What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Project Engineer - Tri-Cities position at State of Washington Dept. of Transportation?
Description
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 manages the world's longest floating bridge, leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds the record for the world’s widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!
The Opportunity
WSDOT is currently seeking an Assistant Project Engineer! This Assistant Project Engineer works directly with the Project Engineer to manage an engineering project office consisting of engineers and technicians along with clerical support staff. This position’s main purpose is to assist the Project Engineer and serve as the Agency’s representative who directly supervises the engineering and administration of construction projects for the improvement and preservation of the state’s transportations system within the South-Central Region (SCR). This position is responsible for utilizing a variety of advanced management principles and coordinating with other organizational units to ensure projects are constructed and administered to meet Federal and State laws, legislative commitments and that cost-effective designs are incorporated into projects. The position must ensure the on time and on budget delivery of Programs.
What to Expect
Construction project offices are responsible for the administration of Improvement, Preservation, and emergency contracts through the construction phase of the project. The project office can also be assigned the development of projects through the planning, scoping, design, and contract preparation phases.
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role you will:
- Manage an office of professional and technical engineers for the delivery of assigned Capitol Improvement Preservation Program (CIPP) projects.
- Provide expert technical direction and mentoring on the most complex construction and design issues.
- Perform supervisory duties for office employees including assigning work, evaluating performance, coaching, training, and taking corrective action.
- Strategically plan the budget, schedule, and workforce necessary to deliver CIPP projects (up to several years depending on complexity). Partner with outside agencies, consultants, public entities, stakeholders, and internal departments in the development and implementation of project management plans.
- Certify, by use of professional engineer’s stamp, that all WSDOT and federal standards and policies were followed in the development of all any design documents, plans, and specifications including change orders to contracts.
- Ensure projects follow Federal, State and local laws and regulations related to design, construction, environmental permits and emergency contract administration.
- Report on the status of assigned projects to agency executives at the regional and statewide level to support and improve accountability of WSDOT.
- Communicate effectively to contractors, agencies, tribes, media and the general public. Serve as the point of contact for assigned projects.
Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:
Workplace Culture & Equity:
- Ability to contribute to and maintain a respectful, inclusive, and equitable work environment.
- Demonstrated commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and equal opportunity in the workplace.
Professional Engineering Knowledge:
- Ability to apply engineering principles and practices in compliance with Washington State licensure standards.
- Demonstrated capacity to meet and maintain requirements for registration as a Professional Engineer in Washington State.
Technical Knowledge:
- Knowledge of highway construction practices, traffic control, construction surveying, contractor payments, material testing, documentation, and contract administration.
- Understanding of highway engineering practices, technical procedures, and management processes.
- Knowledge of surveying principles and practices.
- Knowledge of real estate practices, including appraisal, acquisition, condemnation, and property management.
- Understanding of environmental policy, regulations, documentation, and permitting for transportation projects.
- Familiarity with agreement and utility procedures and regulations related to transportation projects.
Project and Program Management:
- Knowledge of project management principles, including scheduling, budget control, and risk assessment.
- Ability to forecast potential problems, develop mitigation strategies, and resolve issues in a timely manner.
- Ability to work collaboratively with stakeholders and partners to develop long-range plans and goals that align with organizational objectives.
Stakeholder Awareness:
- Knowledge of federal, state, local, and tribal political structures and processes, and ability to navigate related issues effectively.
Leadership and Employee Development:
- Ability to mentor, coach, and encourage employee development.
- Skill in facilitating meetings and resolving conflicts to achieve productive outcomes.
Communication Skills:
- Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate clearly and directly.
- Ability to deliver effective public presentations and engage with diverse audiences.
Decision-Making and Problem-Solving:
- Ability to operate effectively under stressful or emergency conditions.
- Ability to make sound decisions with limited information and apply technical knowledge across multiple environments.
In addition to the above:
- Professional Engineer with Washington State within one (1) year of the date of employment. Licensed as a Professional Engineer in the state of Washington or licensed as a PE in another state with the ability to obtain licensure in Washington State within 1 year of hire.
- A valid driver’s license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.
It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:
- Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering or equivalent with 4 years of professional level experience under a licensed Engineer or 8 years of professional level experience under a licensed Engineer.
- Engineer in Training Certificate with the state of Washington or equivalent.
- WSDOT’s goals and objectives; transportation issues and problems,
- WSDOT funding and program management policy/practices.
Important Notes
- 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 357-28of 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 offer flexible work schedules that allow you time for your life outside of this excellent opportunity.
- 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 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 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 at Sidra.Fields@wsdot.wa.gov Please be sure to reference Assistant Project Engineer 5W026 in the subject line.
