Transportation Engineer 3 (In-Training)

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 worlds widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

The Opportunity

WSDOT is seeking a highly skilled and motivated professional to take on a leadership role within the South Central Region engineering team in Richland, WA. In this position, the incumbent will be responsible for managing a major project or functional area, which includes supervising multiple support staff or serving as a subject matter expert in a complex but focused technical field. This role involves significant responsibility, including planning and executing projects with minimal supervision, representing the Department at public meetings and engagements, and providing guidance and evaluation for engineers and technicians. Our successful candidate will demonstrate a thorough working knowledge of agency policies, standards, and procedures, as well as sound engineering principles, methods, and practices.

What to Expect

This position performs work mostly indoors in an office environment and sometimes performs field reviews to collect project information. During field work you may be exposure to hazards that include traffic, varying terrains and climate conditions.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Transportation Engineer 3 will:

• Lead a design and PS&E preparation team of engineers and technicians.
• Complete design work such as writing new specifications, estimates, traffic switches, etc.
• Develop and Update CPM schedules for assigned projects.
• Utilize the Project Management Process to facilitate delivery of assigned design projects.
• Serve as project inspector involving complex projects for highways and highway structures.
• Make decisions/recommendations regarding issues not covered by plans or specifications.
• Monitor contract schedule and budget, keep the Project Engineer and Assistant Project Engineer advised of status.
• Review and coordinate the work of survey crews in the layout of construction projects.
• Plan and schedule team member's inspection activities.
• Train and mentor subordinate inspectors in the inspection procedures, contract standards and other aspects relating to the construction duties and functions.

Qualifications

This is a Transportation Engineer 3 (TE3) position. However, the hiring manager reserves the right to fill the position at a lower level (TE2) depending on qualifications, providing an opportunity for an individual to gain the required experience on the job as part of a formal in-training plan.

To be considered for this opportunity at the TE2 level, the following are required :

• One (1) year of experience as a Transportation Engineer 1, Transportation Technician 3, Bridge Engineer 1 or equivalent.
• Passed the Engineer-in-Training (EIT)/Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam.

To be considered for this opportunity at the TE3 level, the following are required :

• Two (2) years of experience as a Transportation Engineer 2 or equivalent such as Bridge Engineer 2 or Transportation Planning Specialist 2.

• Passed the Engineer-in-Training (EIT)/Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam.

The following are required at both levels:

• A valid driver's license, and the ability to safely operate a motor vehicle to accomplish travel to and from job sites.
• Skills to effectively communicate in a cooperative and courteous manner, verbally, electronically and in writing with various groups within the department, local and statewide agencies, and the public.
• The ability to interpret, understand, communicate, and apply information contained in a set of contract plans, Department rules and policies, Construction Manual, Standard Specifications, Standard Plans, Design Manual, Hydraulics Manual, Signing Manual and other WSDOT manuals.
• The ability to supervise, evaluate, provide leadership, direction, mentor, and train individuals and diverse teams composed of Engineers and Technicians.
• The ability to move and transport equipment up to 50 pounds individually and/or assist with equipment up to 70 pounds.
• The ability to work in all weather conditions and traverse in rough, steep, and uneven terrain.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• A Bachelor of Science degree in engineering, construction management, project management or closely related field and two (2) years of experience as a Transportation Engineer 2 or equivalent such as Bridge Engineer 2 or Transportation Planning Specialist 2.
• Skills and the ability to create and manage a schedule in Primavera PG, MS Project, or equivalent project management/scheduling software.
• Experience and skills needed to design a roadway project using MicroStation, lnRoads/Open Roads, or other CADD/design software.
• Licensed by the State of Washington as a Professional Engineer.

*To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the Contact Us section of this posting.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• In addition to the salary range listed, a general wage increase of 3% will be applied for all state employees on July 1, 2025.
• 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 position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• This position has been approved for in-training. The hiring manager is looking to hire at the Transportation Engineer 3 level, however the in-training plan will allow candidates to be considered as a Transportation Engineer 2, if not qualified at the highest-level. The base salaries for each level are:
  • TE3: $74,724 $100,524 Annually
  • TE2: $67,716 $91,068 Annually
• 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 occasional telework 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 of three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. NOTE: This information may 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.

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, at ... . Please be sure to reference 25DOT-SCR-50522 in the subject line.