Transportation Engineer 1 (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 has multiple exciting entry-level opportunities for engineering professionals to join the Project Engineering Office located in Spokane, WA. As a Transportation Engineer 1, you will contribute to key activities during the construction, design, and PS&E phases of WSDOT projects, all of which are essential to successful project delivery. These positions are intended for individuals beginning their careers in civil or structural engineering who have developed a foundational understanding of engineering principles, design, and analysis through education, training, or related experience. Work assignments and structured training are designed to build professional capabilities and provide hands-on experience applying engineering concepts and techniques to real-world transportation challenges. In these positions, there may be opportunities to work on design projects as they go through the Complete Streets process, along with having the chance to be part of one of the projects that will complete the North Spokane Corridor. These roles offer broad exposure to the range of engineering practices within the Department and help establish a strong foundation for career growth.

What to Expect

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

• Assist in the inspection of construction activities, including materials inspection and testing.
• Interpret highway construction plans, specifications, and special provisions in monitoring the contractor's work.
• Take field notes, calculate quantities, and complete daily inspector reports.
• Assist the lead inspector with construction documentation.
• Assist the lead designer with development of transportation projects.
• Calculate or check quantities for contract bid items.
• Utilize computers for CAD and other design software, and office software (Word, Excel, etc.).
• Perform various survey tasks such as operating survey equipment, setting points and stakes, calculating distances and angles, and collecting data.
• Communicate orally and in writing with contractors, designers, other team members, support offices, and the public. OpenRoads

Qualifications

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

• Technical Engineering Knowledge: Demonstrated foundational knowledge of civil, structural, geotechnical, or transportation engineering principles, gained through education, experience, training, or certification (EIT or LSIT). Ability to apply this knowledge to design, construction, inspection, and surveying tasks.
• Construction Inspection & Materials Testing: Experience or training in interpreting and applying highway construction plans, specifications, and special provisions. Skilled in observing and documenting contractor work, tracking submittals, and performing materials testing (e.g., asphalt, concrete, density).
• Contract Documentation & Reporting: Proficiency in maintaining construction documentation, calculating quantities, reviewing calculations, and completing daily inspector's reports (IDRs). Ability to compile final records and contribute to "as-builts."
• Design & Drafting Proficiency: Experience using industry software such as MicroStation, InRoads, OpenRoads, Civil3D, or other CADD/CAD software for drafting and revising contract plans. Ability to calculate and verify design elements such as grades, curves, and quantities in accordance with design and construction manuals.
• Project Development Support: Capable of supporting the preparation of design reports, special studies, and procurement documents. Ability to assist with contract administration and coordination with consultants and other stakeholders.
• Surveying Support Skills: Familiarity with field survey operations including data collection, equipment operation, layout, and measurement for both construction and design projects.
• Analytical and Quantitative Skills: Ability to perform engineering calculations and data analysis related to earthwork, materials, and cost tracking. Ability to verify and check technical computations.
• Communication and Collaboration: Effective written and verbal communication skills to interact with contractors, engineering staff, and the public. Able to communicate observations, findings, and technical data clearly in documentation and discussions.
• Technology and Software Use: Working knowledge of industry software such as MicroStation, InRoads/OpenRoads, and Microsoft Office. Experience with or ability to learn tools for estimating, drafting, documentation, and design analysis.

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

• A valid driver's license with the ability to travel and work weekends or night hours for construction assignments.
• Ability to transport and move/manipulate up to 50 pounds at a time to complete job duties.
• Ability to traverse steep or uneven terrain.
• A Western Alliance for Quality Transportation Construction (WAQTC) qualified tester certification or equivalent or ability to achieve within 24 months of hire.
• An American Concrete Institute (ACI) qualified tester certification or equivalent or ability to achieve within 24 months of hire.
• Ability to obtain certification as a WSDOT General Inspector within 12 months of hire.
• To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the Contact Us section of this posting.

Important Notes

• Students graduating with an accepted degree by February 2026 are eligible to apply for these positions.
• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• These positions offer flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• These positions may require travel for construction assignments and training.
• Application review will begin on September 3, 2025. Candidate selection may take place at any time thereafter. It is to your advantage to apply as soon as possible.
• 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.

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 ... . Please be sure to reference 25DOT-ER-61125 in the subject line.