Transportation Engineer 1 (Multiple Positions)

Description

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
A typical schedule is Monday through Friday between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., with alternate schedules available. This position may require weekend work, night shifts, or overtime to support construction activities. Design work is performed indoors in an office environment. Inspection, survey work, and site visits are conducted outdoors in inclement weather at project sites and in active construction zones, both during the day and at night.

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 (Microsoft 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.

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

• Technical Engineering Knowledge: Demonstrated ability to apply basic civil, structural, geotechnical, transportation, or surveying engineering principles to entry-level transportation design, construction, inspection, materials, or survey tasks. 
• Construction Inspection and Materials Support: Ability to interpret and apply highway construction plans, specifications, and special provisions; observe and document contractor work; assist with materials sampling and testing; and complete inspection documentation while following established safety requirements.
• Contract Documentation and Records Support: Ability to maintain accurate construction and project documentation, including quantity calculations, daily inspection reports, field notes, and support for final records and as-built documentation.
• Entry-Level Design and Drafting Support: Ability to support transportation design activities by preparing, revising, and reviewing basic design elements, calculations, and plan sheets in accordance with design and construction manuals.
• Survey Support Skills: Ability to assist with field survey activities, including data collection, layout, measurements,
• equipment operation, and compilation of survey data for construction and design projects.
• Analytical and Quantitative Skills: Ability to perform basic engineering calculations, review technical data, verify quantities, and support tracking of construction quantities, costs, and progress.
• Communication and Team Collaboration: Ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally with inspectors, engineers, project staff, contractors, and the public to share observations, ask questions, and relay technical information.
• Engineering Technology and Software Application: Ability to use or learn engineering, drafting, documentation, and office software to support design, inspection, surveying, and project documentation activities.
• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth. 
• Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.

In addition, the following are also required:  

• A Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (BSCE) or Structural Engineering (BSSE), or Certification as an Engineer-in-Training (EIT).
• A valid driver’s license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.
• Ability to traverse uneven and steep terrain adjacent to traffic and heavy equipment in all weather conditions.
• Ability to maneuver and transport various materials and/or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to obtain certification as a WSDOT General Inspector within 12 months of hire.
• A Western Alliance for Quality Transportation Construction (WAQTC) qualified tester, or equivalent, or ability to obtain within 24 months of hire.
• An American Concrete Institute (ACI) qualified tester, or equivalent, or the ability to obtain within 24 months of hire.  

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

• Applied Engineering Experience: Experience applying basic engineering concepts through internships, cooperative education, academic projects, or other project-based work related to civil or transportation engineering.

Important Notes 

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• These positions offer flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• Travel within the region is required to visit project sites for construction assignments, or to attend training.
• 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 Daisha.Jordan@wsdot.wa.gov . Please be sure to reference 26DOT-ER-61166 in the subject line.