Salary : $122,400.00 - $149,724.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Lacey, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 26DOT-OR-3W035e
Department: Dept. of Transportation
Division: Olympic Region
Opening Date: 07/28/2026
Closing Date: 8/11/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

The Opportunity
WSDOT is currently seeking a Region Local Programs Engineer to lead the Region Local Programs Office and strengthen partnerships that deliver transportation improvements across Washington. In this key leadership role, you will collaborate with local agencies, Tribal Governments, regional organizations, and the Federal Highway Administration to help advance federally and state-funded transportation projects that serve communities statewide. Your expertise will help ensure projects are delivered in compliance with state and federal requirements while supporting safe, reliable, and efficient transportation systems. This position plays a vital role in advancing WSDOT's mission by fostering collaboration, promoting accountability, and improving mobility and public safety for the traveling public.
What to Expect
This position provides technical direction, guidance, and training for internal and external staff. Occasionally requested by agencies to be on interview panels for the selection of key staff members or consultants.

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

• Lead, plan, organize, and supervise the Region Local Programs Office, ensuring effective use of resources, maintaining high ethical and professional standards, and supporting a diverse workforce.
• Administer and enforce compliance with state and federal laws, regulations, and funding requirements for transportation programs and projects, applying appropriate oversight to protect federal funding and address noncompliance.
• Oversee project management and serve as the approving authority for federally funded projects administered by non-certified local agencies, including consultant selection, agreements, project design, plans, specifications, estimates, contract advertisement and award, change orders, contractor claims, final inspections, and project closeout.
• Conduct project risk assessments, monitor project delivery, and provide technical, schedule, financial, and funding oversight throughout all project phases, including planning, environmental documentation, right of way, design, and construction.
• Provide technical guidance, consultation, training, and federal compliance support to local agencies, including assistance with consultant procurement and project administration.
• Build and maintain collaborative partnerships with local agencies, Tribal Governments, MPOs, RTPOs, and other stakeholders, representing WSDOT and facilitating coordination, transportation agreements, and route transfer processes.
• Resolve complex transportation issues and politically sensitive conflicts between WSDOT and local agencies, advocate for mutually beneficial solutions, and represent local agency interests during transportation planning and project delivery.
• Respond to inquiries from the public, media, and legislative officials, gather customer feedback, and recommend improvements to enhance program effectiveness and stakeholder satisfaction.

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

• Professional Licensure: Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) in Civil Engineering in the State of Washington, or the ability to obtain Washington State PE licensure within 3 months of hire.
• Engineering Management: Applies sound engineering judgment and extensive knowledge of project development, construction principles, contract administration, and program delivery, including budget, schedule, environmental, and quality accountability.
• Strategic Planning and Program Management: Develops strategic plans, establishes performance objectives, monitors results, and implements corrective actions to achieve program goals.
• Communication and Stakeholder Relations: Communicates effectively with executives, employees, elected officials, industry partners, media, and the public while addressing customer needs and concerns.
• Contract Administration and Decision-Making: Evaluates and resolves complex contractual issues and disputes, making timely, sound decisions that support organizational objectives.
• Leadership and Workforce Development: Leads and develops a diverse workforce while fostering a culture of respect, inclusion, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Driver's License: Possesses and maintains a valid, unrestricted driver's license and is able to operate a state-owned vehicle and travel to project sites as needed.
• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Demonstrates a willingness to take action to meet the needs of others.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Technical Civil Engineering Expertise: Demonstrates advanced knowledge of civil engineering principles related to the design, construction, and maintenance of transportation infrastructure, including highways and bridges.
• Leadership and Project Delivery: Effectively leads teams and oversees the delivery of complex transportation programs and projects while supporting successful project administration.

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

• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options. Regular in-person presence is expected.
• 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

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.

Contact Us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at Please be sure to reference 3W035e 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 ho