Assistant Project Engineer (WMS Band 2)

Benefits

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 seeking a skilled and professional Assistant Project Engineer to support the delivery of critical transportation projects in Mt. Vernon. In this role, you will provide oversight as a licensed professional engineer, guiding design projects, preparing contracts, and administering construction contracts to ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and safely, with minimal impact to the traveling public.

This position requires a strong commitment to safety, placing personal team, and public safety as the top priority in all planning and execution activities. You will also be expected to incorporate sustainable transportation practices into project delivery, helping WSDOT advance environmentally responsible solutions while delivering high-quality infrastructure.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Assistant Project Engineer will:

Ensure all assigned projects are managed according to WSDOT policy, delivered on or before scheduled due date, within or under budgeted amount, and are constructible, maintainable and cost effective for all stakeholders and customers. Certify, by use of Professional Engineer's stamp, that all WSDOT standards and policies were followed in the development of all design documents, plans and specifications that were produced in the organization and any changes executed in the administration of construction projects. Strategically plan the budget schedule and workforce necessary to deliver capital improvement projects. Assist the Project Engineer in the management of an office of professional and technical engineers, including summer interns, temporary employees, and engineering consultants. Ensure that all assigned projects are managed in accordance with WSDOT policy and procedures to meet the desired scope, schedule, budget, and documentation for the project. Ensure the projects are delivered in an environmentally responsible manner consistent with applicable laws and permits. Partner with outside agencies/consultants/public entities and internal departments regarding what provisions will be addressed in the project development process for each project and executing the resulting requirements in construction contracts. Report on the status of assigned projects to WSDOT Regional and Statewide Executive management to support and improve the accountability of WSDOT.

Qualifications

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

Professional Licensure & Credentials: Registered as a Professional Engineer in the State of Washington or able and willing to obtain licensure within 6 months of hire date. Valid driver’s license and the ability to operate a state-owned vehicle.

Technical Knowledge & Application: In-depth knowledge of highway design, plan, specification, and estimate (PS&E) preparation. Understanding of highway construction principles and practices, including field operations and contractor coordination. Proficiency in surveying techniques and practices applicable to transportation projects. Knowledge of transportation design principles, common transportation issues, and methods for analyzing and resolving transportation problems. Familiarity with environmental laws, regulations, and issues, and ability to integrate compliance requirements into project delivery. Understanding of programming, budgeting procedures, and legislative processes as they relate to transportation project planning and execution.

Leadership & Management: Ability to create and manage work schedules for multiple employees and tasks, ensuring timely and efficient project delivery. Demonstrated skill in strategic leadership, including coaching, developing, and mentoring subordinates to enhance team performance. Proven ability to solve complex problems and make sound decisions in dynamic and high-pressure environments. Ability to simultaneously manage and monitor multiple project budgets, ensuring fiscal responsibility and adherence to scope and schedule. Strong interpersonal skills, including ability to work effectively with diverse personalities, mediate conflicts, and producing positive outcomes.

It is

preferred

that qualified candidates also have:

Bachelor of Science Degree in the field of Civil Engineering, or closely related field of study.

Effective team coordination skills, to develop and implement long-term workforce plans, manage team and individual training, evaluate professional performance.

Ability to facilitate agreements between competing interests; to design and deliver highway construction contracts.

Effective communication in both a public and interpersonal setting.

Work with diverse groups and individuals within WSDOT and with various outside agencies and groups to complete assigned projects and meet the department's goals and project requirements.

Working knowledge of Washington State Department of Transportation's (WSDOT) highway engineering practices, technical procedures, and management processes.

Important Notes

This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per 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 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 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 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. 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 amanda.strebeck@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference Assistant Project Engineer #1W091 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.

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, 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

Parental Leave

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

• Ensure all assigned projects are managed according to WSDOT policy, delivered on or before scheduled due date, within or under budgeted amount, and are constructible, maintainable and cost effective for all stakeholders and customers.
• Certify, by use of Professional Engineer's stamp, that all WSDOT standards and policies were followed in the development of all design documents, plans and specifications that were produced in the organization and any changes executed in the administration of construction projects.
• Strategically plan the budget schedule and workforce necessary to deliver capital improvement projects.
• Assist the Project Engineer in the management of an office of professional and technical engineers, including summer interns, temporary employees, and engineering consultants.
• Ensure that all assigned projects are managed in accordance with WSDOT policy and procedures to meet the desired scope, schedule, budget, and documentation for the project.
• Ensure the projects are delivered in an environmentally responsible manner consistent with applicable laws and permits.
• Partner with outside agencies/consultants/public entities and internal departments regarding what provisions will be addressed in the project development process for each project and executing the resulting requirements in construction contracts.
• Report on the status of assigned projects to WSDOT Regional and Statewide Executive management to support and improve the accountability of WSDOT.

• Professional Licensure & Credentials: Registered as a Professional Engineer in the State of Washington or able and willing to obtain licensure within 6 months of hire date. Valid driver’s license and the ability to operate a state-owned vehicle.
• Technical Knowledge & Application: In-depth knowledge of highway design, plan, specification, and estimate (PS&E) preparation. Understanding of highway construction principles and practices, including field operations and contractor coordination. Proficiency in surveying techniques and practices applicable to transportation projects. Knowledge of transportation design principles, common transportation issues, and methods for analyzing and resolving transportation problems. Familiarity with environmental laws, regulations, and issues, and ability to integrate compliance requirements into project delivery. Understanding of programming, budgeting procedures, and legislative processes as they relate to transportation project planning and execution.

• Benefits
• Paid Leave
• Tuition Assistance
• Plan For Your Future
• Healthcare Options
• State Retirement Programs
• Other Compensation Benefits