Salary : $65,748.00 – $88,416.00 Annually
Location : Cowlitz County – Kelso, WA
Job Type: Full Time – Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 23DOT-SWR-40237
Department: Dept. of Transportation
Division: Southwest Region
Opening Date: 06/28/2023
Closing Date: 7/19/2023 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
*Updated Location*
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 motivated individual with strong construction contract administration skills to fill an Assistant Office Engineer (TE2) position in Kelso, WA. This position acts as the primary change order writer and assistant to the Office Engineer supporting the construction team and administering construction contracts, ensuring documentation and payment processing is following WSDOT policies and guidelines. This position also provides support for design teams when construction administration needs are minimal. It is essential that the successful candidate has excellent communication and organizational skills and can prioritize and perform tasks in a timely manner.
What to Expect
Core business hours are Monday – Friday, 6:30am – 5pm; occasional extended hours may be required; position is eligible for daily overtime, with supervisor approval.
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Assistant Office Engineer will:
- Administer construction contracts beginning with Contract Execution, Contract Payments, Contract Closure and Archiving of Final Records ensuring that the documentation is following WSDOT Policies and guidelines.
- Maintain and create accurate records such as Inspectors Daily Reports (IDR’s) and Field Note Records (FNR’s) for the project, including materials documentation.
- Review and correct project documentation submitted by field inspectors.
- Review, track and submit to Headquarters (HQ), working drawings submitted by Contractor following Contract and Construction Manual Guidance.
- Compile field note records for monthly estimates and for final records and enters contract progress payments into Contract Administration and Payment System (CAPS) for monthly Contractor pay estimates.
- Review material submittals, track, and approve/reject contractor submitted Request for Approval of Material (RAMs) and Qualified Products List (QPLs); transmits to HQ Materials Lab for processing and approval.
- Communicate and coordinates with field inspectors for material approval status, basis of acceptance, number and frequencies of acceptance, and verification sampling and testing requirements.
- Lead project scoping, project definition, and project pre-design development, and enter information into TEIS Capitol Project program.
Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, at least one of the following are required:
- Certification as an Engineer-In-Training (EIT) and one year of experience as a , , or equivalent experience; OR
- Two (2) years of experience as a Transportation Engineer 1, Transportation Technician 3, or equivalent experience; OR
- A Master’s degree with major study in civil engineering, structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, soil mechanics, traffic, transportation, or a closely related field.
In addition to one of the above, the following are also required:
- WSDOT General Inspector certification or ability to obtain within the first six months of hire.
- Experience in communicating details and components of design and construction projects to the public and local agencies, both orally and in writing.
- Experience understanding and following policies, standards, and procedures related to construction contract plans and specifications.
- Experience coordinating multiple projects with construction team leaders and prioritizing assignments.
- Valid Driver’s License.
It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:
- Three years of experience working as a Transportation Engineer 1, or equivalent.
- Experience in reviewing engineering plans and specifications for compliance with established standards.
- Experience in being able to effectively work both individually and within a diverse team environment.
- Experience with change order development, processing, and execution.
- Experience with OEO/DBE requirements and tracking.
- Experience with monthly pay estimate process and utilizing CAPS, CCIS and other software.
- Demonstrated working experience in all aspects of project delivery: scoping, design, preparing contract plans, specifications, and estimates, developing procurement documents, construction inspection/compliance, and construction administration.
- Knowledge of WSDOT policies and procedures with contract administration.
- Knowledge and understanding of material testing procedures.
Important Notes
- This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
- This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
- The salary range listed includes the legislative approved general wage increase of 4%, effective on July 1, 2023.
- 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
Why WSDOT
- Work-Life Balance – We offer flexible work schedules that allow you time for your life outside of this excellent opportunity.
- 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. 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. For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov
Contact us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, Daisha Jordan at Please be sure to reference 23DOT-SWR-40237 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
Do you have Certification as an Engineer-In-Training?
- Yes
- No
02
Do you have a Master’s degree, or higher, with major study in civil engineering, structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, soil mechanics, traffic, transportation, or a closely related field?
- Yes
- No
03
How many years of experience do you have as a Transportation Engineer 1, Transportation Technician 3, or equivalent engineering experience?
- None
- Less than 1 year
- At least 1 year
- At least 2 years
- At least 3 years
- At least 4 years
- At least 5 years
- At least 6 years
- More than 6 years
04
How many years of experience do you have in field inspection on transportation construction projects?
- None
- Less than 1 year
- At least 1 year
- At least 2 years
- At least 3 years
- At least 4 years
- At least 5 years
- At least 6 years
- More than 6 years
05
For the two questions above, please describe your transportation engineering experience in these areas: scoping; design; preparing contract plans, specifications, and estimates; construction inspection/compliance; and construction administration. If no experience, indicate N/A.
06
Do you have a valid driver’s license?
- Yes
- No
07
Describe your working experience with WSDOT computer programs including CAPS, CCIS, and other software. If no experience, indicate N/A.
08
Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for an employment visa?NOTE: For purposes of this question “sponsorship for an immigration-related employment benefit” means “an H-IB visa petition, an 0-1 visa petition, an E-3 visa petition, TN status and ‘job flexibility benefits’ (also known as 1-140 portability or Adjustment of Status portability) for long-delayed adjustment of status applications that have been pending for 180 days or longer.” Please ask us if you are uncertain whether you may need immigration sponsorship or desire clarification.
- Yes
- No
09
If you have a visa, how much time remains on your current visa?
10
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)
11
If you selected ‘Other’ on the previous question, please specify how you learned of this employment opportunity in the space provided:
Required Question