Field Engineer – TE3

Company Info
Washington State Department of Transportation
Olympia, WA, United States

Phone: 360-705-7053
Web Site:

Company Profile
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Title:

Field Engineer – TE3

Location:

Tacoma, WA 

Salary:

$67,560.00 - $90,888.00

Job ID:

71721
col-wide   

Job Description:

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 has an exciting opportunity for a motivated, experienced engineer who's looking for an opportunity to move into a supervisory role. This position will support delivery of design and construction projects. WSDOT is seeking an engineer with strong technical, engineering, and interpersonal skills to fill the Tacoma Project Office position. This unique opportunity will provide varying experiences and potential for growth through the oversight of design aspects of project delivery. The Design Team Lead will have the responsibility to lead inspection efforts for construction projects, lead quality verification teams for design-build projects as well as provide project management and technical guidance and direction in the preparation of plans, specifications, and estimates. Communication is paramount, as this position will regularly communicate with key members within WSDOT as well as local agencies, contractors, and others.

What to Expect
Field Engineer work is regularly performed in inclement weather on construction sites in daytime or nighttime. Exposure to hazards may include exhaust, high-speed traffic, steep or uneven terrain, and/or heavy construction equipment. Design Engineer work is performed indoors in an office environment; sedentary in nature working at a computer for long periods. 
 
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Design/Field Engineer will:

  • Provide supervision and guidance to designers and technicians in the preparation of PS&E, environmental documentation, access control plans, right-of-way plans, and hydraulic reports.
  • Coordinate and lead project meetings with WSDOT support groups, stakeholders, local agencies, and project co-managers.
  • Lead a team of inspectors and technicians or quality verification teams to perform audits, inspection and testing successfully and safely on transportation projects to ensure contractors are meeting all contract requirements and complying with environmental permits and commitments. 
  • Coordinate with the contractor, WSDOT staff, external agencies, and the public to manage project completion. 
  • Interpret, prepare, and review project design and construction documents.
  • Investigate construction issues, evaluate solutions, and provide recommendations.
  • Prepare change order documentation and estimates and seek change approvals from the appropriate change approval authorities.
  • Review plans, provisions, estimates and permit requirements to ensure constructability and safety standards are attainable.
  • Manage the work of subordinates and perform timely and accurate performance appraisals.
  • Mentor, coach, and train subordinate staff to successfully fulfill their job duties. 
  • Promote an inclusive office environment that values diversity and creates an atmosphere of respect for all employees.
  • Promote the professional growth of staff and ensure they have access to appropriate training and resources.
 
Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:
  • One (1) year of experience as a Transportation Engineer 2, Bridge Engineer 2, or Transportation Planning Specialist 2 or equivalent experience such as one (1) year of experience in a lead design role in the preparations of plans, specifications, and estimates (PS&E) for civil projects or one year of experience in a lead inspection role on civil construction projects.
  • The ability to manage and deliver multiple projects involving a variety of resources, support groups and other agencies.
  • Knowledge of engineering principles, practices and methods and the ability to apply them to complex engineering problems.
  • Knowledge of construction practices and contract administration.
  • Knowledge and understanding of contractor/owner relationships and basic contract law.
  • Proven skills of researching and interpreting contract provisions, plans, drawings, and details.
  • Experience in communicating to multiple audiences, both orally and in writing.
  • The ability to lead and supervise multiple diverse teams, including timely feedback, performance management and appraisals.
  • The ability to perform and check engineering calculations.
  • Proven skill to examine, develop and propose alternate solutions to complex elements of a project.
  • Proven skill in planning, scheduling, and tracking the activities of tasks.
  • Experience in reviewing engineering plans and specifications for compliance with established standards.
  • Experience in being able to effectively work both independently prioritizing workload and handling multiple assignments and within a diverse team environment.
  • Experience adhering to safety policies and diligence in performing work in a safe manner.
  • The ability to traverse uneven terrain in all weather conditions.
  • The ability to transport, manipulate, and move materials and equipment weighing up to 35 pounds.
  • A valid driver's license with the ability to travel frequently for field visits, training, or for other business needs as they arise.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:
  • Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or closely related field. 
  • A Professional Civil Engineering License. 
  • An Engineering in Training Certification.
  • Experience supervising a team of engineering professionals. 
  • Experience supporting WSDOT’s outreach efforts. 
 
Important Notes 
  • This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
  • This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
  • This position is eligible for remote work up to 100% for design duties, per supervisor approval.
  • 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!
  • 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 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 21DOT-OR-30932m in the subject line.