Assistant Project Engineer (WMS2) - Burlington

Assistant Project Engineer (WMS2) - Burlington

Salary

$92,016.00 - $118,008.00 Annually

Location

Skagit County - Other, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

26DOT-NWR-1W128

Department

Dept. of Transportation

Division

Northwest Region

Opening Date

06/02/2026

Closing Date

6/16/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

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 leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, manages the world's longest floating bridge, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

The Opportunity

WSDOT is seeking a collaborative and results-driven Assistant Project Engineer to support the Northwest Region's Burlington Project Engineering Office. In this role, you will assist in managing the development and delivery of design-bid-build and design-build transportation projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and in compliance with agency standards. This position plays a key role in supporting project delivery through engineering oversight, contract administration, and coordination with internal teams, external partners, and stakeholders to advance safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation improvements.

What to Expect

This position assists in the supervision of a project engineering office of up to 30 professional and technical engineering employees, with higher amounts during peak workload periods. The highest position managed is a Transportation Engineer 3. Some travel is required, and is typically local or regional, to perform site visits, meet with stakeholders or attend training.

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

• Certify, by use of Professional Engineer's stamp, that all WSDOT standards and policies are followed in the development of design documents, plans, and specifications.
• Strategically plan the budget, schedule, and workforce necessary to deliver capital improvement projects.
• Assist the Project Engineer in managing an office of professional and technical staff, including interns, temporary employees, and engineering consultants.
• Confirm assigned projects are managed in accordance with WSDOT policy and procedures to meet scope, schedule, budget, and documentation requirements.
• Ensure projects are delivered in an environmentally responsible manner consistent with applicable laws and permits.
• Partner with outside agencies, consultants, public entities, and internal departments to define project requirements and implement them in construction contracts.
• Report project status to WSDOT regional and statewide executive management to support accountability of project delivery.
• Coordinate input and resolve conflicts with internal staff, outside agencies, contractors, consultants, and the public.

Qualifications

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

• 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.
• Project Management & Scheduling: Demonstrated experience managing complex capital transportation projects to meet established scope, schedule, budget, quality, and documentation requirements. Demonstrated ability to manage and prioritize limited resources amongst competing priorities.
• Regulatory, Policy & Environmental Compliance: Demonstrated ability to ensure project compliance with applicable laws, regulations, permits, and agency policies, including environmental requirements, throughout project development and construction.
• Strategic Planning & Resource Management: Demonstrated ability to plan and manage project budgets, schedules, staffing, and consultant resources to deliver capital programs effectively and efficiently.
• Leadership: Experience leading and supervising professional and technical staff, including providing direction, performance feedback, and addressing personnel matters.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Partnership Building: Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with internal staff, external agencies, consultants, contractors, elected officials, and the public to define and deliver project requirements.
• Communication & Executive Reporting: Demonstrated ability to communicate technical, financial, and schedule information clearly and effectively, including reporting project status to executive leadership.
• Problem Solving & Conflict Resolution: Demonstrated ability to identify, analyze, and resolve complex technical, organizational, and stakeholder issues to maintain project progress and outcomes.
• Service-Oriented: Demonstrates a willingness to take action to meet the needs of others.
• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.

In addition to the competencies above, the following are also required:

• Registration as a Professional Engineer in Civil Engineering within the State of Washington, or the ability to obtain registration within six (6) months of hire.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

• Public Sector Transportation Experience: Experience delivering capital transportation projects within a public-sector environment.
• Project Delivery Methods: Experience designing, procuring, and administering transportation projects through design-bid-build and design-build methodologies.
• Consultant & Construction Contract Management: Experience managing engineering consultants and administering construction contracts.

Important Notes

• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• Some travel is required, and is typically local or regional, to perform site visits, meet with stakeholders or attend training.
• 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 Collective Bargaining Agreements. Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in Chapter 357-28 of the Washington Administrative Code.
• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• 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 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 telework options 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 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. 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.

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

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at Rachel.Giese@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-NWR-1W128 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. Thats 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, 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 01-07-2026

01

Do you currently hold a Professional Engineer (PE) license in Civil Engineering in the State of Washington, or are you able to obtain registration within six (6) months of hire?

• Yes, I currently hold a Washington PE license
• Yes, I can obtain registration within six (6) months of hire
• No

02

If you currently hold a Professional Engineer (PE) license, please provide your license number and issuing state. Otherwise, enter N/A.

03

Are you able and willing to travel locally and regionally to perform site visits, meet with stakeholders or attend training?

• Yes
• No

04

Please select the response that best describes your overall experience with transportation engineering and project delivery concepts, including PS&E development, highway construction practices, surveying, transportation design principles, environmental requirements, and project budgeting/programming.

• Expert: Independently apply advanced knowledge across multiple areas (PS&E, construction, surveying, design, environmental integration, and budgeting/programming) to lead or deliver complex transportation projects.
• Advanced: Apply working knowledge across most areas with minimal guidance and contribute to complex project delivery activities.
• Intermediate: Apply foundational knowledge in several areas with regular guidance or supervision.
• Basic: Have limited exposure to these technical areas but have not independently applied them in project delivery.
• No Experience: No experience in these areas.

