Transportation Engineer 2 | Utilities

Transportation Engineer 2 | Utilities

Salary

$72,900.00 - $98,064.00 Annually

Location

Yakima County - Union Gap, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

26DOT-SCR-50112

Department

Dept. of Transportation

Division

South Central Region

Opening Date

10/22/2026

Closing Date

11/8/2026 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 detail-oriented Transportation Engineer 2 to support utility accommodation and project delivery activities within the highway right of way. This position supports the review and approval of utility permits and franchises, ensuring proposed utility installations meet applicable WSDOT standards and requirements. The Transportation Engineer also provides project delivery support and coordinates with utility owners, project delivery staff, and inspectors to help ensure utility facilities are safely and properly installed. This work is essential to protecting the operation and structural integrity of the highway system while supporting efficient service to utility owners and the safety of the traveling public.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you will:

• Review, process, and execute utility applications submitted by Utility Companies for placement of their facilities in state right-of-way.
• Prepare supporting documentation, legal descriptions, and exhibits
• Secure appropriate regional approval, prepare special provisions, and ensure that WSDOT requirements are met.
• Record and document executed permits and franchises by entering information into the Utility Franchise and Permit (UFP) database.
• Inspect the work of contractors and utility personnel constructing facilities within the highway right-of-way.
• Identify and resolve utility conflicts.
• Coordinate the installation of utilities within WSDOT project limits.
• Assist headquarters in processing public disclosure requests (PDR) for the region.

Qualifications

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

• Engineering Knowledge: Demonstrated understanding of civil, structural, geotechnical, or transportation engineering principles. Ability to apply engineering concepts to real-world scenarios.
• Regulatory & Policy Interpretation and Application: Demonstrated ability to interpret and communicate applicable laws, rules, standards, policies, and procedures, including RCWs, WACs, Federal Highway Administration requirements, and agency guidelines, and apply them to agreement development, project delivery, and utility accommodation activities.
• Project Delivery & Utility Coordination: Demonstrated ability to evaluate project plans and utility applications, identify potential conflicts between existing/proposed utility facilities and highway construction, coordinate utility relocations, and provide engineering expertise to support successful project design and construction.
• Stakeholder Communication & Relationship Management: Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and communicate clearly with internal offices, project teams, maintenance areas, utilities, consultants, local agencies, government organizations, private parties, and other external stakeholders to resolve issues and achieve project and program objectives.
• Organization, Prioritization & Problem Solving: Demonstrated ability to independently organize and prioritize multiple agreements, utility permits, project assignments, schedules, and competing stakeholder needs; analyze complex issues; identify appropriate solutions; and provide informed recommendations to internal offices and management.
• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

• Professional Certification or Academic Preparation: Possession of an Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification or formal education in civil engineering, structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, or closely related field.
• Digital Tools & Systems: Demonstrated experience with the use of Microsoft Office and agency systems to support tasks and workflow coordination. Ability to work with typical office applications, such as Word, Excel, and Microsoft Teams. Experience working with electronic records, financial software, and GeoPortal.
• Independent Judgment: Ability to work independently with general direction and minimal supervision, exercise sound judgment, and determine appropriate processes to complete complex assignments.
• Team Collaboration: Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams, coordinate across technical disciplines, communicate effectively, and contribute to resolution of complex project issues.

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 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 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 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 olivia.dietrich@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-SCR-50112 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 select the response that best describes your highest level of completed education.

• I have a master's degree or higher.
• I have a bachelor's degree.
• I have an associate's degree.
• I have a high school diploma or equivalent.
• None of the above

02

If you indicated completion of a degree, please list your degree and field of study. Otherwise, enter N/A.

03

Do you have an Engineer-In-Training (EIT) certification?

• Yes
• No

04

Engineering Principles Please select the response that best describes your knowledge and experience applying civil, structural, geotechnical, or transportation engineering principles to real-world engineering projects or problems.

