Assistant Area Engineer (WMS2)

Full Job Description

About WSDOTThe 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 OpportunityWSDOT is currently seeking an Assistant Area Engineer to support the delivery of highway design and construction contracts for the Columbia Gorge Office.

This position assists and acts on behalf of the Project Engineer to ensure projects are delivered in alignment with local, state, and federal standards while meeting scope, schedule, and budget expectations.

The role helps ensure that projects are well-integrated into the surrounding environment, support all modes of transportation, and are constructible, maintainable, and minimally disruptive to the traveling public.

The Assistant Area Engineer prioritizes personal, coworker, and public safety in all work activities and incorporates sustainable transportation practices into project delivery.

This position also fosters a culture of belonging and access, promotes workforce development, and supports resiliency across agency assets and operations.What to ExpectAmong the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Assistant Area Engineer will:

• Assist in strategically planning the budget, schedule, and workforce needed to deliver the Capital Improvement and Preservation Program (CIPP).
• Lead professional and technical staff, including interns, temporary employees, and consultants, in the design and development of multiple transportation improvement and preservation projects.
• Ensure assigned projects comply with agency policies and procedures and meet scope, schedule, budget, and documentation requirements while producing constructible, permittable, and biddable contract plans.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with leadership, colleagues, support teams, local agencies, stakeholders, and the public.
• Collaborate with partners, including citizens, media, elected officials, contractors, and consultants, to plan, build, maintain, and operate an efficient transportation system.
• Report project status updates to regional and statewide executive leadership to support accountability and informed decision-making.
• Coordinate input and resolve conflicts among internal teams, outside agencies, consultants, and the public to maintain project progress.
• Assume management responsibilities in the absence of the Project Engineer, including certifying design and contract documents with a Professional Engineer stamp and ensuring projects are delivered in compliance with applicable standards and environmental laws.

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

Civil Engineering Expertise: Extensive experience applying transportation engineering principles, including highway design, construction practices, and surveying.

Proficient in preparing and reviewing plans, specifications, and estimates (PS&E) for complex highway and transportation infrastructure projects.

Transportation Design & Delivery: Experience leading transportation projects through planning, environmental review, design, and construction. Familiar with transportation system design, environmental compliance, and state and federal project delivery processes.

Project Management & Scheduling: Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, and deliver multiple projects on time and within budget. Skilled in developing work plans, coordinating team efforts, and managing schedules.

Budgeting: Experience managing budgets across multiple phases of project development, with a working knowledge of programming and funding processes.

Leadership: Demonstrated strategic leadership through building and leading effective teams; motivating, coaching, and empowering staff; driving change and process improvements; resolving conflicts; and fostering engagement and collaboration across a diverse, interdisciplinary workforce to deliver multiple projects.

Problem Solving & Decision-Making: Proven ability to identify issues, evaluate options, and implement practical solutions. Skilled in conflict resolution and facilitating constructive dialogue.

Effective Communication & Collaboration: Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills to engage internal teams, contractors, stakeholders, and the public. Capable of representing the agency in meetings and on project sites.

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

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

• Licensed as a Civil Professional Engineer in the state of Washington or currently holding a Civil PE license from another state with the ability to obtain Washington State licensure within six (6) months of hire.

• Ability to traverse rough, steep, and uneven terrain.
• Ability and willingness to be available outside of regular business hours, including 24/7 response to emergent or time-sensitive issues as needed to support business operations.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Project Delivery Methods: Experience designing and procuring transportation projects through design-build and design-bid-build methodologies, alignment with applicable industry standards, agency policies, and regulatory requirements.
• FHWA Process Knowledge: Familiarity with Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) processes, procedures, and requirements for delivering federally funded transportation projects. Ability to ensure compliance with federal stewardship obligations, documentation, and reporting standards.

Change Management: Proven senior-level experience leading organizational and enterprise project change, including shifts in scope, structure, policy, and delivery models.

Adept at applying strategic change management practices to guide teams through complex transitions and ensure successful outcomes.


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.
• 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 UsFor inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at yasmin.munoz@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-SWR-4W050 in the subject line.