Work Zone Safety Engineer

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

Job summary

Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) is seeking a motivated Work Zone Safety Engineer in the Traffic & Safety Division to provide statewide technical leadership on work zone traffic control, construction safety, and innovative temporary traffic management solutions.

This role emphasizes collaboration with field engineers, inspectors, contractors, designers, and construction staff, plus mentorship to build regional technical capability and defendable standards for field applications.

Qualifications

• Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) in Utah.
• Out-of-state licenses require reciprocity or start at Engineer II until Utah PE is obtained.
• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related field.
• Proof of passing the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam (FE).
• At least two years of post-graduate engineering experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialized engineering support and plan review for complex work zone operations.
• Maintain and update Traffic Control Drawings, Specifications, and design details.
• Develop and deliver technical training for field engineers and inspectors statewide.
• Collaborate with Region staff, contractors, and project teams to resolve design and field challenges.
• Lead deployment of SMART work zone technologies and real-time traveler data integrations.
• Analyze work zone crash data and field performance to identify safety improvements.
• Coordinate with FHWA and industry partners on emerging standards and best practices.

Skills

PE licensure in Utah

Technical writing

Interpersonal communication

Mentorship

Team collaboration

Education

Civil Engineering degree

FE exam passed / exam candidate

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.