Traffic Engineer Specialist I
City of Spokane
FreshPosted Jan 26
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Posted: January 26, 2026 (1 day ago)
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Assistant Traffic Design Engineer (WMS Band 2)
State of Washington
Dept. of Transportation
Location
Washington, 98504
Salary
$7,668 - $9,834
per month
Type
Full Time
More Engineering jobs →Closes
February 16, 2026More State jobs →
Job Description
Summary
This job involves leading and managing traffic engineering programs for a state transportation department, focusing on designing safer roads, improving traffic flow, and overseeing projects like signals and signs.
It requires providing expert guidance on traffic issues and supporting team development in a collaborative environment.
A good fit would be an experienced engineer who enjoys leadership roles, problem-solving in transportation, and working outdoors in various weather conditions.
Key Requirements
- Engineering degree or equivalent in civil/traffic engineering
- Experience in traffic design, analysis, and modeling
- Knowledge of safety analysis, work zone traffic control, and intelligent transportation systems
- Leadership and management skills for overseeing programs and personnel
- Familiarity with WSDOT Design Manual, Traffic Manual, and related standards
- Ability to represent the agency in multi-jurisdictional teams and make decisions
- Proficiency in reviewing documentation and providing technical guidance on complex issues
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 Traffic Design Engineer to join the Olympic Region Traffic and Transportation Operations Office to lead, direct, and manage the Region’s traffic program.
This role supports the agency’s commitment to zero fatal and serious injuries and a sustainable, integrated multimodal transportation system.
Utilizing sound engineering judgment, this position serves as the Region’s Assistant Traffic Design Engineer and is responsible for providing leadership, direction, support, management, and engineering oversight for the Region’s planning and project development and construction activities as they relate to Traffic: safety, operational efficiency, managing demand, traffic analysis, work zone traffic control, signing, intelligent transportation systems, signal and electrical systems, and illumination.
They also manage the Region’s established capital program and supports delivery in conformance with applicable policies and department expectations for customer service, transparency, and accountability.
This position directly supports the agency strategic plan and goal areas by leading a workplace that supports and promotes training and development for professional growth and upward mobility, creating, influencing, and fostering a physically and psychologically safe workplace where all employees feel that they belong, and ensuring, through adherence to WSDOT policies, that the maintenance and preservation of assigned roadways and assets are administered to the expected quality, safety, and stewardship standards to support Washington’s long-term resilience.
What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Assistant Traffic Design Engineer will:
- Provide leadership, direction, support, management, and engineering oversight of the Region Traffic Design programs related to Design-Build (DB) or Progressive Design Build (PDB).
- Review work to ensure that proper documentation is processed and appropriately submitted for all design decisions that result in conditions differing from the standards established in the WSDOT Design Manual and WSDOT Traffic Manual.
- Provide technical expertise, guidance, decisions on complex traffic related issues on traffic design, traffic analysis and modeling, safety analysis and recommendations.
- Assist the Traffic Design Alternative Delivery Engineer with updating Design Policies for Traffic Design disciplines by tracking upcoming changes to design documentation such as the Design Manual, the Traffic Manual, Standard Plans, and Specifications.
- Represent WSDOT on multi-jurisdictional teams and task force groups, making decisions as necessary.
- Responsible for personnel issues relating to proper staffing levels, leave and travel approval, and actions pertaining to corrective action. Recommends employee hiring selections and formal personnel actions.
Some work may be physical and performed outdoors in all types of weather conditions, during both daytime and nighttime; requires ability to traverse rough, steep, and uneven terrain, as well as transporting, moving, and manipulating various types of equipment.
Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following competencies are required:
- Traffic Engineering, Traffic Operations, & Project Management Expertise: Demonstrated Traffic engineering background with experience managing traffic design and/or traffic operations; proven ability to manage significant design projects; and working knowledge of state and federal design and construction principles, practices, contracting methods, procedures, and budget accountability requirements.
- Strategic Planning, Communication & Stakeholder Engagement Skills: Strong skills in establishing plans and setting objectives and goals that support overall program strategy and results; monitoring and measuring performance and making necessary course corrections; excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills to communicate effectively with employees, peers, superiors, the public, and diverse audiences; ability to negotiate challenging issues and facilitate agreement between competing interests; and skills to make responsible, timely, and effective decisions based on complex and competing issues.
- Technical & Digital Proficiency: Advanced skills in operating Windows-based systems and engineering software, including MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, SharePoint, Outlook), MS Teams, computer-aided engineering applications, cloud-based platforms, and system databases for project tracking and information management.
- Leadership & Supervision: Skills to lead and supervise a diverse workforce by fostering collaboration across boundaries, building and maintaining effective teams, coaching and mentoring staff, and encouraging engagement and professional growth.
- Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
- Service Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.
It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:
- Professional Engineer: Licensed as a Professional Engineer in the state of Washington or licensed as a PE in another state with the ability to obtain licensure in Washington State within six (6) months of hire.
- Supervision & Leadership: Demonstrated ability to supervise and manage professional and technical staff; Proven capability to lead teams within a public sector environment, including supervision of employees represented by labor unions.
- Public Sector & Labor Relations: Working knowledge of civil service rules, personnel policies, and organizational procedures; Understanding of collective bargaining agreements and their application in supervisory and managerial decision-making.
*To review the full Position Description, please contact the recruiter 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.
- Travel is an expectation of the position and may be required on a regular, sporadic, or as-needed basis. Travel is primarily to perform site/field visits, attend off-site meetings, or attend training. Overnight travel is required.
- 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.
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.
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 recruiter listed.
Contact Us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, Amanda Strebeck, at amanda.strebeck@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-OR-3W127 in the subject line.
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