What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Project Engineer (WMS2) | Two Positions 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 two skilled and dedicated professionals to support the delivery of critical transportation projects in WSDOT’s Northwest Region (NWR). In this role, you will provide oversight as a licensed professional engineer, guiding design projects that meet local, state, and federal standards within scope, schedule, and budget. These positions play a vital role in ensuring projects are well-integrated into their environments, support all modes of transportation, and are both constructible and maintainable with minimal impact to the traveling public. Successful candidates will demonstrate strong technical and organizational skills, a commitment to safety and sustainability, and the ability to foster a culture of inclusion, collaboration, and continuous improvement in support of WSDOT’s mission to provide safe, reliable, and sustainable transportation systems.
What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Assistant Project Engineer will:
- Assist the Project Engineer to strategically plan the budget, schedule, and workforce necessary to deliver the Capital Improvement and Preservation Program (CIPP).
- Be prepared to certify, by use of their Professional Engineer’s stamp, that all WSDOT standards and policies have been followed, in the absence of the Project Engineer.
- In coordination with the Project Engineer, proactively lead an office of professional and technical engineers to deliver contract plans, specifications, and estimates that provide best value to the public.
- Ensure that all assigned projects are managed in accordance with WSDOT policy and procedures to meet agreed upon scope, schedule, budget, and documentation through guidance and oversight of engineering staff.
- Communicate professionally and effectively in all forms with leadership, colleagues, support groups, local agencies, customers and stakeholders.
- Create success by working in partnership with citizens, media, elected officials, contractors, consultants, and outside agencies to plan, design, build, maintain, and operate a safe and efficient transportation system
- Report on the status of assigned projects to WSDOT Regional and Statewide Executive management to support and improve accountability consistency, and efficiency with public dollars. .
- Coordinate input and resolve conflicts with internal organizations, personnel, outside agencies, consultants and the public.
- Ensure projects are delivered in an environmentally responsible manner consistent with applicable laws and permits.
Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:
- Professional Engineer: 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 six (6) months of hire.
- Civil Engineering Expertise: Extensive experience applying transportation engineering principles including highway design, construction practices, and surveying. Proficient in preparing and reviewing plans, specifications, and estimates (PS&E) for complex highway and transportation infrastructure projects.
- Transportation Design & Delivery: Experience leading transportation projects through planning, environmental review, design, and construction. Familiar with transportation system design, environmental compliance, and state and federal project delivery processes.
- Project Management & Scheduling: Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, and deliver multiple projects on time and within budget. Skilled in developing work plans, coordinating team efforts, and managing schedules.
- Budgeting & Programming: Experience managing budgets across multiple phases of project development, with a working knowledge of programming and funding processes. Ability to assess workforce needs and provide recommendations to support organizational success.
- Leadership: Demonstrated ability to supervise, mentor, and coach engineering staff. Skilled in setting clear expectations, providing feedback, and fostering a culture of accountability and performance.
- Problem Solving & Decision-Making: Proven ability to identify issues, evaluate options, and implement practical solutions. Skilled in conflict resolution and facilitating constructive dialogue.
- Effective Communication & Collaboration: Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills to engage internal teams, contractors, stakeholders, and the public. Capable of representing the agency in meetings and on project sites.
- Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
- Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.
It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:
- WSDOT Project Delivery Methods: Experience designing and procuring transportation projects through design-build and design-bid-build methodologies, in accordance with WSDOT standards and procedures.
- FHWA Process Knowledge: Familiarity with Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) processes, procedures, and requirements for delivering federally funded transportation projects. Ability to ensure compliance with federal stewardship obligations, documentation, and reporting standards.
- Change Management: Demonstrated knowledge and experience managing organizational or project level change. Ability to lead teams through transitions in scope, structure, policy, or project delivery approach using effective change management strategies.
To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the Contact Us section of this posting.
Important Notes
- This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
- The salary listed includes the legislative approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County.
- These positions offer flexible/hybrid remote work options.
- These positions require a Professional Engineers License issued by the State of Washington. License holders from other states will be expected to obtain a WA State PE license within six (6) months of hire.
- These positions require 24/7 availability to address emergent issues.
- 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, 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 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. NOTE: This information may 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.
Contact Us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at Robyn.Lovely@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 25DOT-NWR-1W007m in the subject line.
Salary : $96,612 - $123,900
