State of Washington
Salary : $92,016.00 - $118,008.00 Annually
Location : Spokane County - Spokane, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 25DOT-ER-6W032
Department: Dept. of Transportation
Division: Eastern Region
Opening Date: 08/06/2025
Closing Date: 8/26/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
About WSDOT
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal organization with a global reputation for excellence! Our dedicated workforce is responsible to plan, design, build, and operate an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 18,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT manages the world's longest floating bridge, executes an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds a record for the world's widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!
The Opportunity
WSDOT is currently seeking an experienced engineer with exceptional leadership skills to fill the Assistant Project Engineer vacancy in Spokane, WA. As an Assistant Project Engineer, you will assist in providing leadership, management, and engineering oversight to a Design/Construction Project Office. In this role you will work closely with the Project Engineer to lead and manage an engineering office staff and ensure deliverables are completed on time, within budget, environmentally responsible, and meet WSDOT quality standards. Strong communication skills are vital in this role, as the Assistant Project Engineer is responsible for coordinating and cooperating with region support groups, HQ, and project stakeholders to accomplish agency goals and expectations. In addition, this position will provide staff with a balanced workplace, promoting training and development for professional growth and upward mobility, employee safety, workforce diversity, and pride in ownership. Your work will be pivotal in meeting the goals of this agency.
What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Assistant Project Engineer will:
To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:
Engineering: Extensive significant background in transportation engineering and thorough understanding of highway engineering practices and technical procedures including but not limited to traffic design, geotechnical, structural, hydraulics, environmental, and material applications.
Project Management: Knowledge and ability to implement project delivery tools to successfully deliver projects on time and within budget; administer WSDOT contracts, policies and guidelines to effectively manage and monitor project level budgets and to successfully negotiate/mediate contractual agreements and disputes.
Personnel Management and Leadership skills: Ability to empower and support a large and diverse staff, with a thorough knowledge of WSDOT's personnel management policies and procedures, to include employee development and recognition, with a focus on Core Values and Culture, performance plans and corrective action plans.
Communication: Ability to communicate, negotiate and partner with a variety of individuals both internal and external to the agency.
Strategic Leadership: Ability to work across boundaries, build and sustain effective teams, form partnerships with other governmental agencies and external groups, lead change processes and to evaluate and implement process improvements.
Licensing & Certification: Registration as a Licensed Professional Civil Engineer (PE).
It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:
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:
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 . Please be sure to reference Assistant Project Engineer #6W032 in the subject line.
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 07-21-2025
01
Do you have a Professional Engineer (PE) License within the state of Washington?
02
If you do have a current Civil Engineering PE license within the state of Washington, please provide the license number in the space provided. If you do not have this, please provide a description of your ability to obtain active registration as a Civil Engineer in the state of Washington within six (6) months of the date of hire, including whether you have passed relevant licensure exams or obtained licensure in a different state.
03
Please select the response that best describes your highest level of education:
04
Please list the highest level of education and field of study you have completed, as well as any other academic and/or professional development course you have completed.
05
Please select the response that best describes your total years of transportation engineering experience to include engineering practices and technical procedures including but not limited to traffic design, geotechnical, structural, hydraulics environmental and material applications:
06
Please briefly describe your transportation engineering experience to include engineering practices and technical procedures including but not limited to traffic design, geotechnical, structural, hydraulics environmental and material applications. If you do not have this experience, please note 'N/A'.
07
Please select the response that best describes your total years of experience with Project Management to include implementing project delivery tools to successfully deliver projects on time and within budget; administer contracts, policies and guidelines to effectively manage and monitor project level budgets and to successfully negotiate/mediate contractual agreements and disputes:
08
Please briefly describe your experience with Project Management to include implementing project delivery tools to successfully deliver projects on time and within budget; administer contracts, policies and guidelines to effectively manage and monitor project level budgets and to successfully negotiate/mediate contractual agreements and disputes. If you do not have this experience, please note 'N/A'.
09
Please select the response that best describes your total supervisory experience:
10
How did you learn of this employment opportunity?
11
If you selected 'Other' on the previous question, please specify how you learned of this employment opportunity in the space provided:
Required Question
Location : Spokane County - Spokane, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 25DOT-ER-6W032
Department: Dept. of Transportation
Division: Eastern Region
Opening Date: 08/06/2025
Closing Date: 8/26/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
About WSDOT
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal organization with a global reputation for excellence! Our dedicated workforce is responsible to plan, design, build, and operate an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 18,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT manages the world's longest floating bridge, executes an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds a record for the world's widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!
The Opportunity
WSDOT is currently seeking an experienced engineer with exceptional leadership skills to fill the Assistant Project Engineer vacancy in Spokane, WA. As an Assistant Project Engineer, you will assist in providing leadership, management, and engineering oversight to a Design/Construction Project Office. In this role you will work closely with the Project Engineer to lead and manage an engineering office staff and ensure deliverables are completed on time, within budget, environmentally responsible, and meet WSDOT quality standards. Strong communication skills are vital in this role, as the Assistant Project Engineer is responsible for coordinating and cooperating with region support groups, HQ, and project stakeholders to accomplish agency goals and expectations. In addition, this position will provide staff with a balanced workplace, promoting training and development for professional growth and upward mobility, employee safety, workforce diversity, and pride in ownership. Your work will be pivotal in meeting the goals of this agency.
