| Location | Tumwater, WA |
| Salary | $88,788–$119,460 Per Year |
Construction Administration Specialist (TE4)
Salary
$88,788.00 - $119,460.00 Annually
Location
Thurston County - Tumwater, WA
Job Type
Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment
Remote Optional
Job Number
26DOT-HQ-04547
Department
Dept. of Transportation
Division
Headquarters
Opening Date
09/21/2026
Closing Date
10/12/2026 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 leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, manages the worlds longest floating bridge, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!
The Opportunity
WSDOT is currently seeking a Transportation Engineer 4 to join the State Construction Office's Administration Team in Tumwater, WA. This position works to help ensure federal and state requirements are met in the administration and documentation of construction projects statewide. In this role, you will help facilitate communication of policy requirements through the WSDOT Construction Manual and provide technical guidance, training, and other resources to Project Offices and Region staff.
You will serve as a statewide technical resource on complex construction administration, documentation, compliance, and apprenticeship utilization issues. Your work will also support statewide audits, construction forms and information resources, the State Construction Office SharePoint site, and WSDOT legacy systems, helping promote consistent and compliant construction practices across the agency.
What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you will:
Coordinate the biannual review and update of the WSDOT Construction Manual, including construction policies, procedures, standards, and applicable federal and state requirements related to contract administration.
Consult with Assistant State Construction Engineers (ASCEs), subject matter experts, approval authorities, Communications, FHWA, and other partners to evaluate proposed changes and ensure technical accuracy and consistency.
Analyze construction administration issues and lessons learned to identify needed changes to statewide guidance, procedures, or practices.
Organize, develop, and review technical content for publication and communicate changes to Region and Project Office staff.
Provide statewide technical consultation on complex construction contract administration, documentation, and compliance issues and develop technically sound recommendations or resolutions.
Provide technical guidance on prevailing wage, apprentice utilization, force account work, change orders, contract documentation, and applicable federal and state requirements.
Promote consistent statewide application of construction administration policies, procedures, and documentation requirements.
Monitor and evaluate statewide contractor compliance with WSDOT apprentice utilization requirements and applicable state law.
Analyze apprentice utilization data, Good Faith Efforts, and project documentation and communicate findings, trends, recommendations, and compliance concerns to stakeholders.
Serve as the technical resource for State Construction Office forms and related construction administration documentation.
Serve as the State Construction Office Title VI liaison and provide support for implementation of the evolving WSDOT Title VI Program as it relates to construction administration.
Conduct or participate in internal compliance audits of construction contract administration, project documentation, and payment records and recommend corrective actions or process improvements.
Serve as the primary point of contact for the State Construction Office SharePoint site and maintain statewide construction guidance, procedures, technical resources, and related information.
Provide technical support to other State Construction Office Administration Team functions, including E-Construction and Construction Training, as needed.
Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following competencies are required
Service-Oriented: Demonstrates a willingness to take action to meet the needs of others.
Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
Construction Contract Administration: Advanced knowledge of construction contract administration practices and applicable federal and state requirements to transportation construction projects.
Technical Analysis and Problem Solving: Demonstrated experience analyzing complex construction contracts, documentation, compliance, and payment issues; interpreting requirements; and developing sound recommendations or resolutions.
Policy and Guidance Development: Experience developing, delivering, and implementing technical policies, procedures, standards, and guidance related to contract administration for statewide deployment.
Technical Consultation: Experience serving as a technical consultant while using guidance, training, and clear communication to engineering, project, regional, and external stakeholders.
Project Management: Experience managing complex assignments, prioritizing competing work, exercising sound judgment, and achieving results with general direction.
Compliance and Process Improvement: Experience evaluating project records and practices for compliance, identifying trends or deficiencies, and recommending corrective action or process improvements.
Collaboration: Demonstrated proficiency in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships and contributing to an inclusive, respectful, and collaborative work environment.
It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:
Public Works Requirements: Knowledge of Washington State public works requirements related to prevailing wage, apprenticeship utilization, and applicable federal Davis-Bacon requirements.
Construction Audits: Experience conducting construction contract administration, documentation, payment, or compliance audits.
Statewide Guidance and Training: Experience developing or implementing statewide construction guidance, procedures, training, or technical resources.
Construction Information Systems: Experience working with construction administration information systems, electronic project documentation, or related data/reporting systems.
Important Notes
This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
This position offers 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 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 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.
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.
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-HQ-04547 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
Which best describes your knowledge of construction contract administration practices and applicable federal and state requirements for transportation construction projects?
02
Please describe your experience analyzing complex construction contracts, documentation, compliance, or payment issues; interpreting requirements; and developing recommendations or resolutions. If you do not have this experience, please enter N/A.
03
Please describe your experience developing, delivering, or implementing technical policies, procedures, standards, or guidance related to contract administration for statewide deployment. If you do not have this experience, please enter N/A.
04
Which best describes your experience managing complex assignments and prioritizing competing work?
05
Please describe your experience evaluating project records or practices for compliance, identifying trends or deficiencies, and recommending corrective actions or process improvements. If you do not have this experience, please enter N/A
06
Which best describes your knowledge of Washington State public works requirements related to prevailing wage, apprenticeship utilization, and applicable federal Davis-Bacon requirements?
07
Please describe your experience applying WSDOT construction policies, procedures, standards, or the WSDOT Construction Manual to transportation construction projects. If you do not have this experience, please enter N/A.
08
Please describe your experience working with construction administration information systems, electronic project documentation, or related data/reporting systems. If you do not have this experience, please enter N/A
09
How did you learn of this employment opportunity?
10
| 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