Assistant Project Engineer

Description

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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 two Assistant Project Engineers to support the Eastern Region Construction Offices in Spokane, WA. In these roles, you will help deliver highway construction projects that improve safety, mobility, and reliability for communities across Washington. As a licensed Professional Engineer, you will partner with the Project Engineer to lead multidisciplinary teams and oversee construction projects from planning through completion. Your work ensures projects are delivered in alignment with scope, schedule, and budget while meeting state and federal requirements. By applying sound engineering judgment, resolving complex issues, and maintaining accountability throughout construction, you directly support WSDOT’s mission to provide safe, reliable, and cost\-effective transportation systems that serve the public now and into the future. You will also serve as a key leader within the project office coordinating with internal teams, contractors, and external partners.

What to Expect

This role combines office and field work and includes leadership responsibilities, technical decision\-making, and coordination across a wide range of stakeholders.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you will:

• Plan and manage project budgets, schedules, and workforce needs to deliver construction programs.
• Lead and support engineers, technicians, interns, and consultants delivering multiple transportation projects.
• Communicate, negotiate, and resolve contract issues, disputes, and change orders.
• Coordinate with design teams during project development to ensure alignment and constructability.
• Ensure projects are delivered in compliance with WSDOT policies, environmental requirements, and contract standards.
• Report on project status and key updates to regional and executive leadership.
• Coordinate with internal teams, external agencies, contractors, and the public to resolve issues and maintain progress.
• Review and approve construction changes and certify compliance with engineering standards using professional engineering judgment.

Qualifications

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

* Professional Engineering Licensure and Stamping Authority: Registration as a Licensed Professional Civil Engineer in Washington State with demonstrated ability to apply licensed professional engineering judgment, including responsible use of stamping authority in compliance with established standards and policies.

* Transportation Engineering Knowledge: Understanding of transportation engineering practices and multiple disciplines, including design, construction, traffic, geotechnical, structural, hydraulics, environmental, and materials.

* Engineering Decision\-Making: Ability to interpret plans, specifications, and contracts to make sound, defensible decisions in construction and project delivery.

* Project Delivery and Resource Management: Ability to manage teams, schedules, and resources to deliver projects within scope, schedule, and budget.

* Leadership and Team Development: Ability to lead, mentor, and support multidisciplinary teams, including guiding performance and development.

* Collaboration and Inclusion: Ability to build effective working relationships and contribute to a respectful, inclusive work environment.

* Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.

* Service\-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.

The following qualifications are also required:

• A valid driver’s license and the ability to operate state\-owned vehicles.
• Ability to safely navigate active construction sites, including uneven terrain and exposure to hazards.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

* Complex Project Management: Experience managing highway construction projects, including contract administration, dispute resolution, and risk management.

* Advanced Leadership Experience: Experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams on large or complex transportation projects.

* Executive Communication: Ability to communicate complex technical information clearly to leadership, stakeholders, and the public.

* Process Improvement: Experience contributing to or leading efforts that improve project delivery, efficiency, or organizational effectiveness.

Important Notes

• This recruitment will be used to fill two vacancies, and may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• 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 telework options for eligible positions.
• Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full\-time employees mayearn 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 of three (3\) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job\-related competencies. This information can be entered in the “References” section of the online application; 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 recruiter listed.

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at Sidra.Fields@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT\-ER\-6W067m in the subject line.