Construction Engineer Administrator (Engineer 8)

DOTD-Engineering & Operations; Baton Rouge (LA); On-site; USD 107,000 - 134,000; Full time

Job summary

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) is seeking an experienced Engineer 8 to serve as Construction Engineer Administrator in the Office of Project Delivery. This leadership role provides statewide oversight of more than 400 active construction projects and directs policy, planning, and delivery to meet federal and state requirements and DOTD budget constraints.

The ideal candidate brings strong engineering expertise, strategic leadership, and clear communication to

Qualifications

• Louisiana licensed professional engineer required with two years supervisory experience or four years licensed engineering experience or eight years professional engineering experience.
• Engineering licensure substitutions: master's substitutes for one year; doctorate substitutes for two years; advanced degrees substitute for up to two years.
• No substitution for licensed engineering experience.
• Applicants licensed in other states may apply but must obtain Louisiana license prior to appointment.
• Louisiana Professional Engineer licenses issued by the Louisiana Professional Engineering and Land Surveying Board.

Responsibilities

• Directs planning, development, and delivery of statewide construction program per laws, policies, and budget.
• Negotiates complex contract issues with contractors and FHWA.
• Establishes statewide construction policies, standards, and guidelines for nine DOTD Districts.
• Administers Construction Division operations including systems, structural construction, and training.
• Reviews and approves major plan changes for Chief Engineer approval.
• Reviews project time charges and recommends contract time extensions and liquidated damages.
• Assists in final acceptance of completed projects to the Chief Engineer.
• Provides technical construction expertise to engineers, contractors, legal staff, and stakeholders.
• Advises leadership on construction policy improvements for highways, bridges, airports, and related infrastructure.
• Supports emergency and disaster response activities.

Job description

At the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD), we plan, build, maintain, and protect the transportation systems that connect communities, support commerce, and keep Louisiana moving.

DOTD is seeking an experienced Engineer 8 to serve as the Construction Engineer Administrator in the Office of Project Delivery. This leadership position provides statewide oversight and engineering guidance for more than 400 active construction projects, representing an annual construction program of approximately $800–$900 million across nine DOTD Districts. The incumbent directs construction program planning, administration, and delivery; establishes policies and standards; and ensures compliance with federal and state requirements, Department policies, and budgetary constraints.

The ideal candidate will bring strong engineering expertise, strategic leadership, and effective communication and problem-solving skills to advance the safe, efficient, and effective delivery of Louisiana’s transportation infrastructure.

Please visit our DOTD Career Center for more information about our agency: https://dotd.la.gov/about/office-of-management-and-finance/human-resources/career-center/

• Possession of a current Louisiana license to practice professional engineering plus one of the following, which must include two years of experience at the supervisory level or above:
• Four years of licensed engineering experience; or
• Eight years of professional engineering experience.
• EXPERIENCE SUBSTITUTIONS:
• A master's degree in engineering will substitute for one year of professional engineering experience.
• A doctorate degree in engineering will substitute for two years of professional engineering experience.
• Advanced degrees will substitute for a maximum of two years of professional engineering experience.
• There is no substitution for licensed engineering experience.
• NOTES:
• Engineering experience gained while licensed as a professional engineer will be accepted as licensed engineering experience. Engineering experience gained after earning an ABET-accredited degree and prior to earning a professional engineer's license (e.g., as an engineer intern applicant, engineer intern, or equivalent) will be accepted as professional level engineering experience.
• Applications will be accepted from persons licensed to practice professional engineering in states other than Louisiana. If one of those applicants is selected for the position, he/she will be required to obtain a Louisiana license prior to appointment. The hiring agency will verify that all licensing requirements are met.
• Louisiana Professional Engineer licenses are issued by the Louisiana Professional Engineering and Land Surveying Board. Licensing requirements may be viewed at www.lapels.com.

The official job specifications for this role, as defined by the State Civil Service, can be found here.

Job Duties

• Directs the planning, development, and delivery of the statewide construction program in accordance with federal and state laws, Department policies, and budgetary constraints.
• Negotiates and resolves complex construction contract issues, disputes, plan changes, extra work, and time extensions with contractors and the Federal Highway Administration.
• Establishes statewide construction policies, procedures, standards, and guidelines and provides technical and functional oversight to all nine DOTD Districts.
• Administers and oversees Construction Division operations, including systems and structural construction, fabrication, estimates verification, claims, labor compliance, and personnel training.
• Reviews and recommends major construction plan changes to the DOTD Chief Engineer for approval.
• Reviews and approves project time charges and recommends contract time extensions and adjustments to liquidated damages.
• Recommends final acceptance of completed construction projects to the DOTD Chief Engineer upon verification of compliance with plans and specifications.
• Provides technical construction expertise to engineers, contractors, legal staff, and other stakeholders in developing plans, specifications, technical manuals, and training programs.
• Advises Department leadership and appointed officials on improvements to construction policies, procedures, and project delivery for highways, bridges, airports, and related infrastructure.
• Performs other duties as assigned, including supporting emergency and disaster response activities.

Position-Specific Details

Appointment Type: This position is open to only current DOTD employees; and may be filled by detail to special duty.

Compensation:The Special Entrance Rate (SER)for this position is $ 5,297.60biweekly.

Additional compensation may be considered for applicants who possess extraordinary job-related qualifications or credentialsin accordance with State Civil Service Rule 6.5(g)and DOTD policy. Any such consideration is subject to approval and applicable pay limitations.

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) is an equal employment opportunity employer and serves as a model employer for individuals with disabilities. DOTD does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, disability, age, or pregnancy, and prohibits harassment of any type.

Information on the Louisiana Workforce Commission, Louisiana Rehabilitation Services is available: https://www.laworks.net/workforcedev/lrs/lrs_rehabilitation.asp