Transportation Engineer 5 In-Training

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 world's longest floating bridge, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation. Opportunity WSDOT is currently seeking a Transportation Engineer 5 in our Eastern Region. As a Transportation Engineer 5 within the ER Environmental Department, this position supports WSDOT's mission to provide safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation options by ensuring projects comply with hydraulic policies and procedures. The ER Hydraulics Engineer provides hydraulic related support to ensure compliance with the Highway Runoff Manual, Hydraulic Manual, and environmental regulations including the Clean Water Act, National Environmental Policy Act, State Environmental Policy Act, Washington State Hydraulic Code, National Pollution Discharge Elimination System, and other WSDOT policies and guidance. What to Expect This is a Transportation Engineer 5 position. However, the hiring manager reserves the right to fill the position at a lower level in the classification series based on candidate qualifications, providing an opportunity for an individual to gain the required experience on the job as part of a formal “in‑training” plan. Responsibilities Evaluate the condition and operation of existing hydraulic facilities, assess impacts and/or damage to highway drainage facilities and adjacent properties, and make recommendations on modifications or repairs. Evaluation involves the ability to drive a WSDOT vehicle, transporting the necessary assessment tools and equipment to and from facilities. Review and provide feedback on construction documents. Design and review of highway drainage and stormwater facilities. Develop hydraulic design documentation, such as Type A or B reports and deviation justifications. Develop and review temporary erosion and sediment control plans. Ensure accuracy and compliance with current laws, regulations, manuals, and policies. Develop and review contract language and plans for stormwater design and construction. Oversee the Region's Level II Culvert Inspection Program. Perform calculations and/or modeling and prepare written reports, including Hydraulic, Preliminary Hydraulic Design, and Final Hydraulic Design Reports. Review and provide final concurrence for Type A and B and internal hydraulic design reports. Provide recommendations for corrective action related to hydraulic work. Provide external technical hydraulic and hydrology-related reviews and recommendations. Qualifications Professional Engineering Authority & Licensure Licensed as a Professional Engineer (PE) in the State of Washington OR licensed in another state with the ability to obtain Washington State licensure within 24 months of employment. Demonstrated authority to independently sign, seal, and take professional responsibility for hydraulic engineering designs, reports, and recommendations. Advanced Hydraulic & Hydrologic Engineering Expertise Design and review highway drainage, stormwater conveyance, stormwater treatment, culverts, fish passage structures, and open channel systems. Perform complex hydraulic calculations and modeling using industry‑standard software. Evaluate existing drainage infrastructure and develop corrective design solutions. Develop and approve Type A, Type B, Preliminary, and Final Hydraulic Design Reports. Ensure designs comply with federal, state, and local regulations and WSDOT policies. Technical Review & Quality Assurance Leadership Provide final technical concurrence on hydraulic design reports and contract plans. Identify deficiencies and provide corrective recommendations. Ensure consistency, quality, and regulatory compliance across multiple projects. Oversee specialized programs such as a Level II Culvert Inspection Program. Regulatory & Environmental Compliance Highway Runoff Manual WSDOT Hydraulic Manual Clean Water Act (CWA) Project Delivery & Program Management Prioritize and manage multiple complex projects simultaneously. Provide hydraulic support across scoping, design, construction, maintenance, and developer services. Develop contract language and technical specifications for Design‑Build and Design‑Bid‑Build projects. Exercise independent engineering judgment and decision‑making authority on complex hydraulic engineering issues with significant regulatory, environmental, operational, and public safety impacts. Safety & Field Operations Competency Ability to safely conduct field investigations in high‑traffic areas, uneven terrain, near water bodies, and active construction zones. Respond to emergency events involving storm damage, flooding, scour, washouts, and culvert failures. Leadership & Supervision Supervise, mentor, and develop engineering staff. Assign, prioritize, and review technical work for accuracy and compliance. Conduct performance evaluations and support employee development plans. Foster a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative work environment. Provide strategic leadership and long‑range planning for regional hydraulic engineering programs and initiatives. Experience Contributing to a Work Environment Embracing and fostering a culture of respect and equal opportunity. A valid driver’s license and the ability to operate state‑owned vehicles. Growth Mindset Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth. Service‑Oriented Take action to meet the needs of others. Preferred Qualifications Specialized Water Resources Experience Advanced experience in water resource engineering, hydrology, and open channel hydraulics. Experience designing complex stormwater treatment facilities and large‑span hydraulic structures. Hydraulic Modeling & Software Proficiency Proficiency with hydraulic and hydrologic modeling software (e.g., HEC‑RAS, HY‑8, WWHM, MGSFlood, or equivalent). Fish Passage & Environmental Restoration Experience Experience designing fish passage improvements and coordinating with regulatory and tribal partners. Policy Development Experience Experience contributing to or developing statewide hydraulic policy, procedures, or technical guidance. Benefits and Compensation The salary range listed includes the 3% general wage increase, effective on July 1, 2026. This is a Transportation Engineer 5 position. Base salaries: Transportation Engineer 4: $87,048 – $117,120; Transportation Engineer 3: $78,912 – $106,104. In addition to base salary, employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type, duties, or location of the position. This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs. This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options. Employees also have a choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Benefits 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 individual’s 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. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement 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 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr Washington Department of Natural Resources