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 currently seeking a Transportation Engineer 3 to lead the delivery of highway design and construction projects by managing project scope, schedule, budget, and quality while supervising engineering and technical staff. In this role, you will mentor team members, support their professional development, and help ensure successful project delivery. This position plays a key role in advancing WSDOT's mission by fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement while upholding the agency's vision, values, and goals. Safety is a top priority, and you will lead and participate in the development of Pre-Activity Safety Plans, Worksite Safety Reviews, and ongoing safety discussions to promote safe project delivery for employees, contractors, and the traveling public.
What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Transportation Engineer 3 will:
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Manage the scope, schedule, budget, risks, and delivery of multiple or major highway design and construction projects to support successful project outcomes.
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Direct construction inspection, surveying, field documentation, and contract administration activities while providing technical guidance and resolving project issues.
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Coordinate with contractors, property owners, and project stakeholders to interpret plans and specifications, address concerns, and facilitate project delivery.
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Monitor project costs, quantities, workforce, and contract changes by preparing change orders, reviewing payment estimates, and implementing risk management strategies.
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Lead weekly Owner's Meetings, provide regular project status reporting, and evaluate field conditions to support informed decision-making.
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Oversee the development of design plans, PS&E packages, right-of-way plans, access control, illumination, signalization, signing, and related engineering documentation.
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Prepare technical reports, correspondence, and project documentation while supporting public hearings and participating in community engagement activities.
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Supervise engineering staff by assigning work, conducting performance evaluations, resolving personnel issues, mentoring employees, and promoting continuous process improvement.
Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:
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Transportation Engineering Expertise: Demonstrated ability to apply advanced transportation engineering principles, design standards, and construction practices to plan, design, and deliver complex highway projects.
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Project Management: Experience leading project teams and managing project scope, schedule, and budget for transportation projects, ensuring timely delivery, quality outcomes, and compliance with applicable standards and requirements.
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Leadership and Team Collaboration: Demonstrated success working effectively with engineering and technical staff by providing direction, mentoring, and support; contributing to team goals; and fostering a collaborative and accountable work environment.
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Safety and Risk Management: Ability to implement safety plans, participate in or lead work-site safety reviews, identify and communicate hazards, and proactively manage project risks to protect employees, contractors, and the traveling public.
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Communication and Coordination: Proven skill in preparing and reviewing project documentation, reports, and correspondence, and coordinating effectively with contractors, inspectors, project managers, stakeholders, and the public in both written and verbal settings.
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Problem Solving and Decision Making: Ability to identify technical and project-related challenges, analyze information, develop practical solutions, and make sound decisions that support project quality, efficiency, and compliance.
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Commitment to Equity and Respectful Workplace Culture: Demonstrated experience working in a manner that supports a respectful, inclusive, and equitable workplace, including effective engagement with individuals from diverse backgrounds and promotion of a positive team environment.
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Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
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Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.
In addition to the above, the following are also required:
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A valid driver’s license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.
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Ability to traverse rough, steep, and uneven terrain.
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Ability to maneuver and transport various materials and/or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:
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Engineering Fundamentals: Demonstrated application of foundational engineering principles consistent with Engineer-in-Training (EIT) level knowledge in transportation or civil engineering contexts.
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Formal Engineering Education: Education in civil engineering, structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, traffic or transportation engineering, or a closely related field that has provided the knowledge base necessary to perform transportation design, analysis, and construction management functions.
Important Notes
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This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
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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 flexible/hybrid remote work options.
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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.
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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.
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 [email protected]. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-ER-61362 in the subject line.
