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 two Assistant Area Engineers, one in Kelso and one in Chehalis, WA. In this role, you’ll support the Project Engineer in delivering highway design and construction projects that meet local, state, and federal standards while staying on scope, schedule, and budget. You’ll help ensure projects are safe, constructible, maintainable, accessible to all modes of transportation, and thoughtfully integrated into the surrounding environment.

Safety is at the heart of everything we do. You’ll also champion sustainable transportation practices and help foster a workplace where employees feel included, supported, valued, and safe while strengthening WSDOT’s workforce and the resiliency of our people and transportation system.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Assistant Area Engineers will:

• Assist the Project Engineer to strategically plan the budget, schedule, and workforce necessary to deliver the Capital Improvement and Preservation Program (CIPP).
• Proactively lead an office of professional and technical engineers, including summer interns, temporary employees and engineering consultants, in the design and contract development of multiple transportation improvement and preservation projects and construction projects according to current policies and standards, effective engineering techniques, and good engineering judgment.
• Ensure that assigned projects are managed in accordance with WSDOT policy and procedures to meet the desired scope, schedule, budget, and documentation and that contract plans are constructable, permittable, and biddable.
• Communicate professionally and effectively in all forms with leadership, colleagues, support groups, local agencies, customers and stakeholders.
• Create success by working in partnership with citizens, media, elected officials, contractors, consultants, and outside agencies to plan, build, maintain, and operate an efficient transportation system.
• Report on the status of assigned projects to WSDOT Regional and Statewide Executive Management to support and improve accountability.
• Coordinate input and resolve conflicts with internal organizations, personnel, outside agencies, consultants and the public.
• Be prepared to certify, by use of their Professional Engineer stamp, that all WSDOT standards and policies have been followed.
• Ensure projects are delivered in an environmentally responsible manner.

Qualifications

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

• Professional Engineering Certification: Licensed as a Civil Professional Engineer in the state of Washington or currently holding a Civil PE license from another state with the ability to obtain Washington State licensure within six (6) months of hire.
• Civil Engineering Expertise: Extensive experience applying transportation engineering principles including highway design, construction practices, and surveying. Proficient in preparing and reviewing plans, specifications, and estimates (PS&E) for complex highway and transportation infrastructure projects.
• Transportation Design & Delivery: Experience leading transportation projects through planning, environmental review, design, and construction. Familiar with transportation system design, environmental compliance, and state and federal project delivery processes.
• Project Management & Scheduling: Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, and deliver multiple projects on time and within budget. Skilled in developing work plans, coordinating team efforts, and managing schedules. Budgeting: Experience managing budgets across multiple phases of project development, with a working knowledge of programming and funding processes.
• Leadership: Demonstrated strategic leadership through building and leading effective teams; motivating, coaching, and empowering staff; driving change and process improvements; resolving conflicts; and fostering engagement and collaboration across a diverse, interdisciplinary workforce to deliver multiple projects.
• Problem Solving & Decision-Making: Proven ability to identify issues, evaluate options, and implement practical solutions. Skilled in conflict resolution and facilitating constructive dialogue.
• Effective Communication & Collaboration: Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills to engage internal teams, contractors, stakeholders, and the public. Capable of representing the agency in meetings and on project sites.
• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

• WSDOT Project Delivery Methods: Experience designing and procuring transportation projects through design build and design-bid-build methodologies, in accordance with WSDOT standards and procedures.
• FHWA Process Knowledge: Familiarity with Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) processes, procedures, and requirements for delivering federally funded transportation projects. Ability to ensure compliance with federal stewardship obligations, documentation, and reporting standards.
• Change Management: Proven senior-level experience leading organizational and enterprise project change, including shifts in scope, structure, policy, and delivery models. Adept at applying strategic change management practices to guide teams through complex transitions and ensure successful outcomes.

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 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 a 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 Assistant Area Engineer #4W044 in the subject line.