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 an experienced engineer in the Kelso Project Engineering Office (PEO) as the Assistant Project Engineer. Located in Kelso, WA, this position is responsible for assisting with the strategic planning and leadership necessary to ensure the successful delivery of the assigned areas transportation design and construction projects. In this role, you will be responsible for assisting with mentoring and developing an engineering staff of approximately 15-35 engineers. Work requires collaboration and coordination with other regions, project offices, local agencies, Tribes, FHWA and permitting agencies. The selected candidate 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 addition to project oversight, this position will provide staff a balanced workplace, promoting training and development for professional growth and upward mobility, employee safety, workforce diversity, and pride in ownership. Your work will be pivotal in meeting the goals of this agency.
 
What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Assistant Project Engineer will:

• Assist the Project Engineer in managing the daily operations of an engineering field office of approximately 15-35 employees.
• Accurately apply policy and standards to highway design elements and construction contract administration and complete the projects safely, on time, and within budget.
• Provide management and leadership for area program development, design, and construction administration by establishing and implementing policies and procedures that promote efficient use of resources and tax dollars. This responsibility also includes management of consultant agreements.
• Lead the development of a well-trained, motivated, and diverse workforce. Empower staff to have more control of procedures and outcomes with clearly defined accountabilities.
• Coordinate with Maintenance to define programming needs, providing technical assistance on issues and the management, development, and administration of emergency contracts.
• Coordinate with area local agencies to effectively address needs associated with the State transportation system and to provide technical assistance as needed. 
• Facilitate, partner, and maintain effective working relationships with Federal, State, County and City officials to assure compliance with the laws, regulations, and policies within their respective jurisdictions. 
• Facilitate, partner, and maintain effective working relationships with private contractors and consultants to assure compliance with the laws, regulations, and policies on construction contracts and consultant agreements. 
• Manage the development and administration of agreements with developers related to the State transportation system to ensure that the interests of the State are met. 

• A Professional Civil Engineer License in Washington State.
• A valid driver’s license. 
• Experience developing and managing budgets.
• Experience planning projects.
• Experience designing and administering complex transportation projects.
• Experience managing a diverse workforce in the simultaneous development and delivery of multiple projects from scoping through construction.
• Experience interpreting laws and regulations pertaining to environmental, land use, access management, real estate acquisition and contract law.
• Experience developing and maintaining partnerships with local, state and federal agencies in a variety of areas.
• Experience effectively communicating and negotiating challenging issues with various stakeholders and facilitate agreement between groups with competing interests.
• Experience making responsible and timely decisions based on an array of complex and competing issues.
• Excellent and effective communication skills both written and verbal, to clearly communicate with employees and the public.

• A Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering or closely related degree field.
• Knowledge of Agency mission, values, goals, and business direction.
• Knowledge of state and local political structures and issues.
• Knowledge of laws and regulations at the local, state, and federal levels that impact delivery of transportation systems.
• Managing projects large in scope and directing staff.
• Knowledge of the Department budgeting and planning processes.
• Knowledge of the environmental documentation and permitting processes.
• Knowledge with real estate acquisition processes.
• Knowledge of utility franchises and easements.
• Experience leading complex project design and/or construction projects, providing guidance, mentoring, coaching, motivating, and sound decision making.

• 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. 
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote 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.  
• WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system. For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.

• 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 10 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.

• 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 and does not require an additional attachment.