What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Assistant Project Engineer will:
- Assist the Project Engineer in managing the daily operations of an engineering office.
- Empower and support a large and diverse staff with a thorough knowledge of WSDOT's personnel management policies and procedures, to include employee development, recognition performance plans, and corrective action plans.
- Implement project delivery tools to successfully deliver projects on time and within budget, administer WSDOT contracts policies and guidelines, to effectively manage and monitor project level budgets, and to successfully negotiate/mediate contractual agreements and disputes.
- Communicate, negotiate, and partner with a variety of stakeholders, including internal stakeholders, outside agencies, business groups, and neighborhood coalitions.
- Coordinate with outside agencies, utilities, consultants, public entities, stakeholders, and internal departments in the development and implementation of project management plans.
- Resolve conflicts efficiently and optimize scope, schedule, and budget.
- Ensure proper documentation of right of way and plan development and participate and testify in eminent domain cases.
To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:
Engineering: Extensive significant background in transportation engineering and thorough understanding of highway engineering practices and technical procedures including but not limited to traffic design, geotechnical, structural, hydraulics, environmental, and material applications.
Project Management: Knowledge and ability to implement project delivery tools to successfully deliver projects on time and within budget; administer WSDOT contracts, policies and guidelines to effectively manage and monitor project level budgets and to successfully negotiate/mediate contractual agreements and disputes.
Personnel Management and Leadership skills: Ability to empower and support a large and diverse staff, with a thorough knowledge of WSDOT's personnel management policies and procedures, to include employee development and recognition, with a focus on Core Values and Culture, performance plans and corrective action plans.
Communication: Ability to communicate, negotiate and partner with a variety of individuals both internal and external to the agency.
Strategic Leadership: Ability to work across boundaries, build and sustain effective teams, form partnerships with other governmental agencies and external groups, lead change processes and to evaluate and implement process improvements.
Licensing & Certification: Registration as a Licensed Professional Civil Engineer (PE).
It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:
- Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering or similar Engineering discipline.
- This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions for business needs.
- This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
- To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the "Contact Us" section of this posting.
- In addition to the 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 . Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in 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 .
- Work-Life Balance - We offer flexible work schedules that allow you time for your life outside of this excellent opportunity.
- 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 a choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to 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.
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 . Please be sure to reference Assistant Project Engineer #6W032 in the subject line.
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 07-21-2025
01
Do you have a Professional Engineer (PE) License within the state of Washington?
- Yes
- No
- No, but I have the ability to obtain this via comity/reciprocity within 6 months of hire.
02
If you do have a current Civil Engineering PE license within the state of Washington, please provide the license number in the space provided. If you do not have this, please provide a description of your ability to obtain active registration as a Civil Engineer in the state of Washington within six (6) months of the date of hire, including whether you have passed relevant licensure exams or obtained licensure in a different state.
03
Please select the response that best describes your highest level of education:
- Master's degree or higher
- Bachelor's degree
- Associate's or Technical (2-year) degree
- Some college, no degree
- High School Diploma
- None of the above
04
Please list the highest level of education and field of study you have completed, as well as any other academic and/or professional development course you have completed.
05
Please select the response that best describes your total years of transportation engineering experience to include engineering practices and technical procedures including but not limited to traffic design, geotechnical, structural, hydraulics environmental and material applications:
- I have ten (10) or more years of this experience
- I have 8 - 10 years of this experience
- I have 6 - 8 years of this experience
- I have 4 - 6 years of this experience
- I have 2 - 4 years of this experience
- I have less than two (2) years of this experience
- I do not have this experience
06
Please briefly describe your transportation engineering experience to include engineering practices and technical procedures including but not limited to traffic design, geotechnical, structural, hydraulics environmental and material applications. If you do not have this experience, please note 'N/A'.
07
Please select the response that best describes your total years of experience with Project Management to include implementing project delivery tools to successfully deliver projects on time and within budget; administer contracts, policies and guidelines to effectively manage and monitor project level budgets and to successfully negotiate/mediate contractual agreements and disputes:
- I have five (5) or more years of this experience
- I have 3 - 5 years of this experience
- I have 2 - 3 years of this experience
- I have less than two (2) years of this experience
- I do not have this experience
08
Please briefly describe your experience with Project Management to include implementing project delivery tools to successfully deliver projects on time and within budget; administer contracts, policies and guidelines to effectively manage and monitor project level budgets and to successfully negotiate/mediate contractual agreements and disputes. If you do not have this experience, please note 'N/A'.
09
Please select the response that best describes your total supervisory experience:
- I have three (3) or more years of this experience
- I have 2 - 3 years of this experience
- I have 1 - 2 years of this experience
- I have less than one (1) year of this experience
- I do not have this experience
10
How did you learn of this employment opportunity?
- Indeed
- Direct Email Notification
- WSDOT social media (Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, etc)
- Career Fair
- Monster
- WorkSource
- Handshake
- AASHTO
- NACTO
- COMTO
- APWA
- "NOW HIRING" banner/sign
- Radio advertisement
- WSDOT Employment Site
- Careers.wa.gov
- governmentjobs.com
- Other (specify below)
11
If you selected 'Other' on the previous question, please specify how you learned of this employment opportunity in the space provided:
Required Question