PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SPECIALIST, P.E.
Salary
$87,570.72 - $131,711.04 Annually
Location
Carson City
Job Type
Full-Time
Job Number
2026-02485
Department
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Opening Date
06/01/2026
Closing Date
Continuous
FLSA
Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit
D
Salary Grade
42
Full Physical Address of Position (City, State, Zip)
575 Little Lane, Carson City, NV 89712
Job Summary
The Nevada Department of Transportation is hiring for a Professional Engineering Specialist in the Geotechnical Section of the Materials Division in Carson City, NV. Incumbent will perform analysis and design of geotechnical projects in accordance with appropriate design specifications and division policies, develop contract documents, and provide support services during project construction. Responsibilities also include providing division management with recommendations on interpretation and application of geotechnical design codes, development of policy and procedure documents, and continuous improvement to the standard specifications and plans. Additionally, the incumbent will serve as a technical expert on American Association of State Highway and Transportation Official (AASHTO) policies, Transportation Research Board (TRB) and National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) or other research project committees. Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa. Please note that this position is on-site and does not offer remote work options. The Job Duties section listed in this announcement reflects the Statewide Class Specifications for all positions and does not fully correlate with the specific duties of this position.
Professional Engineering Specialists are experienced Professional Engineers (P.E.) who have detailed and in-depth knowledge and expertise that enables them to develop solutions to complex atypical design and/or construction challenges; advise management, engineering professionals and technical staff division/departmentwide on contract interpretation, conceptual design alternatives analyses, code interpretation, and specialized research and analysis related to best methods, materials and practices. The preponderance of duties and responsibilities of positions in this class is providing technical expertise for project development, specialized systems and/or functions and advanced research, analysis and problem solving in specialized areas of highway maintenance and construction.
Essential Qualifications
Masters degree from an accredited college or university in a civil engineering field such as geotechnical, structural, water resources, transportation or construction engineering, and licensure as a Professional Engineer which included practical experience relevant to the assignment; OR Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university in civil engineering, completion of 12 units of graduate level coursework relevant to the assignment, licensure as a Professional Engineer, and one year of professional post-licensure civil engineering experience; OR five years of professional experience as a Licensed Professional Engineer performing engineering work relevant to the assignment.
Job Duties
Professional Engineering Specialists are experienced Professional Engineers (P.E.) who have detailed and in-depth knowledge and expertise that enables them to develop solutions to complex atypical design and/or construction challenges; advise management, engineering professionals and technical staff division/departmentwide on contract interpretation, conceptual design alternatives analyses, code interpretation, and specialized research and analysis related to best methods, materials and practices. The preponderance of duties and responsibilities of positions in this class is providing technical expertise for project development, specialized systems and/or functions and advanced research, analysis and problem solving in specialized areas of highway maintenance and construction.
Consult with management regarding solutions and alternatives in specialized areas and on special projects; provide technical expertise in the application of advanced theories, concepts, and processes; research new technologies and processes to solve existing problems; develop innovative approaches to the application and utilization of new and advanced technology; and support management and staff department-wide by providing expertise, research, and analysis in specialized engineering areas.
Evaluate specific elements of research conducted by others and determine the applicability to specific design, construction, or maintenance projects in Nevada; prepare reports for management defining the issues, evaluation, possible solutions, costs, risks, and alternatives on projects that significantly impact the department's mission.
Research and analyze design proposals, specifications, manuals, new technology and new products, and other data to evaluate the feasibility, cost and maintenance requirements of designs or applications; conduct risk analysis based on cost benefit and probability of success or failure to quantify the risk associated with each recommended alternative.
Evaluate and interpret code requirements in relation to specific projects and recommend deviations as appropriate to the circumstances; provide technical direction to Professional Engineers and administration on the interpretation of the American Association of State & Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO) policy and applicable codes; review and make recommendations regarding the AASHTO policies; and develop and recommend design policies and procedures when there are no standard practices.
Act as lead designer on complex or major projects, directing the work assignments of a group of professional engineers; coordinate project activities on major projects with departmental divisions and various private and public agencies to determine and address their requirements.
