Project Engineer



Project Engineer

Salary

$90,972.00 - $116,688.00 Annually

Location

Spokane County – Spokane, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Job Number

22DOT-ER-6W004

Department

Dept. of Transportation

Division

Eastern Region

Opening Date

01/20/2022

Closing Date

2/3/2022 11:59 PM Pacific

Description



About WSDOT
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is the steward of an integrated, multimodal transportation system that helps to ensure people and goods move safely and efficiently throughout the state. In addition to building, maintaining, and operating the state highway system, WSDOT operates the largest ferry system in the nation, manages the world's longest floating bridge, and recently completed the world's widest tunneling project. 
 
The Opportunity
WSDOT is currently seeking a professional engineer to provide strategic leadership to a Project Engineering Office in Spokane, WA. As the Project Engineer, you will be responsible for managing the delivery of projects from design and contract procurement through construction administration and project closeout for both Design-Build and Design-Bid-Build projects. The selected candidate will ensure all assigned projects are managed according to WSDOT policy, delivered on schedule, within budget, as well as constructible, maintainable, and cost effective. Work requires collaboration and coordination with region support groups, other regions, project offices, local, state, and federal agencies. The ideal candidate will model the core values of the Eastern Region and provide staff a balanced workplace, promoting training and development for professional growth and upward mobility, employee safety, workforce diversity, and pride in ownership.
 
What to Expect
This position leads and manages a project engineering office of 18-30 engineers and technicians responsible for the delivery of assigned design and construction projects. Success requires dedicated staff support, mentoring and management, to equip the project office to conduct close coordination and cooperation with region staff and support groups, headquarters, and project stakeholders to accomplish organizational goals and expectations.
 
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Project Engineer will:

  • 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, employee development plans and corrective action plans when needed.
  • 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 individuals both internal and external to the agency.
  • Build and sustain effective teams, form partnerships with other governmental agencies and external groups, lead change processes and to evaluate and implement process improvements.
  • Responsible for final design decisions and products that are environmentally responsible, operationally efficient and cost effective, which may include development of multiple design options leading to recommendations of a preferred alternative, and the development of the preferred alternative into the final product.
  • Deliver scope, schedule and budget of assigned projects and process change management documents for deviations.
  • Administer construction projects scope, schedule and budget of assigned projects and process change management documents for deviations. 
  • Responsible to negotiate and approve contract change orders.
  • Responsible for approval of contractor's schedules and contract dispute resolution.
 
Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:
  • A Professional Engineer license in the State of Washington, or a Professional Engineer license in another state with the ability to obtain licensure in Washington State within 6 months of employment.
  • An extensive background in transportation engineering and thorough understanding of WSDOT's highway engineering practices and technical procedures including but not limited to geometric design, geotechnical, structural, hydraulics, environmental, and material applications.
  • Strong skills in establishing plans and setting objectives and goals that support overall program strategy/results; monitoring, measuring performance, and making necessary course corrections to the same.
  • Excellent skills in effective communication with employees, peers, superiors, project stakeholders and the public. 
  • The ability to evaluate, coordinate, and respond to customer concerns and complaints.
  • The ability to make timely, effective decisions in the best interest of the department.
  • A strong working knowledge of principles of leadership and management.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering. 
  • Design-Build procurement and contract administration experience/training
 
Important Notes 
  • This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs. 
  • By issuance of proclamation, the Governor of Washington State mandates that all employees who work for executive cabinet agencies (which includes the Department of Transportation) must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. This is a condition of employment with WSDOT. Exemption may be granted for religious or medical purposes; however, accommodations will be subject to approval based on the essential functions required of the position.  
 
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 occasional telework for eligible positions.  
  • Paid Leave – In addition to 11 paid holidays, full-time employees earn a minimum 14 paid vacation days per year!
  • 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. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, as well as people of all sexual orientations and gender identities 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. For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov
 
Contact us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, Rachel Giese at GieseR@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 22DOT-ER-6W008 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 WAC 357-31-165(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 WAC 357-31-165(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 WAC 357-58-175, 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, are entitled to three (3) 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
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 12-31-2022

01
Do you have a Professional Civil Engineering license in the state of Washington?
  • Yes
  • No
  • I am licensed in another state
02
Do you have Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or closely related field of study?
  • Yes
  • No
03
How many years professional civil engineering experience do you have?
  • I have over ten (10) years of this experience.
  • I have 7 – 10 years of this experience.
  • I have 5 – 7 years of this experience.
  • I have 3 – 5 years of this experience.
  • I have 1 – 3 years of this experience.
  • I have less than one (1) year of this experience.
04
How many years of experience do you have supervising professional staff?
  • I have over ten (10) years of this experience.
  • I have 7 – 10 years of this experience.
  • I have 5 – 7 years of this experience.
  • I have 3 – 5 years of this experience.
  • I have 1 – 3 years of this experience.
  • Less than one (1) year of this experience.
05
Please describe any experience you have leading a diverse work group.
06
Do you have a valid driver's license?
  • Yes
  • No
07
By issuance of proclamation, the Governor of Washington State mandates that all WSDOT employees be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Exemption may be granted for religious or medical purposes; however, accommodations will be subject to approval based on the essential functions required of the position. Are you willing to accept and comply with this condition of employment?
  • Yes
  • No
08
How did you learn of this employment opportunity?
  • Indeed
  • LinkedIn
  • Direct Email Notification
  • Career Fair
  • Monster
  • WorkSource
  • AASHTO
  • NACTO
  • APWA
  • WSDOT Employment Site
  • Careers.wa.gov
  • governmentjobs.com
  • Other (specify below)
09
If you chose "WSDOT Employee", "Other", or "Networking/Social Event" as the option for how you heard about this job opportunity, please specify the person or event in the field below (Otherwise type N/A):

Required Question

Agency
State of Washington
Address
View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504
Phone
View Posting for Agency Contact