Utilities Accommodation & Project Engineer (TE3) | Remote Work

State of Washington; Shoreline (WA); Remote; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is hiring a Utilities Accommodation & Project Engineer to coordinate utility-related activities and oversee utility accommodation in transportation projects within the Northwest Region. The role involves collaborating with design and construction offices and utility companies to resolve conflicts and process franchises and permits.

The position supports project delivery on schedule, within scope, and on budget while complying with state

Qualifications

• Lead utility coordination for complex projects and resolve significant conflicts.
• Serve as a technical resource on transportation engineering and utility design.
• Evaluate complex engineering problems and propose practical solutions.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams to deliver projects on time and within scope.
• Demonstrate a commitment to learning and helpful service to stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Identify and resolve utility conflicts on projects, especially in Mt. Baker and SnoKing areas.
• Collaborate with engineers, utility companies, maintenance teams, and consultants to coordinate installations and relocations.
• Develop, negotiate, and administer utility agreements and oversee related payments and closeouts.
• Represent the Utilities Office at meetings and maintain project records and progress tracking.
• Review and process utility permits and franchises to ensure policy and regulatory compliance.
• Coordinate with support groups and utilities to review plans, permits, franchises, and related documents.
• Prepare Access Break applications, General Permits, and reimbursable charge accounts while maintaining databases.
• Assist with construction administration, inspections, and contractor adherence to safety and standards.

Skills

Utility coordination

Conflict resolution

Technical engineering knowledge

Technical analysis

Project management

Growth mindset

Service-oriented

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 currently seeking a Utilities Accommodation & Project Engineer (Transportation Engineer 3) to support the Northwest Region by coordinating utility-related activities that contribute to the successful delivery of transportation projects and overseeing utility accommodation. In this role, you will be collaborating with WSDOT design and construction offices and utility companies to identify and resolve utility conflicts on projects in the Mt. Baker area, ensuring timely coordination and execution of agreements. You will also be responsible for researching, negotiating, and processing utility franchises and permits for the installation and maintenance of utilities within state right of way. This position plays a critical role in helping deliver transportation projects on schedule, within scope, and on budget while supporting the safe and effective management of utility installations.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Utilities Accommodation & Project Engineer will:

• Identify and resolve utility conflicts on WSDOT transportation projects by evaluating existing utility locations, property rights, and relocation requirements, primarily within the Mt. Baker Area and, as needed, the SnoKing Area.
• Collaborate with project engineers, utility companies, maintenance teams, consultants, and other stakeholders to coordinate utility installations and relocations that support timely project delivery.
• Develop, negotiate, and administer utility agreements, including coordinating execution, tracking costs, overseeing payments, and ensuring agreements are completed and closed out.
• Represent the Utilities Office at project meetings, provide technical guidance on utility relocation issues, and maintain accurate project records, progress updates, and work assignment tracking systems.
• Review, analyze, and process utility permit and franchise applications to ensure compliance with WSDOT policies, specifications, regulations, and state laws governing utility installations within state right of way.
• Coordinate with WSDOT support groups and utility companies to facilitate the review and approval of utility plans, permits, franchises, and related documentation.
• Prepare and process Access Break applications, General Permits, and reimbursable charge account applications while maintaining accurate utility databases and records.
• Assist with construction administration, inspections, and contractor compliance to ensure utility installations meet applicable safety, environmental, engineering, and regulatory standards.

Qualifications

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

• Utility Coordination & Conflict Resolution: Ability to lead utility coordination for complex projects, negotiate resolutions to significant utility conflicts, and provide technical guidance on utility issues.
• Technical Engineering Knowledge: Ability to serve as a technical resource on transportation engineering and utility design, interpreting complex standards, resolving unique issues, and advising others.
• Technical Analysis & Problem Solving: Ability to evaluate complex engineering problems, develop innovative or non-standard solutions, and provide technical recommendations for high-impact projects.
• Project Management: Ability to lead multiple or complex projects, coordinate multidisciplinary teams, anticipate project risks, and develop strategies to achieve successful outcomes.

• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

• Utility Relocation Coordination: Knowledge and experience in working with public and private utilities in coordinating utility facility relocations.
• Utility Permitting & Agreements: Knowledge and experience in utility franchise, permit, and agreement processes.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position is remote only.
• The salary listed includes the legislative approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County.
• 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.

Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?

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 assigned Recruiter.