City of Seattle, WA

Position Description

Join us in shaping Seattle’s streets!

At the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), we don’t just move people—we connect communities, build safer streets, and create a more sustainable city.

With a bold vision for the future, we’re tackling big challenges: making travel safer, cutting carbon emissions, and ensuring reliable, affordable transportation for everyone—no matter who they are or where they live.

Seattle is growing fast, and we’re growing with it. Thanks to a historic voter-approved $1.55 billion investment in transportation in 2024, we’re building sidewalks, fixing bridges, and improving transit connections to keep our city moving.

We’re a team of problem solvers, planners, engineers, communicators, and field crews—bringing purpose-driven work to life. Now, we need passionate, innovative talent like you. Let’s build a Seattle that works for everyone—together!

Position Overview:

SDOT has an exciting opportunity for a collaborative and detail-oriented Assistant Signal and Traffic Design Engineer under the City's classification title of (Assistant Civil Engineer). This position will be with SDOT’s Transportation Operations Division (TOD). This opportunity presents an exceptional opportunity to work with a team of professionals whose mission is to deliver a safe, reliable, efficient, and socially equitable transportation system that enhances Seattle’s environment and economic vitality. The Assistant Signal & Traffic Design Engineer (under the City's classification title of Assistant Civil Engineer) position reports to the Design Supervisor and is responsible for designing and managing crew maintenance and installation work for Transportation Operations, Signal Operations, Traffic Spot Improvements, Neighborhood Greenways, Safe Routes to School, Transit Spot Improvement, and Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan. Ready to make an impact? Apply now and be a vital part of applying your knowledge to Transportation and Signal Operation activities throughout the city. Your expertise will shape the future of transportation in Seattle! This position will report to the Design Supervisor.

Job Responsibilities

• Recommends and prepares preliminary and final designs for signal design and sign/markings design work related to building new traffic signals, signal rebuilds, signal modifications, transit spot improvements, and miscellaneous pedestrian, bicycle, and transit projects along both arterial and non-arterial roadways.
• Performs detailed CAD drawings as well as necessary computations in the preparation of preliminary and final plans.
• Serves as lead to support personnel on less complex projects such as sign replacement, channelization remarking, signal modifications, streetlight repair, or other maintenance related work.
• Coordinates work with and cooperates with other SDOT divisions, other City departments (i.e. Seattle Public Utilities, Seattle City Light, Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections, Seattle Parks & Recreation); and other public agencies (i.e. WSDOT, King County Metro, King County Roads) involved in or affected by projects.
• Oversees maintenance project work progress from design through construction, including traffic control plan design, crew inspection, crew coordination between all city crews.
• Conducts field inspections of work done by crews and contractors to ensure compliance with plans and specifications.
• Develops plans, designs, specifications, and instructions for the installation, operation, and maintenance of traffic signals, signing, lighting, pavement markings, and design standards.
• Reviews shop drawings, material sources, and specifications during construction.
• Promotes equity, diversity, and race and social justice at SDOT.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering or Civil Engineering Technology.

OR: An equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the position duties.

Though not requirements, strong candidates will have some of the following experience or can describe comparable experience:

• Specific civil engineering experience in design of bicycle, pedestrian, and transit facilities, roadways, infrastructure, and signal and lighting improvements related to public works transportation facilities.
• Three years of experience in civil engineering and operations.
• Strong proficiency in MS Word, MS Excel, SharePoint, Adobe Professional, AutoCAD, and Civil 3D. Familiarity with traffic signal design, channelization design, City of Seattle, WSDOT, NACTO, MUTCD, PROWAG, and City/County roadway design standards.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of civil and construction engineering, including methods, materials, equipment, and techniques used in civil engineering, construction, and inspection.
• Ability to read and interpret plans, spec's, construction schedules, contracts, and other construction documents to ensure contract compliance.
• Willingness to work in the field during all types of weather, traffic, and work in or near construction sites. Ability to effectively communicate with a wide diverse population.
• Promote equity, diversity, and race and social justice at SDOT.

Work Environment / Physical Demands:

• Work is typically performed in a hybrid work environment in which a minimum of 3 days of the work is completed in a City office, and 2 days of the work is completed remotely in a regular 40-hour work week.
• This job involves both work in an office setting and in the field during construction.
• Field assignments entail exposure to all types of weather, traffic, hazardous/toxic substances and work in or near construction sites.
• May be required to lift over 50 pounds.
• May be required to stand, walk, or bend for extended periods of time.

License, Certification, and Other Requirements:

• Current Washington State driver's license or evidence of equivalent mobility.

Additional Information

Your application will not be reviewed if these items are missing or incomplete.

Hiring Process

Applications are reviewed after the posting closes. Qualified candidates must submit the following to be considered:

1. Completed NEOGOV online application.
2. Cover letter describing how your skills and experience align with the stated job responsibilities and qualifications.
3. Current résumé indicating relevant experience and education.
4. Supplemental questionnaire responses.

Job offer is contingent upon verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process and may include a criminal history background check, a pre-placement medical examination, a review of driving history, and reference information.

Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

The full salary range for this position is $53.23 - $62.15 per hour.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.

More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans.

http://www.seattle.gov/jobs

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APPLICATIONS MAY BE FILED ONLINE AT:

Job #2025-00805

If you are unable to apply on-line, you may submit a paper application by the closing date to our office.

OUR OFFICE IS LOCATED AT:

Seattle Municipal Tower

700 5th Avenue, Suite 5500

Seattle, WA 98104

Careers@seattle.gov

Who May Apply: This position is open to all candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The Department encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, veterans and those with diverse life experiences.

Accommodations for people with disabilities are provided upon request.

The City is a Drug Free Workplace.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.

More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at:

"Most" Employees Plans - Human Resources | seattle.gov

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