Transportation Engineer 5 In-Training

State of Washington•Spokane County – Spokane, WA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

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. The Eastern Region (ER) Environmental Department is seeking a Transportation Engineer 5 to support WSDOT's mission by ensuring projects comply with hydraulic policies and procedures. This role involves providing hydraulic support to ensure compliance with various manuals, environmental regulations, and WSDOT policies. The position may be filled at a lower level as part of a formal "in-training" plan, allowing individuals to gain necessary experience on the job.

Requirements

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.
Demonstrated ability to independently apply advanced principles of hydraulic engineering and hydrology to: 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.
Demonstrated ability to 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.
Demonstrated knowledge and application of: Highway Runoff Manual, WSDOT Hydraulic Manual, Clean Water Act (CWA).
Demonstrated ability to 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.
Demonstrated commitment to workplace and field safety.
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.
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.
Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
Take action to meet the needs of others.

Nice To Haves

Advanced experience in water resource engineering, hydrology, and open channel hydraulics.
Experience designing complex stormwater treatment facilities and large-span hydraulic structures.
Proficiency with hydraulic and hydrologic modeling software (e.g., HEC-RAS, HY-8, WWHM, MGSFlood, or equivalent).
Experience designing fish passage improvements and coordinating with regulatory and tribal partners.
Experience contributing to or developing statewide hydraulic policy, procedures, or technical guidance.

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.
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 and provide recommendations for corrective action related to hydraulic work.
Provide external technical hydraulic and hydrology-related reviews and recommendations.
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.