Assistant Project Engineer (WMS Band 2)

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 a skilled and professional Assistant Project Engineer to support the delivery of critical transportation projects in Mt. Vernon. In this role, you will provide oversight as a licensed professional engineer, guiding design projects, preparing contracts, and administering construction contracts to ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and safely, with minimal impact to the traveling public.

This position requires a strong commitment to safety, placing personal team, and public safety as the top priority in all planning and execution activities. You will also be expected to incorporate sustainable transportation practices into project delivery, helping WSDOT advance environmentally responsible solutions while delivering high-quality infrastructure.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Assistant Project Engineer will:

• Ensure all assigned projects are managed according to WSDOT policy, delivered on or before scheduled due date, within or under budgeted amount, and are constructible, maintainable and cost effective for all stakeholders and customers.
• Certify, by use of Professional Engineer's stamp, that all WSDOT standards and policies were followed in the development of all design documents, plans and specifications that were produced in the organization and any changes executed in the administration of construction projects.
• Strategically plan the budget schedule and workforce necessary to deliver capital improvement projects.
• Assist the Project Engineer in the management of an office of professional and technical engineers, including summer interns, temporary employees, and engineering consultants.
• Ensure that all assigned projects are managed in accordance with WSDOT policy and procedures to meet the desired scope, schedule, budget, and documentation for the project. 
• Ensure the projects are delivered in an environmentally responsible manner consistent with applicable laws and permits.
• Partner with outside agencies/consultants/public entities and internal departments regarding what provisionswill be addressed in the project development process for each project and executing the resulting requirements in construction contracts.
• Report on the status of assigned projects to WSDOT Regional and Statewide Executive management to support and improve the accountability of WSDOT.
• Coordinate input and resolve conflicts with internal organizations, personnel, outside agencies, contractors, consultants and the public.
• Create success by working in partnership with staff, citizens, media, elected officials, contractors and outside agencies to plan, design, build, maintain and operate a safe and efficient transportation system.

Qualifications

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

• Professional Licensure & Credentials: Certification as an Engineer-in-Training (EIT). Registered as a Professional Engineer in the State of Washington or able and willing to obtain licensure within 6 months of hire date. Valid driver’s license and the ability to operate a state-owned vehicle.
• Technical Knowledge & Application: In-depth knowledge of highway design, plan, specification, and estimate (PS&E) preparation. Understanding of highway construction principles and practices, including field operations and contractor coordination. Proficiency in surveying techniques and practices applicable to transportation projects. Knowledge of transportation design principles, common transportation issues, and methods for analyzing and resolving transportation problems. Familiarity with environmental laws, regulations, and issues, and ability to integrate compliance requirements into project delivery. Understanding of programming, budgeting procedures, and legislative processes as they relate to transportation project planning and execution.
• Leadership & Management: Demonstrated experience creating and managing work schedules for multiple employees and concurrent tasks, ensuring timely and efficient project delivery. Experience providing strategic leadership, including coaching, developing, and mentoring subordinates to enhance individual and team performance. Proven ability to solve complex problems and make sound decisions in dynamic and high-pressure environments. Experience overseeing and monitoring multiple project budgets simultaneously, maintaining fiscal responsibility and ensuring adherence to project scope and schedule.
• Communication, Collaboration & Conflict Resolution: Demonstrated experience working effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including colleagues, stakeholders, and the public. Experience contributing to a work environment that fosters a culture of respect and equal opportunity. Experience mediating workplace conflicts and facilitating productive dialogue to achieve positive, inclusive, and equitable outcomes.
• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Engineering Knowledge & Technical Application: Demonstrated ability to apply a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering (or closely related field) along with working knowledge of WSDOT’s highway engineering practices, technical procedures, and management processes to design and deliver highway construction contracts and support agency project requirements.
• Team Leadership, Collaboration & Communication: Proven skill in effective team coordination to develop and implement long-term workforce plans, manage training, evaluate performance, and facilitate agreements between competing interests while communicating effectively in both public and interpersonal settings and working with diverse groups and agencies to meet WSDOT’s goals.

*To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the Contact Us section of this posting.

Important Notes 

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• 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. As such, there are a number of flexible schedule options available, including telework options for eligible positions.  
• 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 alyssa.nastasi@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 25DOT-NWR-1W091-1 in the subject line.