Participate in public hearings to inform the public and receive comments about upcoming projects related to the area of specialization; participate in preliminary site investigations for complex projects with other division representatives.
Provide technical advice regarding design, construction, or program modifications and structural repairs to management and personnel in other divisions.
Serve on local, regional, and national technical committees and serve as the professional technical expert in court and/or litigation cases.
May serve as project lead and oversee the work of others or supervise subordinate staff as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of: mathematics, calculus, and differential equations to formulate and solve civil engineering problems; strength of materials as applied to the area of specialty.
Skills In: civil engineering principles and practices applicable to the area of specialization; economic analysis; finite element methods; probability and statistical analysis methods and techniques; design methods, applicable codes and associated theory related to the area of specialization; computer applications and the theoretical basis related to the area of specialization; project management methods and their application.
Ability to: conduct research to develop conclusions and recommendations; organize, analyze, and synthesize complex data and issues specific to the area of specialization; analyze and communicate technical ideas and solutions; delegate assignments; demonstrate leadership and project management skills. Skill in: making effective oral presentations to internal and external groups and organizations.
Recruiter Contact Information: Kristen Burke - kburke@dot.nv.gov
The State of Nevada is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to building diverse, inclusive, and innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, national origin, religion or belief, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, domestic partnership, genetic information (GINA), or compensation and/or wages.
Please send direct Inquiries or correspondence to the recruiter listed on this announcement.
Benefits include:
Health Insurance: Medical, dental, life, and disability insurance programs for employees and their dependents/family are offered through the Public Employees' Benefits Program (PEBP).
Vacation: Accrual of three weeks of annual leave each year.
Sick Leave: Accrual of three weeks of sick leave each year.
Holidays: 12 paid holidays per year.
Retirement: Participation in the Nevada Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). Employees do not contribute to Social Security but will contribute to PERS if their position is at 50% or more full-time equivalency. For more information on how PERS service may impact Social Security benefits, visit the SSA publication.
Deferred Compensation: The State offers a voluntary Deferred Compensation Program.
No Nevada state income tax.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness: Eligible due to public sector employment.
Longevity Payments Eligibility: Employees who have received a performance rating of "standard" or better and have completed eight (8) or more years of continuous service are eligible for longevity pay.
Additional benefits may apply to employees covered under a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), depending on their designated bargaining unit. For more information, visit the Labor Relations Unit (LRU).
For more details about your rights and responsibilities as a State of Nevada employee, please review the State of Nevada Employee Handbook (PDF).
The following are legal holidays:
January 1.............................................. New Years Day
Third Monday in January.................. Martin Luther King, Jr.s Birthday
Third Monday in February................ Washington's Birthday
Last Monday in May........................... Memorial Day
June 19................................................ Juneteenth Day
July 4.................................................... Independence Day
First Monday in September.............. Labor Day
Last Friday in October....................... Nevada Day
November 11........................................ Veterans Day
Fourth Thursday in November........ Thanksgiving Day
Friday following the Fourth Thursday in November...................... Family Day
December 25........................................ Christmas Day
When January 1, June 19, July 4, November 11, or December 25 falls on a Saturday, the preceding Friday is the observed legal holiday. If these days fall on Sunday, the following Monday is the observed holiday. Eligibility for holiday pay is covered by the provisions of NAC 284.255
01
Do you have any of the following?
02
A valid Nevada drivers license is required at the time of appointment and as a condition of continued employment. Can you meet this requirement?
03
This position requires travel up to 50% of the time. Can you meet this requirement?
04
This position requires a current Licensure as a Professional Engineer (P.E.). Can you meet this requirement?
05
This position requires experience specifically in geotechnical design of highway transportation facilities using American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials Load and Resistance Factor Design (AASHTO LRFD) Bridge Design Specifications. Can you meet this requirement?
Required Question
Employer State of Nevada (NV)
Address See Above for Agency Information
See Above for Posting Location, Nevada, 89701
Website https://nvjobs.nv.gov