Transportation Engineer 2 - Washington State Ferries
King County, WA, USA · Seattle, WA, USA
Description
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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!
Washington State Ferries (WSF) is an essential part of Washington's transportation network. Every year, we carry nearly 20 million passengers across Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands on more than 400 sailings a day. Our dedicated teams with over 2,100 people work together to serve our communities and shape the future of ferry travel.
The Opportunity
WSF, a division of WSDOT, is currently seeking a Transportation Engineer 2 to serve as a Materials Engineer supporting safe, reliable ferry terminal infrastructure. This position helps ensure contractor-proposed construction materials conform to contract plans and specifications while supporting project documentation compliance. Through this work, the Materials Engineer contributes to the quality and long-term reliability of facilities that keep Washington’s ferry system moving. Join a team dedicated to maintaining safe terminals and dependable public transportation for the communities we serve.
As we navigate a once-in-a-generation transformation to decarbonize our system — guided by our core values Serve, Respect, Trust, Grow Navigate, and bold strategic priorities Service Excellence, Improved Communication and Empowered People — there’s never been a more meaningful time to come aboard at Washington State Ferries.
What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you/the Transportation Engineer 2 will:
- Coordinate marine construction submittals and materials documentation for compliance with contract requirements, WSDOT standards, and state and federal regulations; elevate critical engineering issues to the Project Engineer.
- Maintain the Record of Materials in the Materials Tracking Program, track submittal reviews, and provide materials status reports.
- Use Aggregate Source Approval and Statistical Analysis of Materials databases; coordinate with project staff, contractors, laboratories, and fabrication inspectors to ensure Materials Manual compliance.
- Review IDRs, Materials Field Verification reports, and paynotes to verify materials documentation before payment; prepare materials closeout memoranda and checklists.
- Coordinate materials sampling and testing, distribute results, and maintain required WSDOT certifications.
- Perform quality control checks on Field Note Record calculations and electronic payment entries; verify contract wage compliance.
- Support As-Built drawings, review plans, specifications, and estimates, assist with change orders, and prepare final records for archiving.
- Coordinate contractor meetings, prepare agendas and minutes, and independently organize and track assignments, and other duties as assigned.
- Uphold WSF’s strategic priorities (Service Excellence, Improved Communication, and Empowered People) and values (Serve, Grow, Trust, Respect, and Navigate), ensuring they are embedded in WSF’s culture through leadership actions
Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:
- Engineering Knowledge & Technical Application: Ability to apply engineering and mathematical principles (e.g., algebra, geometry, construction math), ability to understand and use measurements (length, area, volume), and ability to use rulers and simple measurement tools, in support of tasks such as construction inspection, drafting, surveying, plan development, design or data collection to ensure compliance with applicable regulatory standards and specifications.
- Reading Comprehension & Following Instructions: Ability to interpret plan details, engineering tables, or visual information such as graphs, and ability to complete written forms and maintain basic records.
- Communication Skills: Skills to communicate technical information effectively and professionally to a diverse audience, including those with non-technical backgrounds.
- Software & Technical Proficiency: Experience using Windows-based computers and basic MS Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook).
- Equipment Proficiency: Ability to learn, effectively operate, and maintain proficiency in the tools, technology, equipment, and systems necessary to perform the essential functions of the position, including adapting to updates or new equipment and/or technologies as operational needs evolve.
- Material Testing & Analysis: Experience with multiple types of material tests, reviewing results, and ensuring compliance with project and regulatory standards and requirements.
- Collaboration & Adaptability: Experience contributing to team tasks, following instructions, and learning to adapt to changing priorities.
- Safety Planning & Compliance: Experience following workplace safety procedures and participating in Pre-Activity Safety Plans (PASP).
- Field Reporting & Communication: Skills to prepare accurate and timely daily field reports based on direct field observations and inspection activities.
- 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 have:
- Field Operations & Equipment Handling: Experience performing a wide range of field operations independently, applying technical judgment to ensure efficient, safe, and correct use of equipment and materials.
- Ability to independently understand the interpret the results of field inspections on public works construction projects, including interpreting drawings and identifying discrepancies without direct supervision.
- Ability to understand, interpret and/or conduct a full range of materials tests, including concrete slump/air/temperature tests, HMA sampling, grout cube preparation, and aggregate testing.
- Ability to prepare or update As-Built drawings, assist with change order documentation, or support project finalization
- Ability to navigate marine or terminal environments, including familiarity with ferry operations, vessel movements, and facility access protocols.
- Ability to coordinate with multiple stakeholders simultaneously, such as contractors, consultants, operations staff, and regulatory partners
Important Notes
- This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
- The salary listed includes the legislative approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County.
- 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 renee.mason@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-WSF-90933 in the subject line.
