Area Consultant Liaison Engineer (TTE)

State of Washington•King County, WA

28d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is seeking an experienced and highly skilled professional to serve as the Area Consultant Liaison (ACL) Engineer for the Northwest Region in Seattle, WA. In this critical role, you will oversee, manage, and administer all regional consultant agreements from consultant selection and agreement inception through contract execution, payment processing, and final archiving. Using your advanced knowledge of federal, state, and agency regulations, including RCWs, WACs, and FHWA CFRs, you will ensure contracts are properly negotiated and administered in accordance with established policies and guidelines. You will also manage specialized statewide agreements and may collaborate with other regional ACLs, external consultants, and partner agencies such as cities or counties to address inquiries and support coordinated contracting efforts. This position plays a vital role in supporting the effective and efficient delivery of the Northwest Region Highway Construction Program, providing expert guidance and oversight to ensure the successful execution of consultant agreements across the region.

Requirements

Transportation Engineering and Planning Expertise: Demonstrated experience in transportation engineering or planning at a level equivalent to Transportation Engineer 3/4 or Transportation Planning Specialist 3/4, applying professional judgment and technical knowledge to support project and program delivery.
Regulatory Interpretation and Compliance: Ability to interpret and apply state and federal regulations, including RCWs, WACs, and FHWA CFRs, to consultant agreements, contracting methods, and project-related requirements.
Analytical and Contract Evaluation Skills: Proven experience reviewing, analyzing, and interpreting engineering contract pricing, cost proposals, and technical documentation to ensure accuracy, fairness, and alignment with policy.
Negotiation and Stakeholder Engagement: Demonstrated ability to apply effective negotiation skills with internal and external stakeholders, achieving mutually beneficial outcomes while maintaining compliance and organizational objectives.
Collaboration and Relationship Management: Proven ability to develop and maintain professional, collaborative relationships with internal customers, external partners, and agencies to support project and program success.
Communication and Training: Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to develop and deliver effective training and technical guidance to diverse audiences.
Organizational and Technical Proficiency: Demonstrated attention to detail and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently. Proficient in the use of office technology and software, including Microsoft Office Suite, to support documentation, reporting, and communication needs.
Respectful Workplace: Demonstrated ability to contribute to a work environment that fosters respect, inclusion, and equal opportunity for all.

Nice To Haves

Government Contracting Expertise: Demonstrated knowledge of government contracting, including thorough understanding of RCWs, WACs, and various contract types, with the ability to apply this knowledge to ensure compliant and effective contract administration.
Consultant Services and Policy Knowledge: Working knowledge of WSDOT's Consultant Services Manual, with the ability to interpret and apply guidance to project development, construction, and maintenance activities.
Project and Regulatory Understanding: Demonstrated knowledge of WSDOT directions, policies, and procedures, including state and federal laws and regulations, as applied to transportation project development, construction, and maintenance.
Leadership and Staff Development: Proven experience managing, supervising, mentoring, and training staff to promote professional growth, team effectiveness, and alignment with organizational objectives.

Responsibilities

Obtain, prepare, oversee, manage, and administer most consultant agreements for the Northwest Region from inception to termination and archiving, including payment processing for same.
Obtain and manage consultant services agreements for the Northwest Region.
Participate in policy, guidelines, rules, and agreement management procedures development as requested.
Manage Second Tier consultant selection processes.
Provide guidance to ensure compliance with departmental policies and procedures, state and federal laws and regulations, and all agreement provisions.
Assemble agreements and supplements, task orders and amendments.
Process invoices for agreements and tasks, tracks payments to ensure agreement is not over-extended.
Ensure supplements and amendments are negotiated and added to an agreement or task as needed in a timely manner.
Work with Project offices to ensure needs for consultant services are met.
Direct staff in preparing consultant agreements and advises WSDOT managers and staff in consultant administration.