About WSDOT

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is the steward of an integrated, multimodal transportation system that helps to ensure 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 is currently seeking professional engineers to assist in providing strategic leadership to the 

Project Engineering Offices within the Olympic Region. As the Assistant Project Engineer (APE), you will be responsible for assisting the Project Engineer with managing the delivery of projects from design and contract procurement through construction administration and project closeout. The selected candidates will ensure all assigned projects are managed according to WSDOT policy, delivered on schedule, within budget, as well as constructible, maintainable, and cost effective. In these roles, you will be responsible for assisting with mentoring and developing an engineering staff of approximately 20-25 engineers. Work requires collaboration and coordination with other regions, project offices, local agencies, Tribes, FHWA and permitting agencies. The ideal candidates will provide staff a balanced workplace, promoting training and development for professional growth and upward mobility, employee safety, workforce diversity, and pride in ownership.
 
What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within these roles, the Assistant Project Engineers will:

• Accurately apply policy and standards to highway design elements and construction contract administration and complete the projects safely, on time, and within budget.
• Collaborate and build effective working relationships both internally and externally.
• Review deliverables pertaining to contract documentation, materials certifications, environmental compliance, change order management, EEO/COA compliance, final records, and contract reporting.
• Assist the PE and Region Communications to develop and implement project communication/outreach strategies.
• Assist with staffing actions necessary to carry out program delivery. 
• Provide staff a balanced workplace that promotes training and development for professional growth and upward mobility, employee safety, workforce diversity, and pride in ownership.

Qualifications

To be considered for these opportunities, the following are required:

• A Professional Engineer (PE) license in the State of Washington (License holders from other states will be expected to obtain a WA State PE license within six (6) months of appointment).   
• Experience managing significant design and construction contracts. 
• Experience managing and leading a diverse workforce.
• Knowledge of design and construction principles and practices, contracting methods and procedures, and program (budget, schedule, environmental, quality, etc.) accountability.
• Strong skills in establishing plans and setting objectives and goals that support overall program strategy/results; monitoring, measuring performance, and making necessary course corrections.
• Effective communications skills with employees, peers, superiors, and the public, both verbally and in writing with the ability to evaluate, coordinate, and respond to customers and stakeholders.
• A strong working knowledge of principles of management.
• The ability to make timely, effective decisions in the best interest of the department.
• A valid driver’s license.

• One (1) year of progressively responsible experience as a licensed professional engineer in construction or design of highways, bridges, and related structures.
• Two (2) years of demonstrated and progressively responsible managerial/supervisory experience in managing a diversified workforce.

Important Notes 

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs throughout the Olympic Region, which could include offices located in Aberdeen, Lacey, Port Orchard, Tacoma, and Tumwater. 
• These positions offer flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• This position requires 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 appointment. 
• 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. However, the first review of applications will be conducted May 2, 2022. 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.
• 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.   
• 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, including occasional telework for eligible positions.  
• Paid Leave – In addition to 11 paid holidays, full-time employees earn a minimum 14 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?

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 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. 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. 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, Robyn Lovely at LovelyR@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 22DOT-OR-3W045m in the subject line.