Salary : $92,016.00 - $118,008.00 Annually
Location : Pierce County - Tacoma, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 25DOT-OR-3W087
Department: Dept. of Transportation
Division: Olympic Region
Opening Date: 06/17/2025
Closing Date: 7/1/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

Description
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 has a unique and exciting opportunity for an experienced engineer in the Tacoma Project Engineering Office to assist in the delivery of projects that will provide significant benefits to the local community and environment. In this role, you will assist in providing leadership, management, and engineering oversight. The Assistant Principal Engineer will ensure, through effective management controls and adherence to WSDOT policies, that appropriate standards and practical solutions are incorporated into projects and that construction contracts are administered to the expected quality, safety, and stewardship standards. This position will provide staff a balanced workplace, which promotes training and development for professional growth and upward mobility, employee safety, workforce diversity, and pride in ownership. This position will also serve as a local WSDOT representative to legislators, local agencies, Industry, and the public.
What to Expect

The Olympic Region Construction and Project Development Offices lead, direct, and manage delivery of the region's highway construction program. This position reports directly to the Tacoma Project Engineer who reports to the Olympic Region Construction Office, and to the Region Project Development Office for matters related to pre-construction activities. This position assists the Project Engineer in leading and managing an engineering field office of approximately 25 engineers and technicians responsible for the delivery of assigned design and construction projects, which requires close coordination and cooperation with region staff and support groups, HQ, and project stakeholders to accomplish organizational goals and expectations. See attached Table of Organization.
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Assistant Project Engineer will:

• Assist the Project Engineer to provide leadership, management, and oversight to and engineering field office.
• Apply policy and standards to highway design and construction projects.
• Be responsible for deliverables pertaining to design documents and contract documentation, materials certifications, environmental compliance, change order management, EEO/COA compliance, final records, and contract reporting.
• Initiate personnel and staffing actions necessary to carry out program delivery.
• Ensure appropriate and optimum use of the organization's resources and enhance the effectiveness of employees through timely appraisal and professional development opportunities.
• Be responsible for participating in planning actions and completing training requirements to fulfill the assigned responsibilities in the event of the mobilization of the WSDOT Olympic Region Emergency Operations Center.
• Promote a safety focused work environment; actively engage in the Safety Office's Leading Indicators program.

Qualifications

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

• Licensed by the State of Washington as a Professional Engineer or be licensed as a Professional Engineer in another state with the ability to obtain licensure in Washington State within six (6) months of employment.
• Strong engineering background with experience managing significant design and construction contracts.
• Supervisory experience.
• A valid driver's license with the ability to legally operate vehicles in Washington State.
• Experience managing significant design and construction contracts.
• Strong working knowledge of principles of management with strategic leadership abilities to build and maintain effective teams; and demonstrated interpersonal skills to a diverse interdisciplinary workforce in developing and delivering multiple projects.
• Working knowledge of the state and federal department's design and construction principles and practices, contracting methods and procedures, and program (budget, schedule, environmental, quality, etc.) accountability.
• 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, and the public; written, verbal, and presentation skills to communicate information effectively and professionally to a diverse audience, including those with non-technical backgrounds, using a variety of electronic media.
• Skills to make responsible, timely, and effective decisions in the best interest of the department, based on an array of complex and competing issues.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Two (2) years of progressively responsible experience as a licensed professional engineer in construction or design of highways, bridges, and related structures.
• Four (4) years of demonstrated and progressively responsible managerial/supervisory experience in managing a diverse workforce.
• Experience supervising public sector employees in a union environment.
• Excellent knowledge of the department's design and construction principles and practices, contracting methods and procedures, stewardship agreement, and program (budget, schedule, environmental, quality, etc.) accountability.

*To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the Contact Us section of this posting.
Important Notes

• This position requires a Professional Engineers License issued by the State of Washington. License holders from other states will be expected to obtain a WA State PE license within six (6) months of appointment.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• The salary range listed includes the legislative approved general wage increase of 3%, effective on July 1, 2025.
• This role requires periodic visits to heavy civil construction sites; site visits may be performed in inclement weather in daytime or nighttime and require traversing rough, steep, and uneven terrain. Periodic weekend and evening work required as needed for delivery or emergency response.
• Travel is an expectation of the position and may be required on a regular, sporadic, or as needed basis. Travel (of less than 70 miles round trip) is primarily to perform site/field visits, attend off-site meetings, meet with stakeholders, or attend training. Overnight travel may be required.
• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• 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 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

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 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 for more information.

Check out this video to learn more:
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. NOTE: This information may 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.
Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, at . Please be sure to reference 25DOT-OR-3W087 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, 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

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

Are you a registered Professional Engineer in Washington State?

• Yes
• I am a registered Professional Engineer in another state and am able to obtain licensure in Washington State within six (6) months of employment.
• No

02

Please select the response that best describes your total years of experience managing design or construction contracts?

• 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 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.

03

In reference to the question above, please briefly describe your experience. If you do not have this experience, please enter N/A.
04

Do you have experience supervising public sector employees in a union environment?

• Yes
• No

05

Please select the response that best describes your total years of experience managing/supervising a diverse workforce.

• 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 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.

06

In reference to the question above, please briefly describe your experience. If you do not have this experience, please enter N/A.
07

Please select the response that best describes your total years of experience as a licensed professional engineer, in the construction or design of highways, bridges, and related structures.

• 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 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.

08

In reference to the question above, please briefly describe your experience. If you do not have this experience, please enter N/A.
09

This position performs work that includes traversing rough, steep, and uneven terrain. Are you willing and able to meet this requirement?

• Yes
• No

10

Do you have a valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No

11

How did you learn of this employment opportunity?

• Indeed
• LinkedIn
• 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)

12

If you selected 'Other' on the previous question, please specify how you learned of this employment opportunity in the space provided:
Required Question