Roadway Designer/Specifications Writer

State of Oregon; Salem (OR); Hybrid; USD 71,000 - 111,000; Full time

Job summary

Oregon Department of Transportation in Bend is seeking an Associate In Engineering 2 – Roadway Designer/Specifications Writer to prepare project specifications, develop roadway contract plans, and estimate costs for Region 4 projects in central Oregon.

The role requires FE exam or engineering degree with relevant experience; driving is required. Hybrid work options are available, with some in-office days monthly.

Qualifications

• FE exam passed and 1 year of engineering experience.
• Or a bachelor's degree in engineering with 1 year of experience.

Responsibilities

• Write project specifications and estimate costs.
• Design plans for roadway projects.
• Prepare calculation books.
• Develop digital terrain models and grade reports.
• Prepare eBids and construction handoff packages.
• Perform quality checks and provide guidance on delivery.
• Collaborate with designers and consultants.

Skills

3D modeling

Roadway design

Cost estimates

Education

FE exam required

Engineering degree

Job description

Job Description

Associate In Engineering 2 – Roadway Designer/Specifications Writer

Oregon Department of Transportation

Delivery and Operations Division – Region 4

Bend

The Role

We’re looking for our next roadway designer/specifications writer! In this role, you will prepare project specifications and estimates and develop the roadway portion of contract plans for projects in Region 4: central Oregon.

Join our team today! We provide a safe and reliable multimodal transportation system that connects people and helps Oregon's communities and economy thrive. We encourage people from all backgrounds and abilities to apply for our positions.

Initial Posting Date

08/03/2026

Application Deadline

08/17/2026

Agency

Department of Transportation

Salary Range

$6,396 - $9,916

Position Type

Employee

Position Title

Roadway Designer/Specifications Writer

A Day In The Life

• Write project specifications and determine estimates.
• Design and prepare plans for low to moderately complex roadway projects.
• Prepare and distribute calculation books.
• Develop detailed digital terrain models, provide grade reports and approve design changes.
• Prepare eBids and construction handoff packages.
• Perform quality checks on projects.
• Provide technical and procedural guidance on project development and project delivery issues.
• Collaborate with designers and consultants and share project design information.
• Requires working occasional nights and weekends, overnight travel and working around construction sites, heavy traffic and hazardous conditions.
• Hybrid work options available – in office work is anticipated a few times per month.
• To request a copy of the position description, which includes all duties and working conditions, please email [e-mail].

What’s In It For You

• Work/life balance, 11 paid holidays a year, flexible work schedules, paid leave and so much more. Learn more about working at the Oregon Department of Transportation and the benefits we offer.
• Comprehensive and equitable base salary offer within the listed range. Through an equal pay assessment, we will determine the salary offer using the information you provide in your submitted application materials. Please ensure your application materials are detailed, accurate and reflect your skills, experience (paid and unpaid) and education as they relate to the position when applying.
• The salary range listed is the non-PERS monthly salary range. If you are already a participating PERS member or once you become PERS eligible, the salary range will increase by 6%.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness opportunity!

Minimum Qualifications

Completion of and passing score on the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam AND one year of experience applying professional engineering theory, principles, and methods.

OR

A bachelor's degree in the field of engineering appropriate to the duties and responsibilities of the position AND one year of experience applying professional engineering theory, principles, and methods.

Special Qualifications

Driving is an essential function of this position. You must have a valid US driver license and an acceptable driving record. We will conduct pre-employment driving records checks on our final candidate(s). Your license does not have to be issued in Oregon to be considered.

What We’d Like To See

• Experience with three-dimensional (3D) modeling including creating alignments and surfaces and using computer software.
• Experience developing roadway plans, specifications and cost estimates.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and interact with various interested parties all with different goals.

Additional Information

• We do not offer visa sponsorship. If you are hired, you will be required to fill out the US Department of Homeland Security’s I-9 form confirming you are able to work in the US. We are not an E-Verify participating employer, and we are unable to proceed if E-Verify participation is required [e.g., STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) Extension].
• The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an education institution during the application process.
• We may use this recruitment to fill multiple or future vacancies.
• We will conduct name-based criminal background checks on final candidates, not including current ODOT employees. All applicants may be subject to additional pre-employment check(s) such as driver license, LEDS (Law Enforcement Data System), and/or education verification as required for the position.
• You will be represented by the Association of Engineering Employees of Oregon (AEE).

ODOT is an Equal Employment Opportunity and affirmative action employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation or any other class protected by state or federal laws in admission or access to our programs, services, activities, hiring, and employment practices. Applicants with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation during the application process. For questions, concerns, or complaints regarding EEO/AA/ADA, contact 1-877-336-6368 (1-877-EEO-ODOT). This information can be made available in an alternative format by contacting ODOT Recruitment at 503-986-3700. Oregon Relay Service can be reached by calling 7-1-1.

Transportation Engineering, Professional Engineering, Engineer in Training (EIT), Roadway Design, Roadway Plan