Construction Field Engineer

Position Information

Great Engineering Experience without being behind a desk.

The TxDOT Houston District Construction Office has a position for a Field Engineer to oversee construction projects in one of the largest TxDOT District's with an overall portfolio of nearly $6 Billion. At this position, the Field Engineer will interact with TxDOT Area Offices on a daily basis to monitor and progress construction projects, implement audit management plans, issue TCEQ permits and SWPPP oversight, Traffic Control Review, Consultant Engineering Procurement, as well as Contractor Claims and Disputes. Work is independent and requires extensive knowledge of Heavy Highway Construction and Traffic Control.

The Texas Department of Transportation reserves the sole right in determining the level of position based on the applicant's work experience, education, skill level and all other appropriate factors, and based on business needs.

Benefits and Perks

At TxDOT, we value work-life balance and are committed to providing our employees with a comprehensive range of benefits and programs, including:

• Retirement Plans
• Alternative and/or Flexible Work Schedules
• Paid Leave and Holidays
• Health Premiums paid at 100% for Full-Time Employees
• On-the-Job Training
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Holistic Wellness Program with Leave Incentives
• Career Development and Advancement Opportunities
• Family-Friendly Policies and Programs

In 2024, TxDOT was recognized as a Best Place for Working Parents, and many of our offices statewide are also designated as Texas Mother-Friendly Worksites. These recognitions reflect our dedication to supporting families and promoting a healthy work-life balance.

For a complete list of our total compensation package please visit our website at: Total Compensation Package

To view benefits available to all State of Texas employees visit: Benefits at a Glance | ERS (texas.gov)

Position Description

Transportation Engineer II

Performs complex transportation engineering work in one or more functional areas such as planning, project development and design, construction, transportation/traffic operations and maintenance. Ensures compliance with applicable federal and state laws, policies, procedures, standards and guidelines. Work requires contact with governmental officials and private entities. Employees at this level perform work independently on assignments; however, all unusual issues are referred to the supervisor.

Transportation Engineer III

Performs advanced and complex transportation engineering work in one or more functional areas such as planning, project development and design, construction, transportation/traffic operations and maintenance. Ensures compliance with applicable federal and state laws, policies, procedures, standards and guidelines. Work requires contact with governmental officials and private entities. Employees at this level establish their own work plan and priorities to meet set objectives. Issues are rarely referred to the supervisor but are handled at the occurrence.

Transportation Engineer IV

Performs highly advanced and complex transportation engineering work in one or more functional areas such as planning, project development and design, construction, transportation/traffic operations and maintenance. Ensures compliance with applicable federal and state laws, policies, procedures, standards and guidelines. Work requires contact with governmental officials and private entities. Employees at this level are virtually self-supervising and assume direct accountability for the work product.

Essential Duties:

Transportation Engineer II

• Assists Area Engineers with construction contract administration matters.
• Develops training courses and/or materials.
• Analyzes and assists in the resolution of contract problems and disputes.
• Develops and/or reviews engineering related documents, correspondence, reports and remediation plans.
• Drives/travels to project/work locations to make on-site engineering reviews, analyses, tests and to provide technical support.
• Makes presentations and represents TxDOT.
• Monitors contractors' compliance with plans and specifications.
• Resolves differences between contractors and inspectors.
• Reviews shop drawings, plans, specifications, estimates, supplemental agreements and change order requests.
• Performs other job responsibilities as assigned.

Transportation Engineer III

Includes all essential duties listed for Transportation Engineer II as well as:

• Develops training courses and/or materials.
• Oversees construction project traffic control plans; periodically reviews traffic control devices with Area Engineers.
• Performs other job responsibilities as assigned.

Transportation Engineer IV

Includes all essential duties listed for Transportation Engineer II and III as well as:

• Conducts final inspections on completed construction projects.
• Coordinates and/or monitors assigned projects/programs/plans.
• Reviews shop drawings prepared by fabricators for bridges and related structures.
• Performs other job responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Transportation Engineer II

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related science bachelor's or higher degree accepted by TX PELS.

Experience:

• 5 years engineering, transportation engineering, or related engineering experience (Experience can be satisfied by full time or prorated part time equivalent). Related graduate level education may be substituted for experience on a year per year basis. Substitutions for Minimum Qualifications

Licenses and Certifications:

• Valid driver's license. This position requires driving a state vehicle.
• Licensed Prof Engineer *

*Professional engineers licensed in another state in the United States, but not currently licensed in the State of Texas, must (1) meet the license requirements of the State of Texas Engineering Practices Act, (2) obtain a professional engineering license from the State of Texas within six (6) months of the date of hire, and (3) sign an agreement to that effect as a condition of employment.

Transportation Engineer III

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related science bachelor's or higher degree accepted by TX PELS.

