outdoors in all weather conditions during both daytime and nighttime hours, often in proximity to high-volume, high-speed traffic. Duties may include standing for extended periods, traversing rough, steep, or uneven terrain, working at ground level or low to the ground, and performing work at heights above 25 feet over land or water.
• 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.

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:

• 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 yasmin.munoz@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-NCR-24583 in the subject line.