Salary : $66,072.00 - $98,064.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Lacey, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 26DOT-OR-33029
Department: Dept. of Transportation
Division: Olympic Region
Opening Date: 09/09/2026
Closing Date: 9/22/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Description
The Opportunity

WSDOT is currently seeking a skilled Transportation Engineer 2 to join the Olympic Region Materials and General Engineering Consultant (GEC) office in Lacey, WA to support the development, administration, and documentation of highway construction contracts in accordance with WSDOT standards, specifications, and plans. Under the direction of a Transportation Engineer 3, this position independently performs engineering assignments in the field, office, and laboratory, including daily construction inspection and verification that contractor work meets contract requirements. The candidate selected for this role will also perform materials sampling, testing, and acceptance activities. Through these responsibilities, this position helps ensure construction projects meet WSDOT's quality, safety, stewardship, and long-term resilience standards.
What to Expect

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

• Inspect active highway construction projects to verify conformance with plans, specifications, quality standards, quantities, and contract requirements.
• Document field conditions, maintain accurate inspection records, prepare pay estimates and final records, and interpret technical data and material test results.
• Perform specialized inspections and material testing for complex construction elements, including major bridges, pavements, illumination, signing, enclosed drainage systems, and accommodation of existing utilities.
• Collect, transport, and test construction materials and maintain material documentation, tracking systems, and records to verify material acceptability.
• Compile wage and equipment rates; monitor and adjust payments for materials; and review contractor's payroll, Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) goals, apprentice utilization, and training programs.
• Develop and administer change orders by preparing estimates and supporting documentation, evaluating schedule impacts, obtaining approvals, and tracking changes.
• Evaluate constructability issues, manage requests for information and submittals, support design solutions, and maintain as-built drawings and construction records.
• Perform laboratory testing and manage regional materials testing equipment, supplies, inventory, calibration, verification, maintenance, and repair while maintaining a safe and orderly work environment.

Qualifications

This is a Transportation Engineer 2 position. However, the hiring manager reserves the right to fill the position at a lower level in the 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:

• Foundational Engineering Technical Skills and Knowledge: Foundational knowledge of civil, structural, geotechnical, or transportation engineering principles, with the ability to apply engineering concepts to real-world transportation project scenarios.
• Technical Interpretation, Analysis, and Problem Solving: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret engineering plans, specifications, contract documents, manuals, and technical data; identify issues or discrepancies; and apply sound engineering judgment to support effective, practical solutions.
• Engineering Documentation and Records Management: Ability to accurately document engineering, inspection, survey, materials, or project support activities through reports, field notes, calculations, quantities, records, and other required documentation in accordance with established standards and procedures.
• Engineering Technology and Software: Ability to use, or learn to use, engineering-related software and digital tools to support design, analysis, documentation, inspection, data collection, and project delivery (e.g., CAD, databases, spreadsheets, and agency systems).
• Data Collection and Analysis: Skill in gathering, analyzing, and documenting data accurately to support engineering decisions.
• Communication Skills: Skills in communicating information effectively and professionally, both orally and in writing, to a diverse audience, including those with non-technical backgrounds, both virtually and in-person. Including listening, asking clarifying questions, and reflecting back on constructive feedback for continuous improvement.
• Software Proficiency: Proficiency with computers and software applications, including Microsoft Office. Skills to learn and operate engineering design software (i.e., AutoCAD, MicroStation, Civil 3D, or equivalent).
• Standards and Procedures: Experience learning and applying standards, policies, and procedures related to transportation engineering projects.
• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.

The following qualifications are also required:

• A valid driver's license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles for travel to and between project sites in support of field duties and essential job functions.
• Certification as a Certified General Inspector within 12 months of appointment.
• Ability to traverse rough, steep, and uneven terrain; perform duties low to the ground or at ground level; and stand for extended periods of time.
• Ability to maneuver and transport various materials and/or equipment weighing up to 40 pounds.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

• Civil Engineering Knowledge: Skills to apply technical civil engineering principles, practices,
• and methods to support project planning, design, and implementation. Experience gained through internships, co-ops, or project-based coursework in civil or transportation engineering.
• Construction and Contract Administration: Skills to apply construction practices and contract administration processes to ensure compliance with project specifications, timelines, and regulatory requirements.
• Inspection and Documentation: Skills to utilize inspection techniques and maintain accurate field documentation to verify the quality and quantity of work performed.

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 Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in of the Washington Administrative Code.
• This is a Transportation 2 position. However, the hiring manager reserves the right to fill the position at a lower level in the 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:
  1. Transportation Engineer 2: $72,900 - $98,064
  2. Transportation Engineer 1: $66,072 - $88,788

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 26DOT-OR-33029 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 th