State of Washington: Transportation Engineer 2 (In-Training) – Traffic Design

About WSDOT
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal agency with a global reputation for excellence. Our dedicated workforce plans, designs, builds, and operates an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 20,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT manages the world’s longest floating bridge, leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds the record for the world’s widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!
The Opportunity
WSDOT is currently seeking multiple Transportation Engineer 2s to join the Olympic Region Traffic Office. In this role, you will help ensure highway construction projects are designed and constructed in compliance with standard specifications, contract requirements, and approved plans. These positions focus on designing signing, illumination, work zone traffic control, traffic signals, and intelligent transportation systems (ITS). This work directly supports WSDOT’s mission by improving the safety, reliability, and resiliency of Washington’s transportation system. Successful candidates will also contribute to a workplace culture grounded in respect, equity, and belonging.
What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Transportation Engineer 2 will:

• Prepare design documentation, contract plans, special provisions, construction estimates, and field reviews for traffic engineering projects.
• Participate in project scoping by developing project engineering estimates and preliminary construction estimates for programming purposes.
• Develop traffic engineering discipline design documentation to support project delivery.
• Create traffic discipline plans, estimates, special provisions, and design package materials needed for project advertisement and bidding.
• Design and support the maintenance of traffic signals, illumination, signing, and intelligent transportation systems (ITS).
• Prepare and review work zone traffic control plans to maximize safety and minimize impacts to system users.
• Produce engineering designs, specifications, and estimates using computer-aided engineering software.
• Coordinate with internal region partners and external customers by preparing written correspondence and supporting collaboration efforts.

Qualifications
These are Transportation Engineer 2 positions. However, the hiring manager reserves the right to fill the positions at a lower level in the classification series based on candidate qualifications, providing an opportunity for an individual to gain the required experience on the job as part of a formal “in-training” plan.
To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:
Transportation Engineer 1 (TE1) level:

• Engineering Fundamentals: Foundational knowledge of basic engineering and mathematical principles to solve routine engineering problems, typically gained through education, experience, training, or certification (EIT or LSIT). Ability to apply this knowledge to design, construction, and inspection tasks. 

Transportation Engineer 2 (TE2) level: 

• Engineering Knowledge: Comprehensive knowledge and practical understanding of engineering principles, methods, and practices relevant to transportation projects. This includes experience in design development, construction techniques, material testing procedures, and/or contract administration; Experience preparing construction contract documents or working for a Design Builder in an engineering capacity. 

In addition to the above, the following are also required: 

• Analytical and Technical Review: Skills to examine, develop, and propose alternate solutions to complex elements of a project. Experience in reviewing engineering plans and specifications for compliance with established standards.
• Technology Proficiency: Proficient in operating Windows-based computers and MS Office applications, including Excel, Outlook, SharePoint, and Word, as well as databases and computer-aided engineering software. 
• Communication Skills: Skills to communicate technical and non-technical information clearly and effectively to diverse audiences, both virtually and in person, using a range of electronic communication methods such as email, telephone, text, video conferencing, and computer-based collaboration tools. 
• Collaboration & Adaptability: Skills to work productively both independently and as part of a team environment, prioritizing workload and handling multiple assignments, producing accurate and consistent results. 

• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.

• A valid driver’s license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.  
• Ability to traverse rough, steep, and uneven terrain. 
• Ability to maneuver and transport various materials and/or equipment weighing up to 35 pounds. 

It is preferredthat qualified candidates also have:

• Technical Traffic Engineering Competency: Demonstrates the ability to prepare traffic signal, Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), illumination, signing, and work zone traffic control plans, along with associated construction contract documents, in accordance with applicable standards and requirements. 
• Engineering Software & Plan Development Competency: Experience developing and preparing contract plans using computer-aided engineering and design software. 

Important Notes 

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• Field work is performed outdoors in inclement weather and may occur during daytime or nighttime hours. This position requires traversing rough, steep, and uneven terrain; performing duties at or near ground level; and standing for extended periods of time. Employees may be exposed to hazards commonly found along state highways, including severe weather, high noise levels, vehicle exhaust and other air quality hazards, high-volume/high-speed traffic, and heavy construction equipment. Additional exposure may include construction materials, chemicals and related products, and proximity to creeks or other bodies of water.
• These are in-training positions that offer a career path, hands-on learning, and mentorship. These positions allow you to progress upward through the Transportation Engineer series and achieve the goal class of a Transportation Engineer 2. Candidates will be considered for a Transportation Engineer 1 or a Transportation Engineer 2, depending on their qualifications. Annual salary levels for each position are:
  • Transportation Engineer 2: $71,472 – $96,144
  • Transportation Engineer 1: $64,776 – $87,048
• In addition to base salary, employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type, duties, or location of the position. For union-represented positions, more information on other forms of compensation can be found in the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements. Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in Chapter 357-28 of the Washington Administrative Code. 
• WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). 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.
• Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees may 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. 

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. All persons, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/ or gender identity, 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.

WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.
Contact Us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at yasmin.munoz@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-OR-30042m in the subject line.