Transportation Engineer 2

Washington Department of Natural Resources; Vancouver (WA); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible/hybrid remote work

Paid leave and holidays

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Washington State Department of Transportation is hiring a Transportation Engineer 2 to support the Southwest Region Engineering Services Office. Primary duties include surveying, staking, boundary analysis, and right-of-way documentation to support highway projects.

Responsibilities include collecting field data, interpreting plans, developing maps, and ensuring compliance with WSDOT standards. Hybrid remote work and field duties in WA are expected.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated working knowledge of surveying and engineering principles for transportation projects.
• Applied knowledge of Right of Way surveying and documentation.
• Proficient with Windows, MS Office, SharePoint, and CAD-related tools.

Responsibilities

• Perform survey operations, construction staking, boundary and right-of-way surveys.
• Operate and maintain survey equipment and establish survey control networks.
• Interpret plans and coordinate systems for staking, grading, boundaries, and mapping.
• Develop right-of-way plans, plats, and maps using OpenRoads and CAD software.

Skills

Surveying knowledge

Right of Way knowledge

Technology proficiency

Communication skills

Collaboration

Safety awareness

Growth mindset

Tools

OpenRoads

CAD software

MS Office

Job description

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 currently seeking to a Transportation Engineer 2 position to support the Southwest Region Engineering Services Office. This position will primarily provide engineering support to the survey crews and cadastral team, with occasional assistance to the hydraulics and plan review staff in the design and construction of transportation projects. In this role, you will help ensure highway construction projects are designed and constructed in compliance with WSDOT standards, contract specifications, and project plans. Your work will directly support WSDOT’s mission by improving the safety, quality, and capacity of Washington’s transportation system.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Transportation Engineer 2 will:

• Perform survey operations, construction staking, boundary surveys, and right-of-way surveys using GPS, total stations, laser scanners, and electronic data collection systems.
• Operate and maintain survey equipment, establish and manage survey control networks, and collect accurate field data to support transportation projects.
• Interpret contract plans, survey data, and coordinate systems to ensure accurate construction staking, grading, property boundaries, and topographic mapping.
• Develop right-of-way plans, land plats, records of survey, exhibit maps, and other engineering documents using OpenRoads and CAD software in accordance with WSDOT standards.
• Research deeds, survey records, right-of-way documents, easements, and public records to support boundary analysis, project development, and engineering decisions.
• Analyze survey data and historical records to resolve boundary discrepancies, prepare technical documentation, and communicate findings with project teams, agencies, contractors, and the public.
• Assist with hydraulic assessments and field inspections by collecting drainage and culvert data, evaluating adjacent development impacts, and verifying compliance with WSDOT standards.
• Promote a safe work environment by following established safety procedures, participating in safety training, using appropriate personal protective equipment, and operating state vehicles safely.

Qualifications

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

• Surveying and Engineering Knowledge: Demonstrated working knowledge and practical understanding of surveying and engineering principles, methods, and practices relevant to transportation projects. Ability to perform survey data collection, construction staking, boundary and right-of-way surveys, and interpret engineering plans and survey data to support project delivery.
• Right of Way Knowledge: Applied knowledge of Right of Way surveying and documentation. Skilled in developing and reviewing Survey and Right of Way plans, records, and supporting documentation for compliance with Departmental and Statutory standards.
• Technology Proficiency: Proficient in operating Windows-based computers and MS Office applications, including Excel, Outlook, SharePoint, and Word, as well as databases and computer-aided engineering software.
• Communication Skills: Skilled in communicating technical information effectively and professionally to a diverse audience, including those with non-technical backgrounds, virtually, by phone, and in person.
• Collaboration and Adaptability: Demonstrated ability to work productively both independently and as part of a team environment, independently prioritizing workload and handling multiple assignments, producing accurate and consistent results.
• Safe Workplace: Demonstrated knowledge of safe working practices in traffic and field.
• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.

• Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.

In addition to the above, the following are also required:

• A valid driver’s license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.
• Travel to field locations in a state vehicle to perform surveys, inspections, or data collection.
• Ability to traverse rough, steep, and uneven terrain.
• Ability to maneuver and transport various materials and/or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

• Survey Field Operations: Field experience as a survey party chief.
• CAD & Engineering Plan Development: Office experience including use of computer-aided design (CAD) software.

In addition to the above, the following are also preferred:

• Professional competency in land surveying practices as evidenced by possession of a Land Surveyor in Training or Engineering‑In‑Training certificate.
• Certification as a Certified Survey Technician through the National Society of Professional Surveyors.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• This position performs survey and inspection work outdoors in all weather conditions, often adjacent to live traffic. Duties may require working at elevated heights over land or water, in confined spaces, and on rough or steep terrain, including performing work at or near ground level. Occasional extended work hours, including night work, may be required.
• 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.
• 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.

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at [e-mail]. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-SWR-41624 in the subject line.

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.