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 is currently seeking a Transportation Engineer 4 to serve as the Special Projects Engineer within the Headquarters Maintenance and Operations Unit. This position helps keep people and businesses moving by coordinating, planning, designing, inspecting, and administering statewide Maintenance and Facility small works contracts to support the regional highway system. This includes facilitating construction projects for Maintenance Operations (MO), which involves identifying needs, scoping solutions, designing and delivering projects in support of the Maintenance Operations program, and ensuring regional needs are met. This is accomplished by prioritizing and managing highway and environmental minor projects, managing Facilities’ environmental operations budget, and designing and constructing/implementing structural and operations best management practices. When planning and carrying out all activities associated with work assignments, the incumbent is expected to prioritize personal, coworker, and public safety.

What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Special Projects Engineer will:

• Write bid specifications and contracts for construction projects, including building construction & demolition, equipment purchase, surveying, and facility appurtenance installation.
• Manage the bidding of projects, awarding, processing change orders, and project budgets.
• Act as the onsite inspector and safety officer.
• Determine if additional Work Requests (FWR) are needed, develop new FWRs, evaluate possible operational and structural alternatives, oversee the FWRs, prioritize projects, and develop construction budgets and schedules.
• Assist regions in identifying, designing, and delivering methods of environmental projects.
• Ensure that work complies with departmental standards, is completed in a safe manner, and does not negatively impact highway/facility maintenance functions or future construction projects.
• Provide project administration, including review of material certifications and final acceptance of work.
• Use survey equipment and analyze resulting information utilizing engineering design software.

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

• One year (1) of experience as a Bridge Engineer 3, Transportation Engineer 3, or Transportation Planning Specialist 3.

OR

• One (1) year of experience estimating construction projects.

AND

• Requires knowledge of technical engineering practices and Departmental policies, procedures, and standards.
• A valid driver’s license and the ability to operate a motor vehicle.
• The ability to:
  • plan and perform and/or manage contractors and consultants performing construction/environmental projects.
  • plan and conduct work independently using professional judgment to complete projects in a timely manner.
  • work on multiple projects simultaneously and use good judgment when balancing the priorities between them.
  • communicate verbally and in writing with WSDOT personnel, contractors, permitting/regulatory agencies, and the public.
  • make timely, appropriate decisions in the best interest of the department.
  • travel statewide extensively up to 50% of the work schedule, including overnight stays.
  • transverse uneven ground and heavily vegetated areas.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have the following:

• An associate degree or bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction management, or a closely related field.
• Experience using standard engineering & office software to prepare records, drawings, and documents.
• Understanding of surveying equipment, practices, and standards and ability to apply the knowledge.
• Proficient knowledge of project management practices.
• Certification as a Licensed Professional Engineer.
• Experience with contract advertisement and awards.
• Understanding of state purchasing rules and WEBS procurement processes.
• Understand the design manual, standard plans, and standard specifications and the ability to apply the knowledge to design projects and to review projects that have been designed.
• Thoroughly understand FHWA emergency rules and documentation requirements. Ability to apply the knowledge for small and large emergency projects.
• Understand MO division goals, capabilities, budgets, needs, and rules.
• Experience managing highly specialized technical programs or functions having a considerable size, scope, and statewide impact.

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 requires extensive statewide travel up to 50% of the work schedule, including overnight stays.
• When conducting occasional fieldwork visits, this position requires the ability to traverse uneven ground and heavily vegetated areas.
• Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 357-16-197 mandates that all employees who work for executive cabinet agencies (which includes the Department of Transportation) must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Compliance with this mandate is a condition of employment with WSDOT. An 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
• 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.

Why WSDOT

• Work-Life Balance – We are committed to ensuring that our staff experiences the reward of public service while sustaining a routine that suits each individual’s lifestyle.
• Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees earn a minimum of 14 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 federal student loan forgiveness eligibility.
• Plan For Your Future – WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes various 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 your salary. Therefore, the “Work Experience” portion of the application must be completed in as much detail as possible.
To be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application:

• An attached Resume outlines (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 of three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. NOTE: This information may be entered in the “References” section of the online application; it does not require an additional attachment.

Please click the "APPLY" button to proceed. Note that you will be prompted to sign in or create an account. This step is required to apply for this opportunity.

WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment where 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 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, Yasmin Munoz, at MunozY@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 23DOT-HQ- 05068 in the subject line.