• Advanced: I have extensive experience independently applying engineering principles to analyze complex engineering problems, evaluate alternatives, and develop or recommend effective solutions for real-world transportation or infrastructure projects.
• Intermediate: I have experience applying civil, structural, geotechnical, or transportation engineering principles to real-world projects or problems, including analyzing technical information, evaluating conditions, and developing or implementing engineering solutions with limited direction.
• Basic: I have applied fundamental engineering principles to real-world projects or problems, generally with guidance or review from an experienced engineer.
• Limited: I have gained knowledge of engineering principles through formal education, training, internships, or limited work experience and have had some exposure to applying those concepts to real-world engineering situations.
• No Experience: I do not have experience applying civil, structural, geotechnical, or transportation engineering principles to real-world projects or problems.

05

Please describe how you gained your experience applying civil, structural, geotechnical, or transportation engineering principles to real-world engineering projects or problems. If you do not have this experience, enter N/A.

06

Regulatory & Policy Interpretation and Application Please select the response that best describes your knowledge and experience interpreting and communicating applicable laws, rules, standards, policies, and procedures and applying them to transportation projects, agreements, or utility accommodation activities.

• Advanced: I have extensive experience independently interpreting and applying complex federal, state, and agency requirements, including RCWs, WACs, Federal Highway Administration requirements, and agency guidelines, to agreement development, project delivery, and utility accommodation activities. I routinely communicate requirements and provide guidance to internal and external stakeholders.
• Intermediate: I have experience interpreting and applying laws, rules, standards, policies, and procedures to transportation projects, agreements, or utility accommodation activities. I have communicated applicable requirements to project stakeholders and used them to guide project delivery decisions with limited direction.
• Basic: I have applied established laws, rules, standards, policies, or procedures to engineering or transportation-related work and communicated requirements to others, generally with guidance or review from experienced staff.
• Limited: I have gained knowledge of laws, rules, standards, policies, and procedures through education, training, or limited work experience and have had some exposure to applying or communicating these requirements in an engineering or transportation environment.
• No Experience: I do not have experience interpreting, communicating, or applying laws, rules, standards, policies, or procedures to engineering or transportation-related work.

07

Please briefly describe your experience interpreting and communicating laws, rules, standards, policies, and procedures and applying them to transportation projects, agreements, or utility accommodation activities. If you do not have this experience, enter N/A.

08

Project Delivery & Utility Coordination Please select the response that best describes your knowledge and experience evaluating project plans and utility applications.

• Advanced: I have extensive experience independently evaluating complex project plans and utility applications, identifying conflicts between existing or proposed utility facilities and highway construction, coordinating utility relocations or other resolutions, and providing engineering expertise and recommendations throughout project design and construction.
• Intermediate: I have experience evaluating project plans and utility applications, identifying potential utility conflicts, coordinating utility relocations or adjustments, and applying engineering knowledge to support project design and construction with limited direction.
• Basic: I have experience reviewing project plans or utility information, identifying potential utility conflicts, and assisting with utility coordination or relocation activities, generally with guidance or review from experienced staff.
• Limited: I have gained knowledge of utility coordination and transportation project delivery through education, training, or limited work experience and have had some exposure to reviewing plans, identifying utility issues, or supporting coordination activities.
• No Experience: I do not have experience evaluating project plans or utility applications.

09

Please briefly describe your experience evaluating project plans and utility applications. If you do not have this experience, enter N/A.

10

Digital Tools & Systems Please select the response that best describes your knowledge and experience using Microsoft Office, agency systems, electronic records, and other digital tools to support work tasks and workflow coordination.

• Advanced: I have extensive experience independently using Microsoft Office and agency or enterprise systems to manage complex workflows and work processes. My experience includes advanced use of applications such as Word, Excel, and Microsoft Teams, as well as financial software and geographic or mapping systems such as GeoPortal.
• Intermediate: I have experience independently using Microsoft Office and agency or enterprise systems to support work tasks and workflow coordination. I regularly use applications such as Word, Excel, and Microsoft Teams and have experience working with electronic records, financial software, or geographic/mapping systems.
• Basic: I have experience using typical office applications, including Word, Excel, and Microsoft Teams, to complete work tasks and communicate or coordinate with others. I have some experience working with electronic records or other agency/enterprise systems.
• Limited: I have gained some experience using Microsoft Office or similar office applications through education, training, or limited work experience, with limited exposure to electronic records and agency systems.
• No Experience: I do not have experience using Microsoft Office, agency systems, or similar digital tools.

11

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)

12

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