Work Zone Safety Engineer

State of Utah; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 53,000 - 86,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

Retirement plan

Generous paid time off

Dental & Vision

Job summary

Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) seeks a motivated Professional Engineer to serve as the Work Zone Safety Engineer within the Traffic & Safety Division. This role provides statewide technical leadership to advance work zone traffic control, construction safety, and innovative temporary traffic management solutions.

The position emphasizes active partnership with Region staff and project teams to build regional capability, mentor staff, and develop defensible standards grounded in field

Qualifications

• Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) in Utah.
• Out-of-state licensees must reciprocity with Utah prior to start date or accept lower level until Utah PE is obtained.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialized engineering support and plan review for complex temporary traffic control and work zone operations.
• Maintain and update UDOT Traffic Control Standard Drawings, Standard Specifications, guidelines, and design details.
• Develop and deliver technical training programs for field engineers, inspectors, contractors, and project teams to standardize practices statewide.
• Collaborate with Region staff, construction personnel, project teams, and contractors to resolve work zone design and field implementation challenges.
• Lead the deployment of SMART work zone technologies, integrating real-time traveler data with platforms like Waze and other providers.
• Analyze work zone crash data, operational bottlenecks, and field performance metrics to identify safety improvements.
• Coordinate with FHWA, industry partners, and internal stakeholders on emerging standards and national work zone initiatives.

Skills

Utah PE licensure

Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering

Job description

The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) is seeking a motivated and technically proficient Professional Engineer to serve as the Work Zone Safety Engineer within the Traffic & Safety Division. This position provides statewide technical leadership to advance work zone traffic control, construction safety, operational policy implementation, and innovative temporary traffic management solutions.

About The Role

This role is structured as a proactive technical partnership with Region staff and project teams, rather than a reactive oversight position. You will collaborate directly with field engineers, inspectors, contractors, designers, and construction personnel to build regional technical capability. This is achieved through active mentorship, field support, targeted training, and the development of clear, defensible standards grounded in practical field application.

As the Work Zone Safety Engineer, you will spearhead the refinement of Traffic Control Standard Drawings, Standard Specifications, policies, guidance documents, and work zone operational practices germane to the Traffic & Safety Division. You will also drive the advancement of SMART work zone technologies and connected transportation systems to enhance safety, mobility, and real-time traveler information throughout construction operations.

Success in this position requires a balance of strong technical writing, collaborative communication, sound engineering judgment, and a practical understanding of field operations.

Position Information

Here Is Some Important Information About This Position:

• Salary Range: $38.40-$62.29
• FT/PT Status: Full Time
• Background Check: You must successfully pass a criminal history check.
• Schedule Code: B - Competitive Career Service (12 month probationary period)
• Location: Calvin Rampton Building – 4501 South 2700 West, Taylorsville, Utah
• Application Deadline: Until filled

Key Responsibilities

In This Role, You Will Serve As The Statewide Technical Resource For Temporary Traffic Control And Work Zone Operations Within The Traffic & Safety Division. Your Specific Duties Will Include:

• Technical Oversight: Provide specialized engineering support and plan review assistance for complex temporary traffic control and work zone operations.
• Standards & Policy Maintenance: Maintain and update UDOT Traffic Control Standard Drawings, Standard Specifications, guidelines, and design details.
• Training & Mentorship: Develop and deliver technical training programs for field engineers, inspectors, contractors, and project teams to standardize practices statewide.
• Collaborative Problem Solving: Partner with Region staff, construction personnel, project teams, and contractors to resolve recurring work zone design and field implementation challenges.
• Innovation & Technology: Lead the deployment of SMART work zone technologies, integrating connected, real-time traveler data with platforms like Waze and other third-party providers.
• Data Analysis: Analyze work zone crash data, operational bottlenecks, and field performance metrics to identify and implement safety improvements.
• Federal & Industry Liaison: Coordinate with the FHWA, industry partners, and internal stakeholders regarding emerging standards, best practices, and national work zone initiatives.

Qualifications

To be considered for this position, candidates must possess:

• Licensure: Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) in the State of Utah.
• Note: Out-of-state licensees must obtain reciprocity with Utah prior to their official start date or they will fill the position at the lower level until a Utah PE is obtained.

Underfill Option

Applicants Who Are Not Currently Licensed As a Professional Engineer In Utah May Be Considered For An Engineer II ($41.25 Hourly). The Qualifications For The Engineer II Level Are:

• A bachelor's degree, or higher, in Civil Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• Proof of passing the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam (FE).
• At least two years of post-graduate engineering experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Our ideal candidate is someone with a demonstrated background in traffic engineering, roadway design, construction engineering, transportation operations, or temporary traffic control design.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

In order to be successful, the following are essential:

• Advanced knowledge of engineering principles, traffic control standards, specifications, and field construction practices.
• A practical understanding of construction-phase traffic management and the ability to troubleshoot field implementation challenges.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and technical writing skills, with a proven ability to mentor staff and present complex data clearly.
• Technical curiosity and initiative, with the capacity to develop subject matter expertise in emerging transportation technologies.
• The ability to collaborate seamlessly across engineering disciplines and facilitate consensus among diverse stakeholders.

Why You Should Join Our Team

A Mission That Matters – At the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT), our mission is to “Enhance quality of life through transportation." We help the traveling public get where they want, when they want, as safely as possible. By joining our team, you contribute to the framework of Good Health, Connected Communities, Better Mobility, and a Strong Economy for all of Utah.

Our Culture and Values – We aren't just a state agency; we are a team built on an internal culture of Trust, Teamwork, and Flexibility. We live by the values of Respect, Integrity, and Caring. If these values resonate with you, you will find a home here!

The Agency

For more information on the Utah Department of Transportation, click here.

Benefits At a Glance

• Exceptional Health Coverage: We offer some of the most competitive medical premiums in the industry, including comprehensive family plans with very low out-of-pocket costs and HSA options.
• Retirement Choice: Flexibility between a 10% employer-paid 401(k) (no match required) or a Pension/401(k) Hybrid plan.
• Generous Paid Time Off: 12 paid holidays per year plus 8 hours of combined leave (4 annual and 4 sick) accrued each pay period.
• Dental & Vision: Multiple high-quality plan options to fit your needs.

EEO Statement

The State of Utah is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. For accommodations, please contact [phone].