Assistant Project Engineer - Aberdeen

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 a professional engineer to assist in providing strategic leadership to the Project Engineering Offices within the Olympic Region!

WSDOT’s mission is to provide safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation options to improve communities and economic vitality for people and businesses.

The duties and responsibilities of this position directly influence the design and construction of the Regions’ transportation projects, which is the backbone of the agency.

The Olympic Region Construction and Project Development Offices lead, direct, and manage delivery of the region's highway construction program.

This position reports directly to the Aberdeen Project Engineer who reports to the Olympic Region Construction Office, and to the Region Project Development Office for matters related to pre-construction activities.

This position assists the Project Engineer in leading and managing an engineering field office of approximately 20 engineers and technicians responsible for the delivery of assigned design and construction projects, which requires close coordination and cooperation with region staff and support groups, HQ, and project stakeholders to accomplish organizational goals and expectations.

See attached Table of Organization.

What to ExpectThis position assists the Project Engineer with managing the daily operations of an engineering field office of approximately 20 employees and its associated resources including vehicles, equipment, and other office overhead costs.

Develops and prioritizes work schedules and staffing to meet contract deadlines. Interprets and apply policy and standards and recommends changes to the same.

Provides input to region management on region-wide policy and establishes office- specific policies.

Act as a local representative responsible for investigating and responding to public and local agency requests, providing input and recommendations for higher authority decisions.

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

• Assist the Project Engineer to provide leadership, management, and oversight to an engineering field office.
• Accurately apply policy and standards to highway design and construction projects.
• Approve or recommend approval of design changes, work methods, changes affecting traffic or safety, added work or changes impacting the time and/or dollar value of contracts, material substitutions, working days, contract training programs, requests to sublet, contract progress schedules and substantial/physical completion of contracts.
• Source and certification of materials used on construction contracts.
• Collaborate and build effective working relationships, internally and externally, to accomplish organizational goals.
• Responsible for deliverables pertaining to design documents and contract documentation, materials certifications, environmental compliance, change order management, EEO/GOA compliance, final records, and contract reporting.
• Work closely with region management and region communications to develop and implement project communications and outreach strategies.
• Coordination of contract specification development activities.
• Responsible for personnel issues relating to proper staffing levels, leave and travel approval, and actions pertaining to corrective action. Recommend employee hiring selections and formal personnel actions.
• Promote a productive and supportive work environment and provide staff with a balanced workplace that promotes training and development for professional growth and upward mobility, employee safety, workforce diversity, and pride in ownership.
• Direct Engineering Supervisors in scheduling the operations of employees.
• Implement strategies to increase employee engagement.
• Ensure proper application of all Collective Bargaining Agreements, and all federal and state labor laws.
• Ensure compliance with training and license requirements for employees. In partnership Human Resources investigate instances of unsatisfactory work performance and implement performance management best practices.
• Actively engage in the Safety Office’s Leading Indicators program. Ensure employee involvement in employee safety.
• Travel to sites for on-site meetings and meet with contractors. Provide on-site presence for construction oversight, coordination, and issue resolution.

Qualifications
To be considered for these opportunities, the following are required:

• Professional Engineering Certification: 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.

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 & Construction: 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 & Programming: Experience managing budgets across multiple phases of project development, with a working knowledge of programming and funding processes.
• Leadership: Demonstrated ability to supervise, mentor, and coach engineering staff. Skilled in setting clear expectations, providing feedback, and fostering a culture of accountability and performance.
• 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.
• Respect & Inclusivity: Ability to contribute to a respectful, inclusive, and equitable work environment. Demonstrated experience working effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds, identities, and perspectives.
• Safe Vehicle Operation: Demonstrated ability to operate state-owned vehicles
• Growth-Minded: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Demonstrates a willingness to take action to meet the needs of others.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• WSDOT Project Delivery Methods: Experience designing, constructing, and procuring transportation projects through design-build and design-bid-build methodologies, in accordance with WSDOT standards and procedures.
• 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: Demonstrated knowledge and experience managing organizational or project-level change. Ability to lead teams through transitions in scope, structure, policy, or project delivery approach using effective change management strategies.

*To review the full Position Description, don't hesitate to contact the recruiter in the Contact Us section of this posting.

Important Notes

• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• Travel is an expectation of the position and may be required on a regular, sporadic, or as needed basis. Frequent travel of less than 70 miles round trip. Overnight travel is required.

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 357-28of 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.wa.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 of 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, sidra.fields@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-OR-3W050 in the subject line.