Transportation Engineering Associate (TEA)

NCDOT; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 56,000 - 98,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full state benefits

Career development opportunities

Job summary

The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) invites new graduates to join the Transportation Engineering Associate (TEA) Program. This 18-month structured program exposes you to Roadway, Structures, Environmental Planning, Hydraulics, Geotechnical, Utilities, and more, preparing you for future technical and managerial roles at NCDOT.

Starting salary is $74,263 with potential salary adjustments after evaluations; completion may lead to an Engineer I position at $81,526.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Engineering or Bachelor of Science in Engineering from an accredited institution.
• Not more than two years of post-graduation engineering experience.
• Analytical thinking, proven academic success, strong written and oral communication skills, and leadership potential.
• Interest in transportation planning, design, construction, and maintenance.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Teamwork

Written and oral communication

Leadership potential

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Engineering degree from accredited program

Job description

Agency Dept of Transportation Division Job Classification Title Engineer I (S) Position Number Grade NC16

About Us

It’s the mission of the NC Department of Transportation to connect people, products and places safely and efficiently with customer focus, accountability, and environmental sensitivity to enhance the economy and vitality of North Carolina. We encourage you to consider joining NCDOT where our work not only serves the citizens of North Carolina but has an impact on our world through all modes of transportation.

Description of Work

Please note that all positions close at 12:00 AM on the posted closing date. You must apply by 11:59 PM prior to the posted closing date. This position with NCDOT offers full State Benefits, competitive salaries and many career development opportunities. Multiple candidates will be selected from this posting.

The Transportation Engineering Associate (TEA) Program is a starting point for an exciting career at the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT). It is an opportunity for recent graduates who have both a passion for transportation, public service, and the leadership potential to grow to a fascinating top technical and managerial role at NCDOT. It is a unique opportunity to be a part of an important mission and gain exposure to various exciting projects, operations, management and leadership at NCDOT. Through this 18-month structured program, you will gain exposure to a variety of opportunities in the various fields of discipline and work within NCDOT. You will have the opportunity to gain experience in disciplines such as Roadway, Structures, Environmental Planning, Hydraulics, Geotechnical, Utilities, Photogrammetry, Maintenance and Construction. The NCDOT not only designs and maintains highways, but also manages other modes of transportation that you will be given the opportunity to explore: Rail, Ferry, Aviation, Bicycle and Pedestrian and Public Transportation. The program is designed for highly motivated individuals skilled in areas relevant to the NCDOT such as transportation and environmental planning, design, construction, and maintenance.

As an entry level professional at the NCDOT, Associates are offered a starting salary of $74,263 and are eligible to receive salary adjustments with satisfactory work evaluations. Upon completion of the program, Associates may be eligible to transfer into an Engineer I position at $81,526.

To be selected for this program, you will need to demonstrate a commitment to public service, analytical thinking, teamwork, proven academic success, and leadership potential. We value diversity in our workplace and encourage all qualified individuals, with diverse professional, academic, and cultural backgrounds to apply.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Management Preferences

Salary Grade and Salary Range: NC16

*Salary Range - $55,823.00 - $97,689.00

Management prefers applicants with the following:

• Bachelor of Engineering or Bachelor of Science in Engineering Degree from an appropriately accredited institution; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Not more than two years of post-graduation engineering experience.
• Analytical thinking, proven academic success, strong written and oral communication skills, and leadership potential.
• Interest in transportation e.g. transportation and environmental planning, design, construction, and maintenance.
• Candidates accepted into this program may be given the opportunity to relocate.
• Bachelor's degree in the engineering discipline such as Civil Engineering, Architectural Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Surveying Engineering and Management, Electrical Engineering, Geomatics Engineering, Biological & Agricultural Engineering, Biosystems Engineering, Environmental Engineering, and other 4 year related engineering degrees will be reviewed and may be accepted on a case by case basis.
• Must be able to legally operate a motor vehicle.

Selection Cycle

NOTE: Applicants will be selected as follows: December Graduates Start January 2027 / May Graduates Start June 2027. September - November: Accepting Applications for January 2027 & June 2027. October - November: Interviews conducted. Decision and offers: Will be communicated throughout the process. January 2027 & June 2027: Associates start.

Minimum Education and Experience

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details. Bachelor’s degree in an applicable field of engineering from an appropriately accredited institution; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. In accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order 303, our agency supports second-chance employment for individuals who were previously incarcerated or justice-involved. We invite all potential applicants to apply for positions for which they may be qualified. It is important that your application includes all your relevant education and work experience and that you answer all questions associated with the application.

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.

Register North Carolina State Government is one of the state’s largest employers, with over 76,000 employees all working toward a common goal: a safer and stronger North Carolina. We are a large organization comprised of various agencies, offices, and universities, each providing important public services. Eligible state employees are entitled to comprehensive benefits, including a variety of leave options, professional development opportunities, insurance, and more. To learn more about the benefits of being a North Carolina state employee, visit the N.C. Office of State Human Resources' website. Permanent, temporary, and time-limited state government jobs can be found from the mountains to the coast. Find your next opportunity today!

State Application Resources / Frequently Asked Questions

Valuing Education and Experience The State of North Carolina values the knowledge and experience of our jobseekers and current state employees. Approximately 91 percent of state job classifications allow experience to be substituted for education or do not require a post-secondary degree. Learn more about how you may qualify for a position through education or directly related experience, or a combination of both, with the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide. All job postings close at 11:59pm the night before the End Date on the posting. Introduce yourself to our recruiters and we'll get in touch if there's a role that seems like a good match. If you are already a state employee, please search for jobs by clicking here.