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 leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, manages the world's longest floating bridge, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!
The Opportunity
WSDOT is seeking a senior construction leader to provide statewide leadership and technical oversight for the administration of WSDOT construction projects. In this role, you will direct and support multiple regions and Construction Project Engineers on complex construction, contract, and policy matters, including developing and updating department construction policies to reflect current technologies, practices, and procedures.
As the Assistant State Construction Engineer, you will serve as a liaison between the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), regional offices, and the construction industry. You will represent the Department on agency-industry teams, facilitate coordination with internal and external partners, and provide training and mentorship to regional staff in construction administration, project management, and engineering practices.
Our top candidate will bring advanced leadership, collaboration, and communication skills, along with sound engineering judgment and extensive knowledge of construction administration.
What to Expect
The Construction Division is comprised of two units, the State Construction Office and the State Materials Laboratory. The State Construction Office is responsible for maintaining and evolving policies and procedures regarding construction contracts including the Standard Specifications, Construction Manual, and providing technical expertise for the construction and administration of the contracts to the Regions. The State Construction Office monitors and advises on legislative proposals that could impact the administration of WSDOT’s contracts, and this office has proposed and passed legislation. This office also represents the department regarding contract administration to other state agencies, Local Agencies, industry and FHWA.
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Assistant State Construction Engineer will:
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Maintain communication with industry to assess specification effectiveness and implement new products, materials, and research.
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Develop new and revised specifications, policies, and procedures; and assist in the dissemination of these to all statewide offices.
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Provide direct monitoring and oversight of activities in assigned field offices and assigned regions.
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Approve/disapprove change orders for construction contracts that are beyond the authority of the regions.
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Provide troubleshooting services to region managers and project engineers.
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Ensure compliance with WSDOT/FHWA stewardship agreement.
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Assist in training and insuring compliance with Minority, Small, Veteran, and Women's Business Enterprise (MSVWBE) and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) programs.
Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following competencies are required:
Construction Engineering & Contract Administration
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Principles and practices of construction engineering, contract administration, and project delivery.
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AASHTO and ASTM standards, construction materials, and quality assurance practices.
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State and federal public contracting laws, including RCW, WAC, and federal regulations.
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Claims processes, and documentation standards.
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Construction practices, methods, and constructability analysis.
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Alternate dispute resolution processes, claim prevention, and resolution methods.
Risk, Policy & Compliance
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Risk assessment and risk-based decision-making principles.
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Policy development, specification writing, and implementation of statewide technical guidance.
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DBE, MSVWBE, EEO, and civil rights program compliance requirements.
Industry & Interagency Collaboration
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Knowledge of roles and functions of construction industry associations (AGC, WACA, WAPA, etc.).
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Knowledge of interagency coordination processes with FHWA, Attorney General’s Office, OEO, and Local Programs.
Policy, Specification & Procedure Development
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Experience developing and revising statewide specifications, policies, and procedures based on industry needs, research, and observing program performance.
Dispute Resolution & Negotiation
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Demonstrated skills to facilitate dispute resolution between regions and contractors.
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Demonstrated skills to lead negotiations on high-stakes construction issues and contract changes.
Communication & Facilitation
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Experience and skill in writing clear, technically accurate specifications, policy documents, and formal correspondence.
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Experience delivering presentations and training to diverse audiences.
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Experience facilitating multi-party meetings involving internal stakeholders, FHWA, contractors, and industry groups.
Leadership & Mentoring
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Skilled in providing coaching, mentoring, and technical guidance to regional construction personnel and peer managers.
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Skilled in leading collaborative teams and participating in agency/industry committees.
Compliance & Oversight
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Demonstrated skills in determining compliance with state and federal contracting requirements and documentation standards.
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Demonstrated skills in conducting oversight reviews, final inspections, and federal-aid audits
Growth Mindset
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Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
Service-Oriented
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Takes action to meet the needs of others.
In addition to the competencies above, the following are required:
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Licensed as a Professional Engineer in the state of Washington or licensed as a PE in another state with the ability to obtain licensure in Washington State within six (6) months of hire.
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Ability to mentor and train staff in construction administration, project management, and engineering requirements.
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Ability to lead statewide initiatives and ensure uniform application of policy and standards.
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Ability to make independent decisions on complex engineering issues, specification interpretation, entitlement determinations, time extensions, and contract changes.
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Ability to conduct risk assessments and make financially and legally defensible recommendations.
It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:
Advanced Skills with:
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Federal funding participation rules and eligibility criteria.
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New and emerging construction technologies, materials, or methods.
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Legislative processes or rulemaking related to construction programs.
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Advanced skill in technical writing, including specifications and complex policy documents.
Advanced Enterprise Construction Program Management and Federal Coordination
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Experience administering or overseeing Design-Build, GCCM, or other alternative delivery contracts.
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Experience leading statewide or agency-level policy development initiatives.
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Experience serving as a liaison with FHWA, Attorney General’s Office, or federal oversight bodies.
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Experience conducting construction audits, project reviews, or federal compliance reviews.
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Prior leadership of industry committees, technical working groups, or multi-agency teams.
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Experience negotiating complex contract changes, value engineering proposals, or high-cost construction
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disputes.
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Experience managing or influencing large-scale construction programs exceeding $500M annually.
Specialized training or certification in the following:
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Construction claims management
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Dispute resolution/mediation
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Risk management
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Specification writing
To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the Contact Us section of this posting.
Important Notes
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The salary range listed includes the 2% general wage increase, effective on July 1, 2026.
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This position offers remote work options. The official duty station for this position may be determined based on candidate preference and overall business needs.
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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.
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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
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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.
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Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees may earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year!
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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.
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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:
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An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
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An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
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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.
Contact Us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at [email protected]. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-HQ-0W150 in the subject line.
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