About WSDOT

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is the steward of an integrated, multimodal transportation system that helps to ensure that people and goods move safely and efficiently throughout the state. In addition to building, maintaining, and operating the state highway system, WSDOT operates the largest ferry system in the nation, manages the world's longest floating bridge, and recently completed the world's widest tunneling project. 

The Opportunity

WSDOT’s Northwest Region (NWR) is eager to hire an innovative project manager with a desire to fully utilize their analytical, negotiation, and communication skills as our next Utility Accommodation & Project Delivery Engineer assigned to NWR Headquarters in Shoreline. This is an in-training position that offers a career path and on-the-job training, and allows the incumbent to progress upward through the Transportation Engineer field.

This position will serve in a dual role capacity. As the Utility Accommodation Engineer, this position will be responsible for researching, negotiating, and processing Utility Franchise and Permits for installation and maintenance of utilities within the state right of way. As the Utility Project Delivery Engineer, this position will be responsible for the coordination and support of negotiations between the Region Transportation and Electrical Design/Construction Offices and Utility companies. This position is essential for the project delivery of WSDOT projects as it ensures that projects are delivered on time and within scope and budget. 
 
What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Utility Accommodation & Project Delivery Engineer will:

• Review, analyze, and coordinate permit and franchise applications regarding utility projects affecting State highways.
• Ensures that new utility installations on state highways are compatible with safety, traffic, environmental, and engineering standards.  
• Assists as a Utility and Local Agency Construction Representative for the construction administration and inspection of Utility and Agency projects on State Right-of-Way. 
• Serves as Project Coordinator for utility relocation issues on WSDOT Projects throughout the Region. This includes identifying existing utilities, determining utility property rights, confirming and resolving utility conflicts, and coordinating the relocation of utilities within project limits.
• Acts as liaison between Project Engineering offices and utility companies coordinating and preparing utility agreements and service agreements. 
• Represent the Utilities Office at project meetings and facilitate negotiations with engineering consultants, WSDOT cross-disciplinary support groups, developers, utility engineering staff, and local agencies to address utility conflicts.

Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity at the Transportation Engineer 2 level, the following are required:

To be considered for this opportunity at the Transportation Engineer 3 level, the following are required:

• Bachelors of Science in Engineering, Sciences, or other relevant field (May substitute equivalent experience and education on a year to year basis).
• Two (2) years of experience as a Transportation Engineer 2 or closely related experience as a lead design or construction engineer.

Applicants at either level will have:

• Current unrestricted Driver’s License
• Experience and knowledge of transportation project design and/or administration of highway construction. 
• Experience and knowledge of addressing Utility conflicts in relation to project design and/or construction. 
• Proficiency with computer software for review of contract plans and to research and prepare Utility Franchises, Permits, and Agreements (e.g. Microsoft Office 365, ArcGIS, Adobe Acrobat Pro DC or Bluebeam, MicroStation/CAD). 
• Ability to travel throughout the region on an as needed basis.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Knowledge and experience in utility and transportation design, right of way, and construction. 
• Knowledge and experience in utility Franchise, Permit, and Agreement process. 
• Knowledge and experience in working with public and private utilities coordinating complex relocations. 

Important Notes 

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid work options
• By issuance of proclamation, the Governor of Washington State mandates that all employees who work for executive cabinet agencies (which includes the Department of Transportation) must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. This is a condition of employment with WSDOT. Exemption may be granted for religious or medical purposes, however, accommodations will be subject to approval based on the essential functions required of the position.
• The information provided on your application profile, any supplemental material attached to your application, and the responses to the supplemental questions will be used to determine qualifications for interview selection. Therefore, it is to your advantage that your application packet be completed in as much detail as possible. 
• The listed salary includes the Legislative approved King County Premium. 
• 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. 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.
• This is an in-training position that offers a career path and on-the-job training. This position allows you to progress upward through the Transportation Engineer field and achieve the goal class of a Transportation Engineer 3. Candidates will be considered for a Transportation Engineer 1 or Transportation Engineer 2, depending on their qualifications. Annual salary levels for each position are:
  1. Transportation Engineer 2: $64,285 - $86,461
  2. Transportation Engineer 3: $70,938 - $95,432
• WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system. 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 to staff, including occasional telework for eligible positions.  
• Paid Leave – In addition to 10 paid holidays, full-time employees earn a minimum 14 paid vacation days per year!
• Plan For Your Future – WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options, and free dental coverage! Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information.
• Tuition Assistance – Our 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.  

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 details your qualifications, and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
• Contact information to be included in the “References” section of the online application for a minimum three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, knowledge base, and job-related competencies.

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. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, as well as people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.

Contact us: 

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, Eric Saniatan, at SaniatE@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 21DOT-NWR-11101 in the subject line. 

Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter.