State Work Zone Engineer (TTE)

State Work Zone Engineer (TTE)

Salary

$98,064.00 - $131,868.00 Annually

Location

Thurston County - Tumwater, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

26DOT-HQ-03523

Department

Dept. of Transportation

Division

Headquarters

Opening Date

08/26/2026

Closing Date

9/9/2026 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 seeking a transportation engineer to provide statewide subject matter expertise in work zone traffic control, multimodal transportation design, and traffic analysis while supporting a broad range of planning, design, and operational initiatives. As the State Work Zone Engineer, you will work collaboratively with regional staff, headquarters specialists, consultants, and local agencies to provide technical leadership and independent engineering judgment, ensuring project decisions reflect sound engineering practices, multimodal principles, and consistent application of departmental policies and procedures. In this role, you will apply state-of-the-practice analytical methods and design techniques; interpret and apply national and state standards and guidance; and support traffic design, traffic analysis, and work zone traffic control activities across regions and projects. The State Work Zone Engineer will also serve as a statewide technical resource and exercise final review authority within assigned areas of responsibility.

What to Expect

This position performs work that requires work a Combination of office and field work, which has limited exposure to work zone traffic control and traffic hazards.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the State Work Zone Engineer will:

• Independently review and interpret complex analyses for alignment with departmental policies, engineering principles, and program goals.
• Communicate findings, recommendations, and required revisions to internal and external partners, including regional staff, consultants, and local agencies, to build consensus and support informed decision-making.
• Provide both high-level guidance and project-specific technical assistance to regions, ensuring that analysis, documentation, and design decisions meet agency expectations.
• Develop, maintain, update and deliver training materials on assigned temporary traffic control, including emerging practices and agency requirements.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of evolving tools and methodologies, and effectively communicate technical concepts to audiences with varying levels of experience, both virtually and in-person
• Provide advanced engineering guidance, interpretation, independent reviews, and policy development for traffic control materials and practices.
• Develop, update, and interpret statewide policies, standards, and procedures.
• Review design and construction documentation, offer technical recommendations, and participate in partner coordination.
• Conduct technical evaluations of traffic control materials.

Qualifications

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

• Work Zone Traffic Control & Transportation Engineering: Demonstrated expertise and ability to plan, design, review, evaluate, and inspect work zone traffic control and transportation management plans and to apply advanced transportation engineering principles across planning, design, operations, safety, work zones, construction staging, and multimodal transportation systems.
• Independent Engineering Judgment, Analysis & Recommendations: Demonstrated ability to exercise independent engineering judgment; evaluate complex analyses and alternatives; conduct technical research; interpret standards and policies; and develop clear, technically sound engineering guidance and recommendations.
• Technical Consultation & Coordination: Demonstrated ability to provide advanced technical consultation, coordinate interdisciplinary efforts, and provide technical leadership, mentoring, and guidance to professional and technical staff in collaborative, non-supervisory environments.
• Engineering Policies, Standards, & Technical Guidance: Demonstrated ability to develop, evaluate, interpret, and implement engineering policies, standards, procedures, and technical guidance related to traffic control practices, materials, and specifications, including supporting statewide implementation and procurement.
• Technical Training & Professional Development: Demonstrated ability to develop, update, and deliver technical training and certification materials related to temporary traffic control practices and agency requirements and support statewide training oversight and professional development.
• Technical Communication & Documentation: Demonstrated ability to communicate complex technical information and engineering concepts effectively through technical documentation, reports, presentations, stakeholder coordination, technical reviews, and communication with internal and external partners.
• Emerging Practices & Innovation: Demonstrated ability to research emerging practices, evaluate technical innovations, and support implementation of engineering improvements aligned with agency priorities.
• Technical & Productivity Tools: Demonstrated ability to use productivity and technical software tools to support engineering analysis, drafting, documentation, plan review, and program delivery.
• Growth Mindset & Service-Oriented: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth. Takes action to meet the needs of others.

The following qualifications are also required:

• Ability to travel statewide to conduct technical reviews, coordination meetings, training delivery, and field-based activities.
• A valid driver's license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles and the ability to obtain a Washington State license within six (6) months of hire.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate/have:

• Advanced Engineering Practice: Demonstrated ability to perform advanced engineering work consistent with independent engineering practice. Licensed as a Professional Engineer (Civil) in the state of Washington.
• Traffic Operations & Safety Analysis: Demonstrated ability to apply specialized traffic operations, transportation management, and safety analysis techniques.
• Transportation Project Development & Delivery: Demonstrated ability to apply knowledge of transportation project development and delivery processes.
• Roadway & Multimodal Design: Demonstrated ability to apply roadway and multimodal design principles across a range of transportation facilities.
• Transportation Analysis & Drafting Tools: Demonstrated ability to use transportation analysis and drafting tools to support engineering evaluation and plan review.
• Engineering Manuals & Guidance: Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply agency engineering manuals, policies, and nationally recognized transportation engineering guidance.
• To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the Contact Us section of this posting.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• This position requires regular travel that is typically local or regional, to conduct field assessments, attend meetings, or attend or provide training. Primarily in-state travel with periodic overnight travel.
• 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 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 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. NOTE: This information may 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 Robyn.Lovely@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-HQ-03523 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

Please briefly describe your most recent transportation engineering or work zone inspector role and responsibilities. If you do not have this experience, please enter N/A.

02

Work Zone Traffic Control and Transportation Engineering: Which best describes your experience planning, designing, reviewing, evaluating, developing policies, and inspecting work zone traffic control and transportation management plans and applying advanced transportation engineering principles?

• I have extensive experience independently leading complex work zone traffic control and transportation management plans and applying advanced transportation engineering principles across planning, design, operations, safety, construction staging, and multimodal transportation systems.
• I have substantial experience independently developing, reviewing, evaluating, or inspecting complex work zone traffic control and transportation management plans and applying transportation engineering principles across multiple areas of practice.
• I have experience supporting the development, review, evaluation, or inspection of work zone traffic control or transportation management plans and applying established transportation engineering principles.
• I have limited experience assisting with work zone traffic control, transportation management plans, or transportation engineering activities under the direction of others.
• I have no experience in this area.

03

Please briefly describe your experience exercising independent engineering judgment to evaluate complex analyses and alternatives, conduct technical research, interpret standards and policies, and develop technically sound engineering guidance or recommendations. If you do not have this experience, please enter N/A.

04

Technical Leadership and Coordination: Which best describes your experience providing technical leadership, consultation, coordination, mentoring, or guidance in collaborative, non-supervisory environments?

• I routinely provide advanced technical leadership, consultation, coordination, mentoring, or guidance on complex or high-impact projects, programs, initiatives, or issues. My experience may include working across organizations, agencies, jurisdictions, disciplines, or stakeholder groups and may have significant local, regional, statewide, or broader implications.
• I independently provide technical consultation, coordinate collaborative or interdisciplinary efforts, and provide guidance, mentoring, or expertise to others in support of complex projects, programs, initiatives, or community needs.
• I provide technical guidance, coordination, mentoring, or subject-matter expertise to team members, colleagues, community partners, stakeholders, or other groups and participate in collaborative or interdisciplinary activities.
• I assist with coordination, provide technical support or guidance to others, or contribute technical expertise to collaborative efforts under the direction of others.
• I have no experience providing technical leadership, consultation, coordination, mentoring, or guidance in collaborative, non-supervisory environments.

05

Please briefly describe your experience providing technical leadership, consultation, coordination, mentoring, or guidance. If you do not have this experience, please enter N/A.

06

Engineering Policies, Standards, and Technical Guidance: Which best describes your experience developing, evaluating, interpreting, and implementing engineering policies, standards, procedures, or technical guidance?

• I have led the development, interpretation, evaluation, and implementation of complex engineering policies, standards, procedures, or technical guidance with statewide or organization-wide application, including guidance related to engineering materials, specifications, or procurement.
• I independently interpret and apply engineering policies, standards, procedures, and technical guidance and provide recommendations regarding their application to complex projects or programs.
• I regularly apply established engineering policies, standards, procedures, and technical guidance to engineering work and provide technical input when requirements are unclear or evolving.
• I primarily apply established requirements under the direction or review of others.
• I have no experience in this area.

07

Technical Training & Professional Development: Which best describes your experience developing, updating, delivering, or overseeing technical training, certification materials, or professional development.

• I have developed, updated, delivered, or overseen technical training, certification materials, or professional development programs with a national or statewide scope, serving employees, professionals, or stakeholders across multiple organizations, locations, or jurisdictions.
• I have developed, updated, delivered, or overseen technical training, certification materials, or professional development programs for an agency, department, or WSDOT Region, supporting employees or teams across multiple work units, locations, or functions.
• I have developed, updated, or delivered technical training, certification materials, or professional development for a team or work group, supporting consistent knowledge, skills, practices, or certifications.
• I have provided individual instruction, coaching, mentoring, or professional development, helping employees or colleagues develop technical knowledge, skills, or competencies.
• I do not have experience developing, updating, delivering, or overseeing technical training, certification materials, or professional development.

08

Please briefly describe your experience developing, updating, delivering, or overseeing technical training, certification materials, or professional development. Include your role in developing content, and/or delivering training. If you do not have this experience, please enter N/A.

09

Please identify the productivity and technical software tools you have used to support engineering analysis, documentation, plan review, or program delivery. If you do have experience with productivity/technical software tools, please enter N/A.

10

Advanced Engineering and Transportation Analysis: Which best describes your experience performing advanced engineering work and applying specialized traffic operations, transportation management, or safety analysis techniques?

• I independently perform complex engineering analyses and apply specialized traffic operations, transportation management, and safety analysis techniques to develop or evaluate solutions for complex transportation issues.
• I independently perform advanced engineering work and apply specialized analysis techniques to transportation projects or programs.
• I perform engineering analyses and apply established traffic operations, transportation management, or safety analysis methods under established practices and review processes.
• I assist with engineering analysis or specialized transportation analysis under the direction of an experienced engineer.
• I have no experience in this area.

11

Please briefly describe your experience applying transportation project development and delivery processes and roadway or multimodal design principles. Include the types of facilities, project phases, modes, and design activities with which you have experience. If you do not have this experience, please enter N/A.

12

Transportation Analysis and Drafting Tools: Which best describes your experience using computer-aided transportation analysis and drafting tools to support engineering evaluation, design, or plan review?

• I have advanced proficiency using multiple transportation analysis, design, drafting, or plan review tools and independently apply them to complex engineering evaluations and technical reviews.
• I regularly use transportation analysis and drafting tools to perform engineering evaluations, develop or review plans, and support project decisions.
• I have experience using transportation analysis or drafting tools for routine engineering analysis, design, or plan review.
• I have limited experience using these tools under the direction of others.
• I have no experience using transportation analysis or drafting tools.

13

Engineering Manuals and National Guidance: Which best describes your experience interpreting and applying agency engineering manuals, policies, and nationally recognized transportation engineering guidance?

• I routinely interpret complex, conflicting, or evolving requirements across agency manuals, policies, and national guidance and provide authoritative technical recommendations regarding their application.
• I independently interpret and apply agency engineering manuals, policies, and nationally recognized transportation engineering guidance to complex projects and technical issues.
• I regularly apply established agency manuals, policies, and national guidance to engineering work and seek additional interpretation when requirements are unclear.
• I apply established requirements primarily under the direction or review of an experienced engineer.
• I have limited or no experience interpreting and applying these types of requirements.

14

Are you able and willing to regularly travel statewide to conduct technical reviews, coordination meetings, training delivery, and field-based activities.

• Yes
• No

15

Do you have a valid drivers license?

• Yes
• No

16

Are you a registered Civil Professional Engineer?

• Yes
• No

17

If you indicated you have a PE license, please list your license number and the issuing state in the space below. Otherwise, enter N/A.

18

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)

19

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