Transportation Engineer 3

Transportation Engineer 3

Salary

$80,496.00 - $108,228.00 Annually

Location

Chelan County - Wenatchee, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Job Number

26DOT-NCR-20028

Department

Dept. of Transportation

Division

North Central Region

Opening Date

10/14/2026

Closing Date

10/28/2026 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 worlds longest floating bridge, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

The Opportunity

WSDOT is currently seeking a Transportation Engineer 3 to provide leadership across design and construction engineering functions within the Project Engineering Office (PEO). This position plays a key role in delivering highway projects that improve the safety, quality, and capacity of Washington's transportation system. Through effective oversight of design and construction activities, this position helps ensure projects are developed and built to meet WSDOT standards, contract requirements, and the needs of the traveling public. The work directly supports WSDOT's mission by helping deliver a safe, reliable, and resilient transportation system for communities across the state.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Transportation Engineer 3 will:

• Develop and oversee contracts and design documentation for State Highway projects, including reports, contract plans, specifications, and estimates.
• Manage project development schedules, coordinate deliverables and milestones with support offices, project engineers, and outside partners, and report project status, schedule, and budget to Engineering Management.
• Direct complex and multiple small-scale design projects through design and plan preparation, including roadway, environmental, right of way, access control, and specialized engineering features.
• Perform CADD and computer-aided design work, evaluate field and engineering data, and analyze accident, traffic, hydraulics, environmental constraints, and design standards to support project development.
• Mentor others in the proper implementation of WSDOT design processes, design documentation, inspection methods, and contract requirements.
• Serve as Chief Inspector for multiple construction projects, overseeing contractor work and ensuring compliance with contract plans, specifications, and requirements.
• Direct and perform construction inspection activities, including staking, field data and paying quantities, earthwork, concrete, asphalt paving, drainage, highway structures, materials testing, and plant operations.
• Coordinate with contractors, Office Engineers, and engineering staff; prepare and coordinate contract estimates and final records; and document contract work and field activities.

Qualifications

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

• Engineering Knowledge - Foundational knowledge of transportation engineering principles and experience applying concepts, standards, and practices in the delivery of transportation projects.
• Project Management: Experience in preparing and managing project development schedules.
• Leadership: Experience in leading, training, and overseeing staff in the successful completion of project work.
• Construction Inspection: Experience inspecting contractor work, including preparing field note records and daily reports and ensuring contractor compliance with regulatory standards.
• Roadway Design: Experience evaluating data, using standard engineering software to create designs and plan sheets, and preparing records, estimates, and other documents. Knowledge of databases, manuals, and other documents to ensure conformity to design standards.
• Communication: Effective written and verbal communication skills, including coordinating with diverse audiences and running meetings.
• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Demonstrates a willingness to take action to meet the needs of others.

In addition to one of the above, the following are also required

• Field Travel and Vehicle Operation: Valid driver's license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles for travel to and between project sites, including remote areas and locations inaccessible to the public (such as shoulders or active construction zones).
• Physical Mobility and Terrain Navigation: Ability to traverse rough, steep, and uneven terrain.
• Physical Capacity and Equipment Handling: Ability to maneuver and transport various materials and/or equipment up to 50 pounds.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Professional Engineering: Certification as a licensed Professional Engineer.
• Engineering Fundamentals: Certification as an Engineer in Training (EIT).
• Engineering Design Technology: Proficiency in the engineering design software OpenRoads.
• Geographic Knowledge: Knowledge of the surrounding area.

To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the Contact Us section of this post.

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 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, please visit www.uscis.gov

Why WSDOT

• Work-Life Balance - We are committed to ensuring that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals' lifestyle.
• 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 a 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.

To be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application:

• An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
• An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
• 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.

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 recruiter listed.

Contact us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at Sidra.Fields@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-NCR-20028 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 possess a valid driver's license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles for travel to and between project sites, including remote areas and locations inaccessible to the public (such as shoulders or active construction zones)?

• Yes
• No

02

Are you able to traverse rough, steep, and uneven terrain as required to perform field work at transportation project sites?

• Yes
• No

03

Are you able to maneuver and transport various materials and/or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds as required to perform field work?

• Yes
• No

04

Briefly describe your experience applying transportation engineering principles, standards, and practices to the development and delivery of transportation projects. If you do not have this experience, put N/A.

05

Which statement best describes your experience preparing and managing project development schedules for transportation projects?

• I have independently developed and managed schedules for multiple complex projects, coordinated milestones and deliverables across project teams, and monitored progress against established schedules.
• I have developed and managed project schedules and coordinated deliverables and milestones with internal staff, support offices, or external partners.
• I have assisted with developing and maintaining project schedules and tracking project milestones and deliverables.
• I have limited experience supporting project scheduling or tracking project milestones.
• I have no experience preparing or managing project development schedules.

06

Briefly describe your experience leading, training, or overseeing staff in the successful completion of project work. If you do not have this experience, put N/A.

07

Which statement best describes your experience inspecting contractor work and documenting construction activities for transportation projects?

• I have served as a lead or chief inspector on multiple construction projects, directed inspection activities, prepared field documentation and daily reports, and ensured contractor compliance with contract requirements, plans, specifications, and applicable standards.
• I have independently inspected contractor work, prepared field notes and daily reports, documented quantities and materials, and addressed contractor compliance with contract requirements.
• I have performed construction inspection activities under the direction of experienced inspection staff, including documenting field activities and verifying work against plans and specifications.
• I have limited experience assisting with construction inspection or field documentation.
• I have no experience inspecting contractor work or documenting construction activities.

08

Which statement best describes your experience developing plans, specifications, and estimates for roadway design projects?

• I have independently developed complex roadway designs and plan sheets using OpenRoads or similar engineering design software and prepared related estimates, specifications, reports, and other project documentation.
• I have used engineering design software to support roadway design, plan preparation, or project documentation under the guidance of experienced engineers.
• I have limited academic or practical experience using engineering design software for transportation projects.
• I have no experience using engineering design software for roadway or transportation project design.

09

| 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)

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