State of Washington - Washington Department of Transportation

Description

About WSDOT

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal organization with a global reputation for excellence! Our dedicated workforce is responsible to plan, design, build, and operate an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 18,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT manages the world's longest floating bridge, executes an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds a record for the world's widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

The Opportunity

WSDOT is currently looking for enthusiastic engineers who have a passion for creative solutions, innovation, and can provide success in collaborative efforts to support the Olympic Region. We are seeking entry-level and journey-level engineers, as well as college students projected to graduate from an engineering program by March 2026, to work on some of the most important infrastructure projects in Washington State. This opportunity is open for ‘in-training’, which means that depending on your qualifications, you may be offered a position at a lower level along with a formal on-the-job training plan to complete within a specified timeframe. Successful completion of the training plan will result in a promotion to the next level within the job class series, and a minimum 5% pay increase!

Headquartered in Lacey, WA, the Olympic Region may be the most dynamic in terms of climate, as it includes key portions on the Interstate-5 corridor through Pierce and Thurston County, as well as the entire Olympic peninsula which extends from the mountains to the Pacific coast. These positions will support Design, Construction, Scoping, Traffic, and Fish Passage work within the Region.

This position directly supports the agency strategic plan and goal areas by leading a workplace that supports and promotes training and development for professional growth and upward mobility, creating, influencing, and fostering a physically and psychologically safe workplace where all employees feel that they belong, and ensuring, through adherence to WSDOT policies, that the maintenance and preservation of assigned roadways and assets are administered to the expected quality, safety, and stewardship standards to support Washington’s long-term resilience.

What to Expect

Depending on your assignment, you may perform the following work:

• Perform general inspection on highway construction projects including materials inspection and testing.
• Document construction inspections to ensure projects are in conformance with contract plans, permits, and regulations.
• Interpret data, identify problems, and develop solutions using sound engineering judgment and guidelines on complicated transportation projects.
• Serve as a designer performing a variety of skilled project development work.
• Assist with design and development of plans, specifications, and estimates working in both the office environment and doing field exploration.
• Develop and check engineering design calculations and drawings.
• Effectively utilize design software to complete designs.
• Communicate orally and in writing with contractors, designers, other team members, support offices, and the public.

Some positions will require inspection of construction sites. This work is performed outdoors and may be in inclement weather in the daytime or nighttime; and may be exposed to hazards that include exhaust, high-speed traffic, steep or uneven terrain, and/or heavy construction equipment.

Qualifications

To be considered for the entry-level (TE1), candidates are required to have at least one the following:

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or closely related field. (Degree to be completed by March 2026) OR
• Certification as an Engineer-In-Training (EIT).

To be considered for journey-level (TE2), candidates are required to have:

• Two (2) years of experience as a Transportation Engineer 1, Transportation Technician 3, or equivalent experience in entry-level civil engineering. OR
• Certification as an Engineer-In-Training (EIT) and one (1) year experience as a Transportation Engineer 1, Transportation Technician 3, or equivalent experience in entry-level civil engineering. OR
• A Master’s degree with major study in civil engineering, structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, soil mechanics, traffic, transportation, or a closely related field.

In addition to one of the above, candidates are also required to have:

• A valid driver's license, with the ability to safely travel to and from various job sites within the designated region.
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal.
• The ability to adjust work schedule to coincide with contractors’ activities as needed, including working long hours and nights.
• The ability to manipulate and transport up to 35 pounds.
• The ability to obtain a General Inspector certification within six months of hire.
• The ability to obtain and maintain certifications for construction materials testing.
• The ability to read, interpret, understand, review, and produce contract plans, specifications, and estimates.
• The ability to work outside in all types of weather conditions, traverse uneven terrain, and work in confined spaces.
• Workable knowledge and proficiency with computer technology, including knowledge of engineering and computer aided drafting software applications.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• One (1) year experience as a Transportation Engineer 1, Transportation Technician 3, or equivalent experience in entry-level civil engineering.
• Experience field testing various construction materials such as concrete, aggregate, HMA, etc.
• Experience accepting and verifying construction materials.
• Knowledge and experience in the use of InRoads and/or OpenRoads for design projects.
• Knowledge and experience in the use of Microstation for plan sheet development.
• Certification as an Engineer-In-Training (EIT).
• Licensed as a Professional Engineer in Washington State.
• Certification as a Traffic Control Supervisor.

Important Notes

• This recruitment will be used to fill multiple positions throughout the Olympic Region, which could include offices in Aberdeen, Fife, Lacey, Port Angeles, Port Orchard, and Tacoma.
• These positions may offer some flexible/hybrid telework options.
• Some positions may require additional certifications such as Certification as a Certified General Inspector within six (6) months of appointment.
• The recruiting efforts for this position may be extended beyond the displayed closing date for as long and until a sufficient candidate pool has been established. However, the first review of applications will be conducted on July 7, 2025. The Appointing Authority reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any time thereafter. It is to your benefit to submit your application as soon as possible.
• These positions have been approved for in-training. The hiring manager is looking to hire at the Transportation Engineer 2 level, however the in-training plan will allow candidates to be considered as a Transportation Engineer 1,if not currently qualified at the highest level. The salaries for each are listed below:
  1. Transportation Engineer 1: $64,776 – $87,048
  2. Transportation Engineer 2: $71,472 – $96,144
• The salary listed does not include the additional 5% premium pay included for the Transportation Engineer 2 positions based out of Clallam County. The salary range listed includes the legislative approved general wage increase of 3%, effective on July 1, 2025.
• 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. As such, there are a number of flexible schedule options available, including occasional telework for eligible positions.
• 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?

How to Apply

Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine salary. Therefore, it is very important that the “Work Experience” portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible.

In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application:

• An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
• An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
• Contact details for a minimum three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. NOTE: This information may be entered in the “References” section of the online application; it does not require an additional attachment.

Please click the "APPLY" button to proceed. Note that you will be prompted to either sign in, or create an account. This step is required in order to submit an application to this opportunity.

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 listed Recruiter.

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.

Contact us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, Amanda Strebeck, at amanda.strebeck@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 25DOT-OR-TE2IT (Fall 2025 Pool) in the subject line.

More than Just a Paycheck!

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.

Read about our benefits:

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.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance 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.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation

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.

Social Security

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.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

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.

Holidays

Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: 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.

Sick 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.

Vacation (Annual Leave)

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.

Military Leave

Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave

Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional 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.

Updated 12-31-2022

Read Full Description