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!

The Opportunity

WSDOT is seeking a skilled and collaborative Transportation Engineer 3 to join our Development Services team in Lacey, WA. In this impactful role, you will help shape the future of Washington's transportation system by ensuring developer, tribal, and local agency highway improvement projects are designed and constructed in accordance with WSDOT standards, policies, and engineering best practices. Your expertise will help protect the integrity of the state highway system while supporting safe, efficient, and sustainable transportation infrastructure.

Reporting to the Development Services Engineer, you will provide technical oversight by reviewing plans and specifications prepared outside of WSDOT, monitoring construction quality, and collaborating with developers, consultants, contractors, local agencies, and tribal partners throughout project delivery. You will also support the Region's Access Management Program by preparing Access Connection Permits and other right-of-way permits, including General, Transit, Subterranean Monitoring Well, and Roadside Vegetation Permits. As a trusted representative of WSDOT, you'll build strong partnerships, provide technical guidance, and help deliver projects that serve Washington communities for years to come.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Development Services Engineer will:

• Perform site Inspections to ensure adherence to WSDOT standards and policies.
• Independently serves as Development Services and Local Agency Construction Representative for the Construction Administration of Developer and Local Agency Roadway Improvement Projects on WSDOT right-of-way.
• Enforce Developer and Local Agency compliance with applicable Standard Plans, Specifications, State Laws, Policies.
• Provide construction engineering expertise and guidance to Developers, Local Agencies, and their Contractors
• Conduct Pre-Construction Conferences and represents WSDOT in other meetings with Developers, Local Agency Officials, Contractors, Utility Companies.
• Perform final project acceptance inspections and recommend release of the surety bond.
• Review and approve contractor’s Request for Approval of Materials Sources (RAMS).
• Assure that proposed materials for use on Developer and Local Agency Construction Projects are from pre-approved sources, listed in WSDOT’s Qualified Products List (QPL) or approved RAM.
• Schedule the activities of other WSDOT specialists
• Administer review and acceptance of Traffic Control Plans with the Olympic Region Traffic Office.
• Enforce Contractor compliance with the approved Traffic Control Plans and the proper construction safety standards for work performed on WSDOT right-of-way.

Qualifications

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

• Engineering Knowledge: Demonstrated experience applying engineering principles, methods, and practices to project management in transportation or construction environments. This includes expertise in design development, construction techniques, and/or contract administration.
• Project Oversight: Ability to oversee and review engineering designs and documentation to ensure accuracy, compliance with standards, and constructability.
• Technical and Digital Proficiency: Advanced skills in operating Windows-based systems and engineering software, including MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, SharePoint, Outlook), MS Teams, cloud-based platforms, and system databases for project tracking and information management.
• Communication Skills: Advanced skills in professional communication, specifically in communicating technical information effectively and professionally to a diverse audience, including those with non-technical backgrounds, virtually, by phone, and in person.
• Leadership: Skills to lead a diverse workforce by fostering collaboration across boundaries, building and maintaining effective teams.
• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.
• Travel and Flexible Work Hours: Willingness to travel to sites across 7 counties and work occasional nights.

The following qualifications are also required:

• A valid driver’s license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.
• Certification as a Certified General Inspector or obtain within six (6) months of appointment.
• Ability to maneuver and transport various materials and/or equipment weighing up to 35 pounds.
• Ability to traverse rough, steep, and uneven terrain and work elevated heights.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

• Engineering Knowledge and Technical Expertise: Demonstrated understanding of WSDOT civil, structural, geotechnical, transportation, or related engineering principles, methods, and standards.
• Professional Engineering Credentials: Ability to apply engineering judgment and ethical practice consistent with recognized certification or licensure requirements.
• Project and Program Management: Proven ability to coordinate, manage, and deliver multiple engineering projects involving interdisciplinary teams, support groups, stakeholders, and partnering agencies.
• Plan and Specification Review: Skilled in reviewing, interpreting, and validating engineering plans, specifications, and construction documents to ensure compliance with applicable WSDOT standards and requirements.
• Engineering Analysis and Problem-Solving: Demonstrated ability to evaluate complex engineering challenges, develop alternative approaches, and recommend effective technical solutions.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• In addition to the salary range listed, a general wage increase of 2% will be applied for all state employees on July 1, 2026.
• To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the “Contact Us” section of this posting.
• 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 offer flexible work schedules that allow you time for your life outside of this excellent opportunity.
• 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 of 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 recruiter listed.

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at amanda.strebeck@wsdot.wa.gov Please be sure to reference Development Services Engineer #30181 in the subject line.