Assistant Project Engineer - Tumwater

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 Project Engineer to support the delivery of progressive design-build projects in Olympic Region’s Tumwater Project Engineering Office!

This position assists the Project Engineer in leading and managing an engineering field office of WSDOT and consultant staff responsible for the delivery of design and construction projects.

This position contributes to successful project outcomes by coordinating and collaborating with staff, consultants, contractors and project stakeholders to accomplish agency goals and meet project needs.

Additional responsibilities include supporting design, right of way, environmental documentation, and utility coordination efforts while providing direction and guidance to multidisciplinary teams.

Through these activities, the Assistant Project Engineer directly advances WSDOT’s mission and ensures projects meet commitments to safety, quality, schedule, and public benefit.

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

• Assist the Project Engineer by providing leadership, management, and engineering oversight to an engineering field office.
• Lead and coordinate the work of WSDOT, consultant, and contractor staff to ensure successful project delivery.
• Recommend approval of design changes, contract provisions, added work or changes impacting the time and/or dollar value of contracts, workforce training programs, contract progress schedules, and contract payments.
• Oversee assigned project elements by monitoring scope, schedule, budget, and risk, and implementing corrective actions when needed.
• Administer consultant contracts, including scope, schedule, budget, performance expectations, and progress tracking.
• Collaborate with WSDOT staff, consultants, and contractors to deliver high-quality, cost-effective, and timely design and construction in accordance with contract requirements and WSDOT standards.
• Assist the Project Engineer to initiate personnel and staffing actions necessary to carry out program delivery.
• Provide supervision and performance management of direct reports.
• Prepare project status, progress, and financial reports for management and executive audiences.
• Travel to and within active construction sites to meet with contractors and WSDOT staff. Provide on-site presence for 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 & 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 & 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
• Field Mobility and Terrain Navigation: Demonstrated ability to safely traverse rough, steep, and uneven terrain in a variety of weather and field conditions while maintaining situational awareness and personal safety.
• 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:

• Alternative Delivery Experience: Experience leading or supporting large-scale progressive design-build or design-build transportation projects valued at $100M or greater.
• 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 357-28 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.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 recruiter listed.

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-3W045e in the subject line.