Highway Design Engineer - Districts 1 & 7

State of Nebraska•Lincoln, NE

2d•$32 - $54•Onsite

About The Position

Join the Nebraska Department of Transportation’s Roadway Design team to design a variety of transportation projects, from maintenance to new construction, and collaborate with environmental, construction, and local entities. The work contributes to taking projects from concept through construction and providing a safe, reliable transportation system for the traveling public. The position may be filled at the Professional Engineer I level or, if that level cannot be filled, at the Engineer level. At the Engineer level, the employee performs entry-level civil engineering assignments under the direct control, supervision, and review of a licensed professional engineer, assisting with project location, development, design, construction, and other engineering functions. The role provides opportunities to apply engineering principles and learn applicable federal and state rules, regulations, and agency standards and procedures. The hiring rate is listed as $36.443 per hour, and the stated pay range is $36.443–$53.722 per hour. Pay may be commensurate with education and/or experience within fiscal constraints, subject to approval. The Engineer classification rate is $31.968 per hour.

Requirements

Engineer classification: Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline.
Engineer classification: Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam within one year of employment.
Professional Engineer I classification: Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline.
Professional Engineer I classification: Possess a Professional Engineer license when applying and be licensed by the Nebraska Board of Engineers and Architects upon employment, or be able to obtain that license within 90 days of employment.
Engineer classification only: Degree must be from an EAC/ABET- or CEAB (Canada)-accredited engineering program, or meet the NCEES Engineering Education Standard.
Valid driver’s license or ability to provide independent authorized transportation.
Occasional out-of-town overnight travel and extended hours to meet deadlines are required.
Regular and reliable attendance is required.
Knowledge of civil engineering theories, principles, and practices; highway construction, maintenance, and materials; relevant legal responsibilities; federal and agency design standards and procedures; applicable federal and state laws and regulations; computer operations and CADD practices and terminology; and practical engineering concepts.
Ability to interpret and implement laws, regulations, and agency standards; read and evaluate engineering plans and specifications; understand project design; analyze information and draw reasonable conclusions; organize and direct work; provide direction to engineering professionals and technicians; assess team members’ skills and assign work; communicate clearly; prepare, interpret, use, and explain engineering plans and documents; and interact with agency employees, local government representatives, assigned workers, and the public.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering with a transportation-related focus.
Educational experience and knowledge in designing highways, streets, culverts, and storm sewers.
Educational experience and knowledge in preparing highway construction plans and estimates, highway construction and inspection, and highway surveying.
Educational or other experience with MicroStation, OpenRoads Designer, ProjectWise, and AASHTOware.

Responsibilities

Participate in designing complex rural and municipal roadway construction projects, including resurfacing and reconstruction.
Design horizontal and vertical alignments, roadway cross-sections, guardrail, erosion control, and other roadway features.
Perform hydrologic and hydraulic analysis; design culverts, storm sewers, and other drainage features; and prepare drainage structure cross-section plans.
Compute wetland impacts and design mitigation sites.
Perform design and analysis work supporting the NEPA process.
Prepare preliminary and final roadway construction project plans and other project deliverables.
Draft miscellaneous design details.
Prepare construction project quantity and cost estimates.
Collect data, conduct background research, reduce notes, perform calculations and analysis, and document engineering-related decisions.
Write project descriptions, special provisions, alternatives analyses, and other project documents.
Maintain project correspondence files and plans accurately and up to date.
Prepare for and participate in project-related meetings and field inspections.
Coordinate multiple roadway design projects concurrently within the Division and Department, including coordination with cities, counties, utilities, and other public service agencies.
Assist other engineering personnel as necessary.
At the Engineer classification, assist with project location, development, design, construction, and other engineering functions and programs under the direct control, supervision, and review of a licensed professional engineer.

Benefits

State-matched retirement contribution of 156%.
13 paid holidays.
Generous leave accruals that begin immediately.
Work-life balance culture.
Military leave.
Tuition reimbursement program.
Dependent tuition reimbursement program with partnering Nebraska community colleges.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program through the federal government.
Employer-paid health insurance plans at 79%.
Dental and vision insurance plans.
Employer-paid $20,000 life insurance policy.
Career advancement opportunities as the state’s largest and most diverse employer.
Meaningful public service work.
Training and development based on career aspirations.
Job security and stability.
Employee Assistance Program.
Free parking.
Comprehensive pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement, and professional development opportunities.