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 is eager to hire an experienced construction engineer to serve as our next Local Programs Construction Specialist working out of our Northwest Region (NWR) Headquarters in Shoreline. The primary undertaking of this position will be to manage and coordinate the construction oversight activities of the federal and state grant programs for nearly 150 local agencies within WSDOT’s NWR. Local agencies include but are not limited to city, county, transit organizations, port districts, and tribal nations. This position will coordinate, review, and conduct inspections during and upon completion of construction of transportation improvements to ensure local agencies meet all technical, design, legal, and procedural requirements.  
 
What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Local Programs Construction Specialist will:

• Verify construction projects are consistent with approved project prospectus scope and documents and ADA Compliance for final acceptance by WSDOT local programs. 
• Perform final inspection of the completed project and provide documentation needed for the timely project closeout. 
• Provide agencies with guidance and documents to note the compliance issues and corrective actions needed for timely project closeouts. 
• Act as a technical construction specialist to support and guide agencies on construction issues. Coordinates with WSDOT managers regarding technical expertise to train local agency staff in specialized fields. 
• Provide ongoing support and communication for all agencies with regards to all construction matters. 
• Provide contact information and training tools for agency staff and convey the needs and coordinate with regards to agency administration training needs. 
• Direct agency staff in correct procedures for DBE requirements, contract and change order procedural regulations, project, and construction administration. 

Qualifications

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

• One (1) year of experience as a Transportation Engineer 3, Bridge Engineer 3, Transportation Planning Specialist 3 or equivalent. 
• Current Driver’s License
• Experience and/or knowledge of federal and state requirements for successful delivery of all phases of local agency transportation projects using FHWA funds. 
• Experience and/or Knowledge of construction administration and documentation requirements including inspection, materials documentation, application of specifications, change orders, and project closure and audits. 
• Experience and/or knowledge of federal laws on FHWA projects including ADA and Buy America and DBE. 
• Experience and/or knowledge of federal funding programs and program management.  

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related fields
• Working knowledge of federal guidelines as described per the Local Agency Guidelines (LAG) Manual
• Experience negotiating with federal, state, and local governments. 
• Ability to utilize Microsoft Windows, Word, Outlook, and Excel. 
• Experience preparing recommendations and presentations for senior management decision making. 

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.
• 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 22DOT-NWR-13129 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.