05

Please briefly describe your experience related to transportation engineering, including PS&E development, construction practices, surveying, environmental integration, or budgeting/programming. If you do not have this experience, enter N/A.

06

Please select the response that best describes your experience managing transportation or capital projects to meet scope, schedule, budget, and quality requirements?

• Expert: Independently manage multiple complex capital projects, balancing competing priorities and resources to meet all delivery requirements.
• Advanced: Manage capital projects with minimal supervision while meeting scope, schedule, and budget expectations.
• Intermediate: Support project management activities under regular supervision.
• Basic: Have limited exposure to project scheduling or management activities.
• No Experience: No experience in this area.

07

Please select the response that best describes your experience ensuring compliance with laws, regulations, permits, and agency policies during project delivery?

• Expert: Independently ensure full compliance across complex projects, including environmental and permitting requirements.
• Advanced: Apply compliance requirements to projects with minimal supervision and coordinate with regulatory requirements.
• Intermediate: Assist with compliance activities under guidance.
• Basic: Have limited exposure to regulatory or compliance processes.
• No Experience: No experience in this area.

08

Please select the response that best describes your experience planning and managing project budgets, schedules, staffing, or consultant resources.

• Expert: Independently develop and manage complex budgets, schedules, and resource plans for capital programs or multiple projects.
• Advanced: Manage budgets, schedules, or resources with minimal supervision.
• Intermediate: Assist in planning or tracking project resources under guidance.
• Basic: Have limited exposure to planning or resource management.
• No Experience: No experience in this area.

09

Please select the response that best describes your experience leading or supervising staff or consultants.

• Expert: Independently lead and supervise teams, including performance management, coaching, and personnel-related decisions.
• Advanced: Provide direction and feedback to staff or consultants with minimal supervision.
• Intermediate: Assist in coordinating or guiding team members under supervision.
• Basic: Have limited experience in a leadership or coordination role.
• No Experience: No experience in this area.

10

Which of the following best describes your experience collaborating with internal teams, external agencies, contractors, or stakeholders.

• Expert: Independently lead coordination and relationship-building with diverse stakeholders to deliver project outcomes.
• Advanced: Collaborate effectively with multiple stakeholders with minimal supervision.
• Intermediate: Participate in stakeholder coordination activities under guidance.
• Basic: Have limited exposure to stakeholder engagement.
• No Experience: No experience in this area.

11

Please select the response that best describes your experience communicating technical or project information to varied audiences, including leadership.

• Expert: Independently prepare and deliver complex technical, financial, and schedule reports to executive-level audiences.
• Advanced: Communicate project information clearly to leadership and stakeholders with minimal supervision.
• Intermediate: Support preparation of reports or presentations under guidance.
• Basic: Have limited experience communicating technical information.
• No Experience: No experience in this area.

12

Please select the response that best describes your experience resolving complex technical, organizational, or stakeholder issues.

• Expert: Independently resolve complex and multi-stakeholder issues using advanced problem-solving and negotiation skills.
• Advanced: Resolve project issues with minimal supervision and support decision-making.
• Intermediate: Assist in problem-solving activities under guidance.
• Basic: Have limited exposure to conflict resolution or problem-solving in projects.
• No Experience: No experience in this area.

13

Please select the response that best describes your experience delivering capital transportation projects in a public-sector environment.

• Expert: Independently deliver multiple capital transportation projects in a public-sector environment.
• Advanced: Contribute significantly to public-sector transportation project delivery.
• Intermediate: Assist with public-sector transportation projects under supervision.
• Basic: Have limited exposure to public-sector transportation work.
• No Experience: No experience in this area.

14

Please briefly describe your experience working in a public-sector environment delivering capital transportation projects, including your role and responsibilities. If you do not have this experience, enter N/A.

15

Please select the response that best describes your experience with design-bid-build or design-build project delivery.

• Expert: Independently manage or lead design-bid-build and/or design-build project delivery.
• Advanced: Work extensively within both delivery methods with minimal supervision.
• Intermediate: Participate in one or both delivery methods under guidance.
• Basic: Have limited exposure to these delivery methods.
• No Experience: No experience in this area.

16

Please briefly describe your experience with design-bid-build and/or design-build project delivery, including your level of involvement. If you do not have this experience, please enter N/A.

17

Please select the response that best describes your experience managing consultants or administering construction contracts.

• Expert: Independently manage consultants and administer construction contracts for complex projects.
• Advanced: Manage consultant work or contract administration with minimal supervision.
• Intermediate: Assist with consultant coordination or contract administration.
• Basic: Have limited exposure to contract or consultant management.
• No Experience: No experience in this area.

18

Please briefly describe your experience managing consultants and/or administering construction contracts, including your specific responsibilities. If you do not have this experience, enter N/A

19

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)

20

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

Required Question

Employer State of Washington

Address View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504

Website http://www.careers.wa.gov