Assistant Project Engineer (WMS2)

Full Job Description

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 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 Opportunity

WSDOT is currently seeking an Assistant Project Engineer (APE) to join the Everett Construction Office.

The APE supports the agency’s mission, strategic plan goal areas and safety of the traveling public by assisting and acting on behalf of the Project Engineer in the delivery and administration of construction contracts to ensure their completion is on time, budget and are completed safely with minimal impacts on the environment and the traveling public.

This position prioritizes the safety of the employee, coworkers, and the public in all planning and execution of assigned work.

The APE is also responsible for incorporating sustainable transportation practices throughout all tasks and project activities.

What to Expect

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

• Strategically plan the budget, schedule, and Workforce necessary to deliver Capital Improvements and Preservation projects.
• Ensure all assigned projects are managed according to WSDOT policy and procedures, delivered in an environmentally responsible manner consistent with applicable laws, on or before scheduled due date, within or under budgeted amount, and are constructible, maintainable, and cost effective for all Stakeholders and customers
• Certify, by use of their Professional Engineer's stamp, that all WSDOT standards and policies were followed in the changes executed in the administration of construction projects
• Partner with outside agencies/contractors/public entities and internal departments to identify what provisions will be addressed in the project development process.
• Report on the status of assigned projects to WSDOT Regional and Statewide Executive management to support and improve the accountability of WSDOT.
• Coordinate input and resolve conflicts with internal organizations, personnel, outside agencies, consultants, and the public.
• Manage the workload of professional and technical engineers.

On-site field reviews are performed outdoors and involve exposure to hazards commonly found on construction sites. Work may require traversing uneven terrain or steep slopes, climbing ladders, working in confined spaces, heights of 50-feet or more, and working over water and possibly in boats.

Qualifications

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

• Professional Engineering Expertise: Demonstrated ability to apply advanced engineering principles and judgment in engineering projects, supported by current Washington State Professional Engineering licensure OR the capability to obtain licensure within one (1) year of employment.
• Complex Project Delivery: Proven competency in managing and delivering complex civil or structural engineering projects, including coordinating multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders, resolving technical issues, and ensuring compliance with engineering standards.

Leadership, Management, and Regulatory Knowledge: Strong ability to lead, mentor, and coach team members, as well as collaborate across teams, supported by comprehensive knowledge of engineering principles, environmental regulations, and agency policies.

Skilled in communicating technical information, coordinating with internal and external partners, and making informed decisions that align with regulatory requirements.

• Transportation Design and Construction Expertise: Extensive experience applying engineering concepts to both transportation design and/ or construction, including the ability to interpret plans, evaluate constructability, identify risks, and implement solutions that improve project outcomes.
• Collaborative Problem-Solving: Demonstrated ability to partner with diverse stakeholders to analyze, negotiate, and implement major design or construction changes, balancing technical requirements, project goals, and field conditions.
• Field Assessment and Site Evaluation: Ability to safely perform site visits and inspections in dynamic field environments, including navigating uneven terrain, working near active traffic, and operating in all weather conditions to assess project progress and identify engineering or safety concerns.
• 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:

• Maintain Professional Engineering licensure in the State of Washington.
• A valid, unrestricted driver’s license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.
• Ability to be available 24/7 to address emergencies and emergent issues.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

*To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the Contact Us section of this posting.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• Some occasional trips to the project sites, various WSDOT Regional offices, and HQ in Olympia. Some trips to other portions of the state for statewide training or policy review meetings.

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. 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 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 alyssa.nastasi@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 25DOT-NWR-1W098e in the subject line.