Job Description

Posting number: 26DOT-HQ-00436m

Department: Dept. of Transportation

Division: Headquarters

Job classification: TRANSPORTATION ENGINEER 5

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Engineering, Geology/Hydrology

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 leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, manages the world's longest floating bridge, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

The Opportunity

WSDOT is seeking two Senior Geotechnical Engineers to provide statewide technical leadership and expertise for complex transportation projects across Washington. In this role, you will lead advanced geotechnical analyses and design, develop practical solutions for challenging site and foundation conditions, and provide technical oversight throughout project development and construction. You will work on design-bid-build, mega, design-build, and other alternative delivery projects while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, consultants, contractors, and project partners. This position also serves as a senior technical resource within WSDOT's Geotechnical Office, providing guidance on complex geotechnical issues, mentoring engineering staff, and supporting statewide initiatives that advance geotechnical practices and transportation project delivery.

This is an in-training opportunity and may be filled at the Transportation Engineer 2, 3, 4, or 5 level, depending on the selected candidate's qualifications. Through progressively responsible assignments, mentorship, and successful completion of an in-training plan, employees have the opportunity to advance to the Transportation Engineer 5 level.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you will:

• Perform advanced geotechnical analysis and design for transportation projects of considerable scope and complexity, including evaluating site conditions, developing field exploration and laboratory testing plans, conducting geotechnical analyses, and developing foundation, retaining wall, ground improvement, and other geotechnical designs and recommendations.
• Lead and provide technical oversight for geotechnical work on design-bid-build, mega, design-build, and other alternative delivery projects.
• Serve as a senior technical resource, mentor and train engineering staff, coordinate geotechnical team assignments, and ensure designs and technical work comply with standards of practice, national codes, WSDOT policies, and project requirements.
• Support major and complex transportation projects by identifying geotechnical issues that may affect project design, construction, schedule, budget, or delivery, and developing or facilitating practical solutions with multidisciplinary project teams.
• Provide geotechnical construction support by advising project teams on incorporating geotechnical recommendations into contract documents, preparing or reviewing contract provisions and RFP sections, reviewing contractor submittals, evaluating changed site conditions and claims, participating in pre-construction meetings, and conducting field visits to support construction activities.
• Manage multiple geotechnical projects and assignments by developing scopes of work and cost estimates, coordinating consultants and multidisciplinary teams, establishing priorities, tracking schedules and budgets, communicating project status, and representing the Geotechnical Office with regional and statewide clients.
• Coordinate and oversee consultant work by developing and negotiating scopes of work and cost estimates, directing the preparation of geotechnical reports and technical deliverables, and reviewing consultant work for quality, adequacy, and consistency with WSDOT geotechnical policies and project requirements.
• Represent the Geotechnical Office statewide by providing technical expertise during emergency response activities, value engineering studies, cost risk assessments, and other initiatives, and by communicating geotechnical policies and guidelines to WSDOT staff and project partners.

Qualifications

This is a Transportation Engineer 5 position. 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.

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

• Education and Training: A minimum of 20-quarter or 15-semester college level credit hours in soil mechanics, foundation engineering, or geotechnical engineering. Continuing Education Units (CEU) will be considered on a case-by-case basis (one (1) CEU is equivalent to 1-quarter or 0.75-semester college level credit hour).
• Geotechnical Engineering: Demonstrated ability to apply geotechnical engineering principles including site characterization, field exploration, laboratory testing, seismic evaluation, foundation design, retaining wall design, ground improvement, and engineering analysis to support transportation projects.
• Technical Analysis and Problem Solving: Ability to evaluate complex engineering data, exercise sound engineering judgment, and develop practical geotechnical solutions.
• Project Management: Ability to manage multiple assignments, prioritize competing work, coordinate multidisciplinary teams, and deliver projects within established schedules and budgets.
• Communication: Ability to communicate complex technical information effectively through written reports, technical recommendations, meetings, and presentations with technical and non-technical audiences.
• Field Investigations: Ability to safely conduct field investigations while following established safety practices.
• Licensure/Certification: Ability to obtain the required licensure or certification as outlined in the in-training plan.
• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.
• Valid driver's license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.

At the TE5 level, the following required:

• Licensure as a Professional Engineer (Civil) in Washington State.
• Experience performing complex geotechnical engineering analysis and design on multiple concurrent projects.

At the TE4 level, the following is required

• Licensure as a Professional Engineer (Civil) in Washington State.
• Experience performing complex geotechnical engineering analysis and design on one or more projects.
  

At the TE3 level, the following is required

• Certification as an Engineer-in-Training in Washington State.
• Experience performing geotechnical engineering analysis and design on multiple concurrent projects.

At the TE2 level, the following is required

• Certification as an Engineer-In-Training in Washington State.
• Experience performing geotechnical engineering analysis and design on multiple one or more projects.
  

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• 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.
• This is a Transportation Engineer 5 position. 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:
  • Transportation Engineer 5: $98,064 – $131,868
  • Transportation Engineer 4: $88,788 – $119,460
  • Transportation Engineer 3: $80,496 – $108,228
  • Transportation Engineer 2: $72,900 – $98,064
• 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.
• Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees mayearn 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 Rachel.Giese@wsdot.wa.gov Please be sure to reference 26DOT-HQ-00436m in the subject line.