Transportation Engineer 2 (In-Training) | Multiple Positions

Washington Department of Natural Resources
Washington Department of Natural Resources

Washington, USA · Multiple locations

USD 72,900-98,064 / year

Posted on Aug 14, 2026

Description

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 several motivated and detail-oriented Transportation Engineers to support the delivery of safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation infrastructure across Washington State. In these roles, you will assist in the development and administration of Plans, Specifications, and Estimates (PS&E) packages for highway construction projects and may serve as a member of a Design-Build team. You will help ensure transportation projects are designed and constructed in compliance with WSDOT policies, standards, and engineering practices while providing technical guidance and reviewing the work of engineers and technicians to support high-quality design, materials testing, inspection, documentation, and project delivery. Successful candidates will possess strong engineering judgment, and a commitment to delivering transportation solutions that benefit the traveling public.

What to Expect

These positions will perform work in office and/or outdoor environments. Inspection work may be performed outdoors in inclement weather on construction sites in daytime or nighttime. Exposure to hazards may include exhaust, high-speed traffic, steep or uneven terrain, and/or heavy construction equipment. Some projects may involve working under live traffic conditions, e.g., freeways, interstates, or highways.

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

  • Serve as lead design; prepare and/or review project definitions, design files, various reports, environmental documents, design estimates, right of way plans, and contract plans, specifications.
  • Perform project development work such as field reviews of projects and evaluate alternate designs requiring detailed analysis of collision data, capacity studies, hydraulics, etc.
  • Utilize personal computers and workstations for horizontal and vertical alignment, earthwork and drainage analysis, quantities, cost estimates, technical written text and computer assisted design/drafting.
  • Investigate and write justifications for design analysis; coordinate and review projects with cities, counties, and other agencies.
  • Coordinate and assist other staff in preparation of quantities, estimates, grades, elevations, maps, plans, profiles, cross sections, details, structural notes and beginning level basic design.
  • Prepare final plan sheets for design reports, contract plans and right-of-way plans; compute and check title reports in the preparation of right-of-way plans.
  • Perform technical design work; calculate quantities for contract bid items for estimates; prepare materials and exhibits for hearings, public meetings, etc.
  • Perform project inspection and material testing tasks; inspect construction activities to ensure compliance with contract documents.
  • Travel to and from construction sites, as well as training venues.

Qualifications

These are Transportation Engineer 2 positions. 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.

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

  • Engineering Knowledge: Demonstrated knowledge of civil engineering principles and ability to apply entry-level civil engineering practices to transportation-related projects typically demonstrated through formal education in civil engineering and/or Certification as an Engineer-In-Training (EIT).
  • Communication & Collaboration: Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, to communicate, interact, and coordinate work activities with WSDOT staff, local agencies, contractors, consultants, designers, other team members, support offices, and the public.
  • Engineering PS&E: Ability to read, interpret, review, and develop contract plans, specifications, and estimates in support of transportation projects.
  • Engineering Technology & CADD: Demonstrated proficiency using engineering software, computer-aided drafting (CADD) applications, and other computer technologies to support project design and delivery.
  • Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
  • Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.

The following qualifications are also required:

  • 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 40 pounds.
  • Ability to work outside in all types of weather conditions and traverse uneven terrain.
  • Ability to adjust work schedules to meet project and contractor needs, including occasional nights and extended hours for inspection and construction activities/positions.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

  • Transportation Design & Contract Administration: In-depth understanding of transportation design processes, contract documentation, and the relationship between design deliverables and contract administration.
  • Leadership & Staff Development: Ability to provide technical guidance, mentor staff, review work products, and support the development of plans, standards, and estimates.
  • Engineering Analysis & Problem Solving: Demonstrated ability to apply mathematical concepts, including algebra, geometry, and trigonometry, to solve engineering and transportation design problems.
  • Technical Software Proficiency: Demonstrated proficiency using Microsoft Office and transportation design software such as MicroStation, ProjectWise, and InRoads/OpenRoads to support engineering design and project delivery.


*To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the Contact Us section of this posting.

Important Notes

  • This recruitment will be used to fill up to seven (7) vacancies in Bellingham, Burlington and Mount Vernon; and may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
  • Some positions will require regular travel to and from construction sites to perform inspection and/or materials testing.
  • These positions are not eligible for remote work while performing construction-related or site review duties.
  • 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 Transportation Engineer 2 positions. 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. The base salaries for each level 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 are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individual’s lifestyle.
  • Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees 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. NOTE: This information may 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.

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at Robyn.Lovely@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-NWR-10278m in the subject line.