Transportation Engineer 1 | Multiple Positions

State of Washington; Spokane (WA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible/hybrid work options

Tuition reimbursement

Paid leave

Job summary

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) in Spokane, WA seeks Transportation Engineer 1 to support project delivery from design through construction. You will participate in safety plans, learn from inspectors and managers, and contribute to inspections and documentation on transportation projects.

The role emphasizes testing, plan interpretation, and coordination with field teams to ensure quality and safety on active construction sites across Washington.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (BSCE) or Structural Engineering (BSSE) OR EIT certification.
• Ability to apply civil, structural, geotechnical, transportation, or surveying engineering principles to design, construction, inspection, and surveying tasks.
• Ability to interpret highway construction plans, specifications, and provisions and document contractor work.

Responsibilities

• Inspect materials and act as tester for density, asphalt, concrete, and other components.
• Interpret plans, monitor contractor work, and assist with documentation.
• Support design tasks, revise plan sheets, and prepare quantities and notes.
• Collaborate with inspectors, engineers, and project staff to keep projects moving safely.

Skills

BSCE/BSSE or EIT

Construction inspection

Materials testing

Design & drafting support

Survey support

Quantities & calculations

Communication

Engineering software

Education

BSCE/BSSE or EIT

Tools

Engineering software

Job 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 multiple skilled and motivated Transportation Engineers to join our team in Spokane, WA! In this role, you’ll play an important part in delivering transportation projects from design and PS&E through construction. You’ll provide essential technical and project support, work alongside Project Inspectors and Project Managers, and help keep projects moving safely, efficiently, and successfully.

Safety is at the heart of everything we do at WSDOT. As a Transportation Engineer 1, you’ll have the opportunity to contribute directly to a strong safety culture by participating in Pre-Activity Safety Plans, Work-site Safety Reviews, and weekly construction meetings focused on safety, traffic, and environmental considerations. You’ll help review completed work, anticipate upcoming challenges, and support safe practices as new or unique construction activities begin. This is an excellent opportunity to build your engineering experience while making a meaningful contribution to projects that connect communities and keep Washington moving.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Transportation Engineer 1 will:

• Serve as a qualified tester for inspecting materials.
• Interpret highway construction plans, specifications, and special provisions in monitoring the contractor’s work.
• Effectively interact with contractors, crew members, and the public.
• Work as a density tester on subgrade, surfacing, and paving projects.
• Work as an asphalt inspector on paving projects.
• Work as a concrete tester and inspector on structural projects.
• Transports testing equipment.
• Assist the Office Engineer with construction documentation
• Perform design tasks, draw, and revise contract plan sheets.
• Produce Special Provisions, Estimates, Structure Notes, and Quantity Tabulations.
• Calculate and check quantities for contract bid items.
• Calculate and check calculations for cuts, fills, areas, quantities, elevations, grades, coordinates, and curves.
• Works on a construction or design project survey team.

Qualifications

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

• Technical Engineering Knowledge: Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (BSCE) or Structural Engineering (BSSE) OR Certification as an Engineer-in-Training (EIT). Demonstrated ability to apply basic civil, structural, geotechnical, transportation, or surveying engineering principles to entry-level transportation design, construction, inspection, materials, or survey tasks. Knowledge may be gained through education, training, certification, or applied experience. Ability to apply this knowledge to design, construction, inspection, and surveying 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.
• Commitment to Equity and Respectful Workplace Culture: Demonstrated ability to work respectfully and effectively with others, supporting an inclusive, equitable, and professional work environment.
• Growth Mindset:Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented:Takes action to meet the needs of others.

The following qualifications are also required:

• A valid driver’s license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.
• Obtain certification as a WSDOT General Inspector within 12 months of employment.
• A Western Alliance for Quality Transportation Construction (WAQTC) qualified tester or equivalent or to achieve within 24 months of hire.
• An American Concrete Institute (ACI) qualified tester or equivalent or to achieve within 24 months of hire.
• Ability to maneuver and transport various materials and/or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work weekends or night hours during construction including overtime.
• Ability to work in inclement weather on project sites and in active construction zones, both during the day and at night. Exposure to hazards may include high-speed traffic, steep or uneven terrain, and/or heavy construction equipment.

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.
• 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 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 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.
• PlanFor 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 State Benefits for more information.

Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?