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Posted: January 6, 2026 (9 days ago)

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Stormwater and Drainage Lead (TE3)

State of Washington

Dept. of Transportation

Recent

Location

Washington, 98504

Salary

$78,912 - $106,104

per year

Type

Closes

January 28, 2026More State jobs →

Job Description

Summary

This job involves leading the design of stormwater and drainage systems for major transportation projects across Washington state, ensuring they are safe, environmentally friendly, and compliant with regulations.

The role includes using specialized software for modeling, visiting sites to assess conditions, analyzing water flow needs, and guiding teams on best practices.

It's ideal for an experienced engineer passionate about sustainable infrastructure who enjoys mentoring others and solving complex environmental challenges.

Key Requirements

  • Foundational knowledge of hydraulics, hydrology, and stormwater engineering design from experience, Engineering-in-Training certification, or formal education
  • Experience using hydraulic and hydrologic modeling tools like MGSFlood and StormShed3G
  • Ability to conduct field investigations and assess drainage conditions at project sites
  • Skills in analyzing drainage basins, determining stormwater flows, and designing conveyance systems
  • Proficiency in applying statewide standards such as the Hydraulics Manual and Highway Runoff Manual
  • Experience mentoring and coaching project staff on stormwater and hydraulics procedures
  • Ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including engineering, environmental, and specialty groups

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 seeking a motivated, mission-driven Transportation Engineer 3 to join our State Hydraulics Office as a Stormwater and Drainage Design Lead.

This is an opportunity to take on meaningful engineering challenges that protect people, restore ecosystems, and keep Washington’s transportation system moving safely and sustainably.

In this dynamic role, you’ll be at the forefront of designing stormwater, hydraulic, and hydrologic solutions for some of the most complex transportation projects in the state.

You’ll collaborate directly with Project Engineering Offices across Washington, mentor project staff, and help ensure our designs meet the highest standards of environmental stewardship and regulatory compliance.

Your work will support WSDOT’s core values of safety, innovation, leadership, and sustainability, all while helping shape the infrastructure that millions of travelers rely on every day.

If you are ready to make a real impact on Washington’s transportation future, we encourage you to apply!


What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Stormwater and Drainage Lead will:

  • Lead stormwater and hydraulic design efforts for transportation projects statewide, using tools such as MGSFlood, StormShed3G, and other advanced modeling software.
  • Conduct field investigations, drive to project sites to assess drainage conditions, examine existing conveyance systems and existing stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs), identify potential sites for new stormwater BMP and new conveyance systems, and examine the project site to help identify constraints to the stormwater and hydraulic design.
  • Analyze drainage basins and determine stormwater flows, seasonal construction flows, treatment BMP needs, and stormwater conveyance design requirements.
  • Mentor and coach project staff across the state on stormwater and hydraulics design procedures.
  • Apply statewide standards, including the Hydraulics Manual and Highway Runoff Manual.
  • Identify and resolve stormwater and hydraulic design issues before final design.
  • Work closely with multidisciplinary teams, including engineering offices, environmental teams, and specialty groups to ensure projects are delivered successfully.
  • Carry out various related duties that keep our hydraulics program running smoothly and effectively.


Qualifications

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

  • Hydraulics, Hydrology, and Stormwater Engineering Design: Foundational knowledge of engineering with focus on producing and delivering stormwater and hydraulic designs obtain through extensive experience, Engineering-in-Training certification or formal education.
  • Technical Tools & Workflows: Experience using hydraulic and hydrologic modeling tools and managing technical workflows. Skilled in managing digital workflows for storing, retrieving, and producing stormwater, hydrologic, and hydraulic data for use in technical reports and design documentation.
  • Analysis & Reporting: Experience conducting analysis of drainage basins using various techniques to calculate stormwater flows such as MGSFlood, StormShed3G, and/or other hydraulic and hydrologic software to determine flow rates and volumes of stormwater.
  • Leadership & Communication: Proven ability to mentor, train, and lead technical design staff in workflows, design principles, stormwater, hydrology, and hydraulics topics. Demonstrated experience communicating complex information to both technical and nontechnical audiences.
  • Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
  • Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.


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

  • A valid driver’s license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.
  • Ability to perform field inspections.
  • Ability to obtain WSDOT Water Crossing and Stream Restoration Design and Documentation certification within six (6) months of hire.
  • Ability to obtain Highway Runoff Manual Training Workshop Certification within six (6) months of hire.


It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

  • Hydraulic & Stormwater Analysis Tools: Experienced in calibrating, performing calculations, and interpreting results from FHWA Hydraulic Toolbox, Bentley Surface Utility Design and Analysis (SUDA), and other WSDOT design tools.


*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.
  • This position is eligible for a legislatively approved 5% premium for workers in King County.
  • The official duty station for this position will be determined based on candidate preference and overall business needs.
  • 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, 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 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. NOTE: This information may 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 at Robyn.Lovely@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 25DOT-HQ-05536 in the subject line.

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Posted on NEOGOV: 1/6/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 1/7/2026

Source: NEOGOV | ID: neogov-washington-5188185