Description

About WSDOT
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is the steward of an integrated, multimodal transportation system that helps to ensure people and goods move safely and efficiently throughout the state. In addition to building, maintaining, and operating the state highway system, WSDOT operates the largest ferry system in the nation, manages the world's longest floating bridge, and recently completed the world's widest tunneling project.

The Opportunity
WSDOT is currently seeking a Transportation Engineer 2 in Spokane, WA. This position is tasked with developing the scope, producing designs, PS&E’s plans and managing maintenance activities for the 297-mile state-owned Palouse River and Coulee City (PCC) Railway System in consistency with WSDOT procedures and policies. This Transportation Engineer 2 position will utilize WSDOT tools for managing project delivery and operator maintenance obligations as it manages the scope, schedule, and budget on given assignments for the PCC Railway System. The PCC provides safe reliable and cost-effective freight rail transportation services to improve livable communities and economic vitality for people and businesses in Eastern Washington.

What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Railroad Design/Construction Engineer will:

• 
  Serve as the Lead Inspector on WSDOT PCC Railway capital contracts.
• Oversee all other WSDOT or Consultant Inspectors while in the field.
• Read and understand all contract plans and requirements.
• Coordinate and perform bi-annual track inspections utilizing hi-rail vehicles with Rail Operators on track conditions and maintain a list of immediate infrastructure priorities that include, track, switches, bridges, drainage, public/private crossings, and right of way.
• Perform scoping of capital projects by identifying priority needs of the PCC branch lines, scaling work to budget, while developing schedule and estimate.
• Work directly with railroad operators to identify capital needs for each Branch.
• Develops Plans, Specials and Engineers Estimates for advertisement.
• Develop project designs and/or reviews on complex engineering plans, reports, estimates, and/or contracts such as hydraulic reports, materials analysis, and PS&E's.
• Conducts on-site project reviews and on-site meetings to communicate project goals and monitor compliance with applicable specifications.
• Manage Public and Private Crossings by scheduling repairs and ordering materials that comply with UTC and general maintenance standards.
• Scope and execute crossing rehabilitation agreements between WSDOT and Rail Operators.

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

• Two (2) years of experience in railroad track construction, inspection or design, or equivalent experience such as two (2) years of experience as a Transportation Engineer 1, Transportation Technician 3, Bridge Engineer 1
• Possession of a valid driver’s license.
• Proven experience delivering complex projects on-time and on-budget.
• Experience in developing and delivery of plans, specification, and estimates.
• Experience in the development and management of legal contracts and agreements.
• Experience in communicating, negotiating, and partnering with internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience in building and sustaining effective teams, forming partnerships with external groups, leading change processes, and evaluating and implementing process improvements.
• Experience with understanding and implementing practical solutions.
• Experience in developing, reviewing, and providing quality oversight of schedules, budgets, risk identification and estimates.
• Experience in strategic thinking and planning.
• Familiarization with strategic plans and planning process.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office.
• Familiarity with MicroStation.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Knowledge and ability to successfully implement and deliver projects on time and within budget, administer WSDOT contracts, policies, and guidelines and to effectively manage and monitor project level budgets .
• Experience in developing methods and implementing them to track the condition of freight rail lines.
• Experience in resiliency planning and implementation
• Experience in development and delivery of WSDOT PS&E packages.
• Familiarity with Railroad Track design, Inspection, construction and regulations governing freight railroads.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 357-16-197 mandates that all employees who work for executive cabinet agencies (which includes the Department of Transportation) must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Compliance with this mandate is a condition of employment with WSDOT. Exemption may be granted for religious or medical purposes; however, accommodations will be subject to approval based on the essential functions required of the position.
• WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system. For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov

Why WSDOT

• Work-Life Balance – We offer flexible work schedules that allow you time for your life outside of this excellent opportunity.
• Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees earn a minimum 14 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 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 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. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, as well as people of all sexual orientations and gender identities 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, Rachel Giese, at gieser@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 22DOT-HQ-05136 in the subject line.