Salary : $93,924.00 – $120,480.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County – Tumwater, WA
Job Type: Full Time – Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 23DOT-OR-3W112
Department: Dept. of Transportation
Division: Olympic Region
Opening Date: 06/15/2023
Closing Date: 7/9/2023 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
About WSDOT
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is the steward of an integrated, multimodal transportation system that helps to ensure people and goods move safely and efficiently throughout the state. In addition to building, maintaining, and operating the state highway system, WSDOT operates the largest ferry system in the nation, manages the world’s longest floating bridge, and recently completed the world’s widest tunneling project.
The Opportunity
WSDOT is currently seeking a Project Engineer for the Tumwater Design Office. Projects are designed according to the most effective engineering technology available to provide the best integration into the surrounding environment and that they function adequately for all modes of transportation served. It is the responsibility of the Project Engineer to ensure all assigned projects are managed according to WSDOT policy, delivered on or before scheduled due dates, within or under budgeted amount and that they are constructible, maintainable, and cost effective for all stakeholders and customers. This position monitors and reports on delivery in conformance with the department’s expectations for transparency and accountability. Design support during the construction phase is provided in response to requests for information, encountering unforeseen conditions, contractor proposed changes, and similar inquiries such that project quality is enhanced and potential impacts to schedule and budget are minimized. The Project Engineer also provides staff a balanced workplace, which promotes training and development for professional growth and upward mobility, employee safety, workforce diversity and pride in ownership.
What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Project Engineer will:
- Provide leadership, management, and engineering oversight to the Tumwater Design Office.
- Accurately apply policy and standards to highway design projects and complete projects on time and within budget.
- Oversee the development and review of right of way plans, design plans, design documentation, specification and estimates, requests for proposals, and other studies to ensure compliance with applicable Federal, WSDOT, and Local Agency standards and regulations for all region WSDOT highway projects.
- Prepare both design-bid-build (DBB) and design-build (DB) contracts.
- Collaborate and build effective working relationships internally and externally to accomplish organizational goals.
- Be responsible for deliverables pertaining to design documents and contract documentation along with environmental compliance.
This position performs work includes periodic visits to active heavy civil construction sites, which require knowledge of appropriate PPE and site-specific hazard awareness through pre-activity safety planning. Exposure to hazards may include exhaust, high-speed traffic, steep or uneven terrain, and/or heavy construction equipment.
Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:
- Licensed by the State of Washington as a Professional Engineer.
- Four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in engineering.
- Six (6) years of supervisory experience.
- A strong working knowledge of the principles of management.
- Excellent knowledge of design and construction principles and practices, contracting methods and procedures, stewardship agreement, and program (budget, schedule, quality, environmental, etc.) accountability.
- Strong skills in establishing plans and setting objectives and goals that support overall program strategy/results, monitoring, measuring performance, and making necessary course corrections to the same.
- Excellent skills in effective communication with employees and public. The ability to evaluate, coordinate, and respond to customers.
- The ability to make timely, effective decisions in the best interest of the department.
It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:
- Two (2) years of progressively responsible experience as a licensed professional engineer in construction or design of highways, bridges, and related structures.
- Four (4) years of demonstrated and progressively responsible managerial/supervisory experience in managing a diverse workforce.
*To review the full Position Description, please contact the recruiter listed in the Contact Us section of this posting.
Important Notes
- In addition to the salary range listed, a general wage increase of 4% will be applied for all state employees on July 1, 2023.
- This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
- This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
- This position requires a Professional Engineers License issued by the State of Washington. License holders from other states will be expected to obtain a WA State PE license within six (6) months of appointment.
- 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 Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in of the Washington Administrative Code.
- WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system. 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 for more information.
Check out this video to learn more:
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. 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 via email.
Contact us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, Alyssa Nastasi at Please be sure to reference 23DOT-OR-3W112 in the subject line.
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That’s why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems’ web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 12-31-2022
01
Are you licensed by the State of Washington as a Professional Engineer?
- Yes
- No
- I am licensed in another state
02
If you are licensed in another state, please write down what state you are licensed in. Otherwise, type N/A.
03
Please select the response that best describes your total years of progressively responsible engineering experience.
- I have over ten (10) years of this experience.
- I have 8 – 10 years of this experience.
- I have 6 – 8 years of this experience.
- I have 4 – 6 years of this experience.
- I have less than four (4) years of this experience.
04
Please briefly describe how you obtained the experience referenced above. Otherwise, type N/A.
05
Please select the response that best describes your total years of supervisory experience.
- I have over ten (10) years of this experience.
- I have 8 – 10 years of this experience.
- I have 6 – 8 years of this experience.
- I have less than six (6) years of this experience.
06
Please briefly describe your experience working with design and construction principles and practice, contracting methods and procedures, stewardship agreement, and program accountability. Otherwise, type N/A.
07
Please select the response that best describes your total years of experience as a licensed professional engineer in construction or design of highways, bridges, and related structures.
- I have over five (5) years of this experience.
- I have 3 – 5 years of this experience.
- I have 2 – 3 years of this experience.
- I have less than two (2) years of this experience.
- I do not have this experience.
08
Periodic visits to active heavy civil construction sites include traversing rough, steep, and uneven terrain. Are you willing and able to meet this requirement?
- Yes
- No
09
How did you learn of this employment opportunity?
- Indeed
- Direct Email Notification
- WSDOT social media (Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, etc)
- Career Fair
- Monster
- WorkSource
- Handshake
- AASHTO
- NACTO
- COMTO
- APWA
- “NOW HIRING” banner/sign
- Radio advertisement
- WSDOT Employment Site
- Careers.wa.gov
- governmentjobs.com
- Other (specify below)
10
If you selected ‘Other’ on the previous question, please specify how you learned of this employment opportunity in the space provided:
Required Question