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 multiple Construction and Design Engineers (Transportation Engineer 2) to join the Southwest Region Project Engineering Offices in Chehalis, Kelso, and Vancouver, WA. In this role, you'll help deliver transportation projects that enhance the safety, reliability, and mobility of Washington's highway system by ensuring projects are designed and constructed in accordance with approved plans, contract requirements, and state standards.

As a Transportation Engineer 2, you'll serve as a lead designer, construction inspector, and quality assurance professional, playing a critical role throughout project delivery. Whether you're developing engineering solutions or overseeing construction activities in the field, your work will directly contribute to building and maintaining a safe, resilient, and dependable transportation system that serves communities across Washington.

What to Expect

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

• Serve as lead designer in charge of a moderately sized project or a significant portion of a larger project:
• Coordinate or perform site reviews and the collection of existing available data of the project area
• Utilize CAD software to draft sheets for design reports and contract plans involving intersections, interchanges or new alignments.
• Utilize applicable computer software to model roadway geometry, create alignments, develop cross sections, determine earthwork quantities, calculate estimate costs, perform hydraulic analyses, and develop schedules.
• Develop special displays, informational exhibits, and project materials in support of community involvement public meetings, open houses, workshops, hearings, and presentations, environmental permits, and real-estate acquisitions or access negotiations.
• Prepare and/or review design reports, hydraulics reports, environmental documents, design estimates, and right-of-way plans using field data and standard design criteria for projects.
• Develop design and Plans, Specifications and Estimates (PS&E) for transportation projects.
• Coordinate with specialists throughout the Region and Headquarters.
• Serve as lead inspector in charge of a moderately sized project or a significant portion of a larger project or may act as roving inspector for concurrent smaller projects or inspect specialized features.
• Provide oversight inspection and documentation of the construction work for conformance to the Contract and environmental permits
• Monitor quantity and quality of materials placed
• Verify materials are approved prior to incorporation into the project.
• Perform materials testing.

Qualifications

These are Transportation Engineer 2 positions. However, the hiring manager reserves the right to fill the positions 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.

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

Transportation Engineer 1 (TE1) level:

Transportation Engineer 2 (TE2) level:

In addition to the above, the following are also required:

• Analytical and Technical Review: Skills to develop, review, evaluate, and/or propose alternative solutions to complex elements of a project. Experience in reviewing engineering plans and specifications for compliance with established standards.
• Technology Proficiency: Proficient in operating computer-aided engineering software and Windows-based computers and MS Office applications, including Excel and Word.
• Communication Skills: Skills to communicate technical and non-technical information clearly and effectively to diverse audiences, both virtually and in person, using a range of electronic communication methods such as email, telephone, text, video conferencing, and computer-based collaboration tools.
• Collaboration & Adaptability: Skills to work productively both independently and as part of a team environment, prioritizing workload and handling multiple assignments, producing accurate and consistent results.

• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.
• Licensing/Certification: Valid driver’s license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles. Western Alliance for Quality Transportation Construction (WAQTC) Certification and American Concrete Institute (ACI) in assigned test methods, or ability to obtain within first year of hire.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Engineering Fundamentals: Demonstrated knowledge of engineering principles, practices, and standards typically acquired through Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification or equivalent engineering education and experience.
• Planning & Prioritization: Demonstrated ability to effectively prioritize competing assignments, organize workload, and manage multiple design, construction, or project-related responsibilities while meeting established deadlines.
• Project Delivery: Demonstrated experience supporting one or more phases of transportation project delivery, such as project scoping, design development, preparation of contract documents, construction inspection, compliance monitoring, material testing, or construction administration.
• Engineering Inspection & Construction Support: Demonstrated ability to apply engineering standards, specifications, and contract requirements while performing design support, construction inspection, or contract administration activities to ensure quality and compliance.
• Decision Making & Judgment: Demonstrated ability to analyze information, evaluate alternatives, and make sound, independent decisions while recognizing when to seek guidance on complex or high-risk issues.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• 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.
• These are in-training positions that offer a career path, hands-on learning, and mentorship. These positions allow 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 a Transportation Engineer 2, depending on their qualifications. Annual salary levels for each position are:
  • Transportation Engineer 2: $72,900 - $98,064
  • Transportation Engineer 1: $66,072 - $88,788
• 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 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 Transportation Engineer 2 #41352 in the subject line.