Transportation Engineer 2 (In-Training) | Multiple Positions
State of Washington
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is seeking multiple Transportation Engineers to support design and construction activities. You will develop plans, specifications, estimates, reports, and other engineering documents that support safety, quality, and capacity of the state’s transportation system.
Field data collection, inspection of contractor work, and coordination with staff are also involved.
Qualifications
- Demonstrated knowledge of civil, structural, environmental, construction, mechanical, or transportation engineering principles.
- Experience applying engineering concepts to transportation projects.
- Proficiency with engineering design software and CAD tools.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for diverse stakeholders.
Responsibilities
- Prepare reports, plans, specs, and estimates for highway improvement projects.
- Develop design documentation using CAD/CADD tools to produce plan sheets.
- Analyze field data to determine quantities, elevations, coordinates, and grades.
- Inspect highway construction activities to ensure compliance with plans.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
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 manages the world's longest floating bridge, leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds the record for the world’s widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!
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 manages the world's longest floating bridge, leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds the record for the world’s widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!
WSDOT is currently seeking multiple Transportation Engineers to support both design and construction engineering activities within the Project Engineering Office (PEO). In these roles, you will contribute to the development of plans, specifications, estimates, reports, and other engineering documents that support the safety, quality, and capacity of the state’s transportation system. You will also assist with construction oversight by collecting field data, inspecting contractor work, measuring and documenting contract quantities, and coordinating with engineering staff in the field. These positions play an important role in ensuring transportation projects are designed and constructed in accordance with contract requirements and engineering standards. Through this work, you will help deliver reliable transportation infrastructure that supports WSDOT’s mission.
The typical schedule for these positions is Monday through Friday, 40 hours per week, generally consisting of five 8-hour workdays. Flexible and/or compressed work schedules may be available based on business needs. During construction season, extended work hours may be required, including work beyond 8 hours per day and occasional weekend work. This position is eligible for daily overtime. The position may also require working nights, weekends, holidays, alternate shifts, and responding to unscheduled or emergency situations as operational needs arise.
- Prepare reports, contract plans, specifications, and engineers’ estimates for highway improvement projects.
- Develop design documentation using Computer Aided Design and Drafting (CADD) software to produce design and right-of-way plan sheets.
- Analyze field and survey data to determine quantities, elevations, coordinates, grades, and curve data for transportation projects.
- Evaluate engineering designs using accident data, traffic data, hydraulic considerations, environmental constraints, and applicable design standards.
- Assist with the preparation and documentation of project records, including estimates, final records, and as-built plans.
- Inspect highway construction activities such as earthwork, concrete, asphalt paving, and drainage to ensure compliance with contract plans and specifications.
- Measure and document material quantities and installation conditions while coordinating with contractors and project staff to resolve questions related to contract requirements.
- Drive a state vehicle to project sites across the region, including remote locations, to perform field inspection and support engineering staff.
These are Transportation Engineer 2 positions. However, the hiring manager reserves the right to fill the position at a lower level in the classification series based on candidate qualifications, providing an opportunity for an individual to gain the required experience on the job as part of a formal “in‑training” plan.
- Engineering Principles and Technical Analysis: Demonstrated knowledge of civil, structural, environmental, construction, mechanical, or transportation engineering principles, as evidenced by the ability to apply engineering concepts to analyze data, interpret plans or specifications, support design or project development activities, and resolve technical issues, certification as an Engineer-in-Training (EIT), or equivalent applied experience.
- Transportation Engineering Application: Experience applying engineering concepts, standards, and practices to transportation projects, including design and construction activities.
- Engineering Software and Computer Applications: Knowledge and proficiency in computer applications, including engineering design software and computer-aided drafting tools.
- Communication and Collaboration: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey technical information clearly to contractors, designers, colleagues, support offices, and the traveling public, and the ability to foster positive working relationships in collaborative, multidisciplinary environments.
- Foundational Engineering Application: Ability to apply engineering concepts, standards, and practices to transportation projects while learning and working under the guidance of more experienced engineers.
- Basic Computer and Engineering Software Skills: Basic knowledge of computer applications, including familiarity with engineering design software and computer-aided drafting tools, with the ability to learn agency-specific systems.
- Foundational Communication Skills: Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey technical information clearly and work collaboratively with contractors, designers, colleagues, support offices, and the traveling public.
- Ability to obtain and maintain the required technical certifications including General Inspector and Construction Materials Testing within 12 months of hire.
- Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions, traverse uneven terrain, and perform duties in confined spaces while maintaining safety protocols.
- Ability to adjust work schedules to align with contractor activities, including working long hours, nights, and weekends when necessary.
- A valid driver’s license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.
- Ability to maneuver and transport various materials and/or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to traverse rough, steep, and uneven terrain.
- Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
- Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.
- Transportation Engineering Fundamentals: Familiarity with transportation engineering concepts including highway geometric design, traffic design, surveying, hydraulics and stormwater management, and construction management.
- Project Development and Design Documentation: Knowledge of project development activities such as conducting field reviews, evaluating designs, performing data analysis, and preparing or reviewing reports, estimates, plans, specifications, and special provisions.
- Project Management Practices: Proficient knowledge of project management practices used to plan, coordinate, and deliver engineering projects.
- Engineering Design Software: Proficiency in engineering design software, including OpenRoads, to support transportation design and project development.
- Local Area Knowledge: Knowledge of the surrounding geographic area and transportation system to support project planning, coordination, and field activities.
- Certification as an Engineer in Training (EIT)
- This recruitment will be used to fill three vacancies and may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
- These positions offer flexible/hybrid remote work options.
- These are Transportation Engineer 2 positions. However, the hiring manager reserves the right to fill the position at a lower level in the classification series based on candidate qualifications, providing an opportunity for an individual to gain the required experience on the job as part of a formal “in‑training” plan.
- Transportation Engineer 2: $72,900 – $98,064
- Transportation Engineer 1: $66,072 – $88,788
- Work is performed both in the field and in an office environment. Field inspection duties involve visual inspections, measuring, and coordinating with contractors, coworkers, and members of the public. Field work may be physically demanding and is performed outdoors in all weather conditions during both daytime and nighttime hours, often in proximity to high-volume, high-speed traffic. Duties may include standing for extended periods, traversing rough, steep, or uneven terrain, working at ground level or low to the ground, and performing work at heights above 25 feet over land or water.
- Application review will begin on October 21, 2026. Candidate selection may take place at any time thereafter. It is to your advantage to apply as soon as possible.
- 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.
- 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.
Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?
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.
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.
If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific 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.
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.
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.
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.
Full‑time and part‑time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
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‑rata 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.
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.
Full‑time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(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 WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro‑rata 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 WAC 357-58-175, 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.
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
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.
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
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