Transportation Engineer 2 (In-Training) Multiple Positions

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 manages the world's longest floating bridge, leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds the record for the world’s widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

The Opportunity

WSDOT is currently seeking two Transportation Engineers to support the organization’s mission by ensuring highway projects are built in compliance with contract documents and Mandatory Standards. This is accomplished by inspecting contract work to assure compliance, keeping accurate, complete, and detailed field records, ensuring that environmental regulations are being adhered to and work is performed in a safe manner. This position is critical in fostering a respectful and healthy work environment with focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

What to Expect

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

• Perform Project Quality Verification/Inspection on Design-Build and Design-Bid-Build projects.
• Verify compliance with the Request for Proposal, Released for Construction plans and specifications, environmental permits, commitments, and other Contract Documents
• Provide clarification of contract requirements to Contractors and ensure no permanent materials are placed without prior approval.
• Monitor construction schedules, delays, and potential change order issues.
• Ensure that all materials required by contract documents to be sampled and tested by WSDOT are scheduled and completed.
• Coordinate with WSDOT Environmental Compliance Inspector on Contractor’s permit related activities.
• Process and complete construction administration items on active Design-Build and Design-Bid Build projects.

Field work is performed outdoors in construction field environment, and includes exposure to inclement weather, exhaust, high-speed traffic, and steep or uneven terrain. Work may occur during the daytime or nighttime. The standard schedule is Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM, but hours may vary when working on construction projects that follow a contractor’s schedule. The incumbent may be required to work weekends, holidays, or extended hours based on business needs.

Qualifications

This is a Transportation Engineer 2 position. 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: 

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

Foundational Engineering Knowledge: Demonstrated understanding of civil, structural, geotechnical, or transportation engineering principles, typically acquired through formal education or equivalent on-the-job experience (e.g., experience equivalent to a Transportation Engineer 1, Transportation Technician 3, Bridge Engineer 1 or equivalent), including but not limited to inspection and/or testing of hot mix asphalt paving, concrete placement, placement of embankment, and bridge construction/rehabilitation.

OR

Professional Certification or Academic Preparation: Possession of an Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification or a Master’s degree in civil engineering, structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, construction management or a closely related field.

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

• A valid driver’s license with the ability to safely travel to and from job sites within the region.
• Ability to manipulate and transport equipment weighing up to 40 lbs.
• Ability to obtain Qualified General Inspection Certification within 6 months of appointment if not already in possession.
• Ability obtain Certified Erosion Sediment and Control Lead (CESCL) certification within 6 months of appointment.
• Ability to obtain ACI concrete field test technician and concrete strength certification within 6 months of appointment.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Certification as an EIT
• Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in Washington State.
• Experience as a construction inspector working on major highways with complex traffic control setups.
• Experience inspecting drainage, hot mix asphalt, bridge construction and/or rehabilitation, and concrete placement.

Important Notes 

• This position requires daily in-person attendance at the co-located office at 617 Eastlake in Seattle, WA until early 2028 when the work will return to Shoreline, WA. This role offers flexible/hybrid remote work options depending on the time of the year.
• This recruitment will be used to fill two permanent positions within the Northwest Region out of Shoreline, WA. This recruitment may also be used to fill additional vacated positions. 
• 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. 
• This is a Transportation Engineer 2 position. 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 1: $68,014 – $91,400 
• Transportation Engineer 2: $75,045 – $100,951
• 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. 

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 alyssa.nastasi@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 25DOT-NWR-13352m in the subject line.