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Washington State ESD

Transportation Engineer 2 (In-Training)

Washington State ESD, Seattle, Washington, us, 98127

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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 several Transportation Engineer 2 In‑Training positions in our North Central Region! These positions contribute to both construction and design engineering functions for all work in the Project Engineering Office (PEO). They support WSDOT’s mission by ensuring highway construction projects are designed and built in compliance with standard specifications and contract plans. This is accomplished in design by preparing plans, specifications, estimates, reports, and other documents that will be used to improve the safety, quality, and capacity of the State’s Transportation System. In construction, they collect field data, inspect contractor work on projects, measure and document contract work, and coordinate work with other engineering staff in the field.

What to Expect The typical schedule is Monday through Friday, 40 hours per week, consisting of five 8‑hour days; however, flexible and/or compressed workweeks may be available depending on business needs. Workdays may extend beyond 8 hours, and weekend work may be required, with eligibility for daily overtime. These positions may also require working weekends and holidays to respond to unscheduled or emergency projects, as well as working alternate shifts, long hours, and occasional night shifts.

Design and Inspection Duties These positions include both design and inspection duties: Inspection duties generally include visual inspections, taking measurements, and communicating with contractors, the public, and coworkers. The work can be physically demanding and is often performed outdoors, frequently near high‑volume, high‑speed traffic, requiring extended periods of standing. Tasks may also involve working at heights exceeding 25 feet over land or water, traversing rough, steep, or uneven terrain, and performing duties at or near ground level. These positions require working around large equipment and potentially hazardous materials handled by contractors, as well as working outdoors in all weather conditions, both day and night. The ability to manoeuvre and/or transport objects weighing up to 50 pounds is also required.

Responsibilities

Prepare reports, contract plans, specifications, and estimates for highway projects.

Perform computer aided drafting and design using CADD software (OpenRoads) to produce displays, Right‑of‑Way plans, and design plan sheets.

Evaluate field data and/or survey data to determine quantities, elevations, coordinates, grades and curve data.

Evaluate designs requiring analysis of accident data, traffic data, hydraulics, environmental constraints, and design standards.

Assist Office Engineer with design documentation.

Serve as a Project Inspector on earthwork, concrete, asphalt paving, drainage, and other duties, which will often require operation of a nuclear gauge, inspection of crusher operation, and inspection of Asphalt Plant operations.

Inspect and direct the inspection of highway and highway structures.

Measure and record materials quantities and visually inspect material installations on project sites.

Coordinate with contractor’s representatives regarding schedule.

Qualifications To be considered for this opportunity, the following are

required :

Engineering Knowledge & Technical Expertise : Demonstrate the ability to apply engineering principles, standards, and practices to the design, construction, and maintenance of transportation projects; evaluate field conditions and apply sound engineering judgment to resolve technical challenges.

Professional Certification or Academic Preparation : A bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field, or Certification as an Engineer‑in‑Training (ElT), or equivalent applied work experience. Note: students graduating with an accepted degree prior to June 30, 2026, are eligible to apply for this position.

Project Implementation & Construction Oversight : Apply engineering knowledge to support or oversee construction activities; ensure work complies with specifications, design intent, and safety standards; identify and communicate technical issues effectively to achieve project goals.

Communication & Collaboration : Effectively convey technical information in both written and verbal form; collaborate with contractors, designers, colleagues, and stakeholders to ensure clear understanding and alignment; foster cooperative working relationships across disciplines.

Safety Awareness & Field Operations : Demonstrate commitment to safety while working in variable and physically demanding field environments; follow established safety protocols; adapt to changing site conditions and work schedules to meet project and operational needs.

Professional Conduct & Cultural Competence : Contribute to a work environment that promotes respect, equity, and inclusion, models professionalism and accountability in all interactions.

In addition to the above competencies, the following are also

required :

A valid driver’s license and the ability to operate state‑owned vehicles.

It is

preferred

that qualified candidates also have:

Academic Preparation : A bachelor’s degree in civil or Transportation Engineering.

Project Development Expertise : Demonstrate proficiency in conducting field reviews, evaluating designs, analyzing data, and preparing or reviewing reports, estimates, plans, specifications, and special provisions.

Project Management : Demonstrate ability to plan, organize, and manage multiple aspects of transportation projects effectively.

Local Area Familiarity : Demonstrate knowledge of the surrounding geographic area and its impact on project planning and execution.

Important Notes

This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.

The recruiting efforts for this position may be extended beyond the displayed closing date for as long as possible until a sufficient candidate pool has been established. The Appointing Authority reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any time thereafter. It is to your benefit to submit your application as soon as possible.

These are Transportation Engineer 2 positions. However, the hiring manager reserves the right to fill the position at a lower level in the classification series based on candidate qualifications, providing an opportunity for an individual to gain the required experience on the job as part of a formal “in‑training” plan. The base salaries for each level are listed below.

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 ensuring that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individual’s lifestyle.

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.

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.

Equal Opportunity Statement 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 sidra.fields@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 25DOT‑NCR‑24639m in the subject line.

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