Experience:

• 6 years engineering, transportation engineering, or related engineering experience (Experience can be satisfied by full time or prorated part time equivalent). Related graduate level education may be substituted for experience on a year per year basis. Substitutions for Minimum Qualifications

Licenses and Certifications:

• Valid driver's license. This position requires driving a state vehicle.
• Licensed Prof Engineer *

*Professional engineers licensed in another state in the United States, but not currently licensed in the State of Texas, must (1) meet the license requirements of the State of Texas Engineering Practices Act, (2) obtain a professional engineering license from the State of Texas within six (6) months of the date of hire, and (3) sign an agreement to that effect as a condition of employment.

Transportation Engineer IV

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related science bachelor's or higher degree accepted by TX PELS.

Experience:

• 7 years engineering, transportation engineering, or related engineering experience (Experience can be satisfied by full time or prorated part time equivalent). Related graduate level education may be substituted for experience on a year per year basis. Substitutions for Minimum Qualifications

Licenses and Certifications:

• Valid driver's license. This position requires driving a state vehicle.
• Licensed Prof Engineer *

*Professional engineers licensed in another state in the United States, but not currently licensed in the State of Texas, must (1) meet the license requirements of the State of Texas Engineering Practices Act, (2) obtain a professional engineering license from the State of Texas within six (6) months of the date of hire, and (3) sign an agreement to that effect as a condition of employment.

Preferred Qualifications:

Transportation Engineer II, III, and IV

• Extensive experience in Heavy Highway Construction preferred.

Competencies:

Transportation Engineer II

• Considerable knowledge of:
  • Construction engineering policies and procedures
  • Construction phasing and sequencing
  • Bridge construction and evaluation methods, procedures and regulations
  • Applicable testing methods, processes and procedures
• Proficient skill in:
  • Negotiating settlement of differences without damaging relationships; applying effective questioning and listening techniques to determine other parties' positions in a direct and diplomatic manner
  • Speaking to present images and ideas in a clear, concise, organized, and interesting manner to optimize audience understanding and keep the group focused
  • Applying engineering principles, practices, and methods in job responsibilities
  • Monitoring the status and progress of projects
  • Maintaining a safe and effective working relationship with others
• Exercises logic and reasoning to define problems, establish facts and draw valid conclusions; makes decisions that support business objectives and goals

Transportation Engineer III

Includes all competencies listed for Transportation Engineer II as well as:

• Considerable knowledge of:
  • Construction, operation and maintenance of traffic control devices
  • Water quality and storm water management
• Proficient skill in:
  • Training in a classroom, office, or field environment

Transportation Engineer IV

Includes all competencies listed for Transportation Engineer II as well as:

• Considerable knowledge of:
  • Applicable laws, rules, and regulations
• Expert skill in:
  • Negotiating settlement of differences without damaging relationships; applying effective questioning and listening techniques to determine other parties' positions in a direct and diplomatic manner
  • Public relations for maintaining effective working relationships with individuals and groups, both internal and external
  • Applying engineering principles, practices, and methods in job responsibilities
• Proficient skill in:
  • Developing and giving presentations

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

Transportation Engineer II, III, and IV

• Subject to inside and outside environmental conditions
• Subject to extreme cold and heat; below 32 and/or above 100 degrees for more than one hour
• Subject to noise
• Subject to hazards - moving vehicles/mechanical parts, high places/heat, or chemicals
• Subject to atmospheric conditions - fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases, poor ventilation
• Required to wear protective gear - respirator, hard hat, or other devices
• Medium work: Lift up to 50 lbs. at a time and frequently lift or carry objects up to 25 lbs.
• Climbing - ascending/descending ladders, stairs, scaffoldings, ramps, etc.
• Balancing - walking, standing, crouching on various surfaces without falling
• Stooping - bending body downward and forward by bending spine at waist
• Kneeling - bending legs at knee to come to a rest on knee(s)
• Crouching - bending body downward and forward by bending leg(s) and spine
• Reaching - extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction
• Standing - prolonged periods of time
• Walking - moving on foot to accomplish tasks: long distance/from one work site to another
• Feeling - determining size, shape, temperature or texture of objects
• Talking - expressing or exchanging ideas by spoken words
• Close Visual Acuity - work includes data/figures; view a computer screen; extensive reading
• Visual Acuity - operate motor vehicles and/or heavy equipment

Conditions of Employment:

Please click this link to read the standard conditions of employment for all positions: Standard Conditions of Employment (TxDOT)

• This job has been identified as physically demanding and will require a pre-employment physical.
• Must pass a drug test prior to employment for safety impact positions. This is a Safety Impact position and will be subject to random drug testing.
  • Please note that the Department of Transportation's Drug and Alcohol Testing Regulation - 49 CFR Part 40, at 40.151(e) - does not authorize "medical marijuana" under a state law to be a valid medical explanation for a positive drug test result for an employee in this position.