Assistant Area Engineer (WMS Band 2) | Multiple Positions

Washington State Department of Transportation; Washington; Hybrid; USD 103,000 - 127,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington State Department of Transportation seeks two Assistant Area Engineers to support highway design and construction projects in Kelso and Chehalis, WA. You will help deliver capital improvement programs while guiding a team of engineers, interns, and consultants toward on-time, on-budget results.

You’ll champion safe, sustainable transportation and ensure projects meet regulatory standards, collaborate with partners, and report progress to management.

Qualifications

• Licensed Civil Professional Engineer in WA or eligible to obtain WA licensure within six months.
• Extensive experience applying transportation engineering principles including highway design, construction practices, and surveying.
• Experience leading transportation projects through planning, environmental review, design, and construction.
• Ability to plan, organize, and deliver multiple projects on time and within budget.
• Budgeting experience across project phases with knowledge of programming and funding processes.
• Demonstrated leadership to build and guide cross-disciplinary teams.
• Strong communication and collaboration with internal teams, contractors, stakeholders, and the public.
• Growth mindset and service-oriented approach.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Project Engineer to plan budget, schedule, and workforce necessary to deliver the Capital Improvement and Preservation Program (CIPP).
• Lead engineers, interns, temporary staff, and consultants in design and contract development of multiple projects per policies and standards.
• Ensure projects are managed to meet scope, schedule, and budget; plans are constructible and biddable.
• Communicate professionally with leadership, colleagues, support groups, local agencies, customers and stakeholders.
• Partner with citizens, media, elected officials, contractors, consultants, and outside agencies to plan and operate an efficient transportation system.
• Report project status to Regional and Statewide Executive Management to support accountability.
• Coordinate input and resolve conflicts with internal organizations and outside agencies and the public.
• Be prepared to certify projects using the Professional Engineer stamp and ensure compliance with WSDOT standards.
• Deliver projects in an environmentally responsible manner.

Skills

Civil engineering expertise

Project management

Leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Growth mindset

Service oriented

PS&E experience

Education

Professional Engineering Certification (Civil PE) WA or eligible within six months

Job description

Salary : $103,320.00 - $126,504.00 Annually

Location : Cowlitz County - Multiple Locations, WA

Job Type: Full Time - Permanent

Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number: 26DOT-SWR-4W044-1

Department: Dept. of Transportation

Division: Southwest Region

Opening Date: 10/19/2026

Closing Date: 11/8/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

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 leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, manages the world's longest floating bridge, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

The Opportunity

WSDOT is seeking two Assistant Area Engineers, one in Kelso and one in Chehalis, WA. In this role, you’ll support the Project Engineer in delivering highway design and construction projects that meet local, state, and federal standards while staying on scope, schedule, and budget. You’ll help ensure projects are safe, constructible, maintainable, accessible to all modes of transportation, and thoughtfully integrated into the surrounding environment.

Safety is at the heart of everything we do. You’ll also champion sustainable transportation practices and help foster a workplace where employees feel included, supported, valued, and safe while strengthening WSDOT’s workforce and the resiliency of our people and transportation system.

What To Expect

• Assist the Project Engineer to strategically plan the budget, schedule, and workforce necessary to deliver the Capital Improvement and Preservation Program (CIPP).
• Proactively lead an office of professional and technical engineers, including summer interns, temporary employees and engineering consultants, in the design and contract development of multiple transportation improvement and preservation projects and construction projects according to current policies and standards, effective engineering techniques, and good engineering judgment.
• Ensure that assigned projects are managed in accordance with WSDOT policy and procedures to meet the desired scope, schedule, budget, and documentation and that contract plans are constructable, permittable, and biddable.
• Communicate professionally and effectively in all forms with leadership, colleagues, support groups, local agencies, customers and stakeholders.
• Create success by working in partnership with citizens, media, elected officials, contractors, consultants, and outside agencies to plan, build, maintain, and operate an efficient transportation system.
• Report on the status of assigned projects to WSDOT Regional and Statewide Executive Management to support and improve accountability.
• Coordinate input and resolve conflicts with internal organizations, personnel, outside agencies, consultants and the public.
• Be prepared to certify, by use of their Professional Engineer stamp, that all WSDOT standards and policies have been followed.
• Ensure projects are delivered in an environmentally responsible manner.

Qualifications

• Professional Engineering Certification: Licensed as a Civil Professional Engineer in the state of Washington or currently holding a Civil PE license from another state with the ability to obtain Washington State licensure within six (6) months of hire.
• Civil Engineering Expertise: Extensive experience applying transportation engineering principles including highway design, construction practices, and surveying. Proficient in preparing and reviewing plans, specifications, and estimates (PS&E) for complex highway and transportation infrastructure projects.
• Transportation Design & Delivery: Experience leading transportation projects through planning, environmental review, design, and construction. Familiar with transportation system design, environmental compliance, and state and federal project delivery processes.
• Project Management & Scheduling: Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, and deliver multiple projects on time and within budget. Skilled in developing work plans, coordinating team efforts, and managing schedules. Budgeting: Experience managing budgets across multiple phases of project development, with a working knowledge of programming and funding processes.
• Leadership: Demonstrated strategic leadership through building and leading effective teams; motivating, coaching, and empowering staff; driving change and process improvements; resolving conflicts; and fostering engagement and collaboration across a diverse, interdisciplinary workforce to deliver multiple projects.
• Problem Solving & Decision-Making: Proven ability to identify issues, evaluate options, and implement practical solutions. Skilled in conflict resolution and facilitating constructive dialogue.
• Effective Communication & Collaboration: Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills to engage internal teams, contractors, stakeholders, and the public. Capable of representing the agency in meetings and on project sites.
• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.

It Is Preferred That Qualified Candidates Also Demonstrate

• WSDOT Project Delivery Methods: Experience designing and procuring transportation projects through design build and design-bid-build methodologies, in accordance with WSDOT standards and procedures.
• FHWA Process Knowledge: Familiarity with Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) processes, procedures, and requirements for delivering federally funded transportation projects. Ability to ensure compliance with federal stewardship obligations, documentation, and reporting standards.
• Change Management: Proven senior-level experience leading organizational and enterprise project change, including shifts in scope, structure, policy, and delivery models. Adept at applying strategic change management practices to guide teams through complex transitions and ensure successful outcomes.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• 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, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit

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 recruiter listed.

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 a choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to for more information.

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‑ratio 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‑ratio 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, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) 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 01-07-2026