Transportation Engineer 2 | Utilities

Washington Department of Natural Resources
Washington Department of Natural Resources

Yakima County, WA, USA

Posted on Oct 24, 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 currently seeking a detail-oriented Transportation Engineer 2 to support utility accommodation and project delivery activities within the highway right of way. This position supports the review and approval of utility permits and franchises, ensuring proposed utility installations meet applicable WSDOT standards and requirements. The Transportation Engineer also provides project delivery support and coordinates with utility owners, project delivery staff, and inspectors to help ensure utility facilities are safely and properly installed. This work is essential to protecting the operation and structural integrity of the highway system while supporting efficient service to utility owners and the safety of the traveling public.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you will:

  • Review, process, and execute utility applications submitted by Utility Companies for placement of their facilities in state right-of-way.
  • Prepare supporting documentation, legal descriptions, and exhibits
  • Secure appropriate regional approval, prepare special provisions, and ensure that WSDOT requirements are met.
  • Record and document executed permits and franchises by entering information into the Utility Franchise and Permit (UFP) database.
  • Inspect the work of contractors and utility personnel constructing facilities within the highway right-of-way.
  • Identify and resolve utility conflicts.
  • Coordinate the installation of utilities within WSDOT project limits.
  • Assist headquarters in processing public disclosure requests (PDR) for the region.

Qualifications

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

  • Engineering Knowledge: Demonstrated understanding of civil, structural, geotechnical, or transportation engineering principles. Ability to apply engineering concepts to real-world scenarios.
  • Regulatory & Policy Interpretation and Application: Demonstrated ability to interpret and communicate applicable laws, rules, standards, policies, and procedures, including RCWs, WACs, Federal Highway Administration requirements, and agency guidelines, and apply them to agreement development, project delivery, and utility accommodation activities.
  • Project Delivery & Utility Coordination: Demonstrated ability to evaluate project plans and utility applications, identify potential conflicts between existing/proposed utility facilities and highway construction, coordinate utility relocations, and provide engineering expertise to support successful project design and construction.
  • Stakeholder Communication & Relationship Management: Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and communicate clearly with internal offices, project teams, maintenance areas, utilities, consultants, local agencies, government organizations, private parties, and other external stakeholders to resolve issues and achieve project and program objectives.
  • Organization, Prioritization & Problem Solving: Demonstrated ability to independently organize and prioritize multiple agreements, utility permits, project assignments, schedules, and competing stakeholder needs; analyze complex issues; identify appropriate solutions; and provide informed recommendations to internal offices and management.
  • 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:

  • Professional Certification or Academic Preparation: Possession of an Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification or formal education in civil engineering, structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, or closely related field.
  • Digital Tools & Systems: Demonstrated experience with the use of Microsoft Office and agency systems to support tasks and workflow coordination. Ability to work with typical office applications, such as Word, Excel, and Microsoft Teams. Experience working with electronic records, financial software, and GeoPortal.
  • Independent Judgment: Ability to work independently with general direction and minimal supervision, exercise sound judgment, and determine appropriate processes to complete complex assignments.
  • Team Collaboration: Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams, coordinate across technical disciplines, communicate effectively, and contribute to resolution of complex project issues.

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 are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals’ lifestyle. As such, there are a number of flexible schedule options available, including telework options for eligible positions.
  • 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.

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 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 olivia.dietrich@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-SCR-50112 in the subject line.