About WSDOT
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal organization with a global reputation for excellence! Our dedicated workforce is responsible to plan, design, build, and operate an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 18,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT manages the world's longest floating bridge, executes an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds a record for the world's widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!
 
The Opportunity
WSDOT HQ Geotechnical Office in Tumwater, WA, is currently seeking a Transportation Engineer 5 (In Training) to serve as the Senior Geotechnical Engineer. This position performs senior-level professional geotechnical engineering work in accordance with their license, which constitutes the practice of engineering, effectively and independently applying judgment using state-of-the-practice and non-standard design methodologies to accomplish the work. The Senior Geotechnical Engineer will work statewide within the Agency and often with local agencies (city and county), Sound Transit, FHWA, and private sector partners to complete transportation projects. This position functions as the primary geotechnical liaison between the HQ Geotechnical Office and other WSDOT offices or consultants working to develop and carry out mega projects and design-build and other alternative contract projects for WSDOT, considering competing interests, multiple clients, conflicting rules or practices, a range of possible solutions, or other elements that contribute to the complexity of the project. The work requires the consistent application of advanced knowledge and requires a skilled and experienced professional to function independently. Senior-level work includes devising methods and processes to resolve complex or difficult issues that potentially impact projects, the Agency, and customers. This senior-level position has full authority to plan, prioritize, and handle all duties within an assigned area of responsibility. This person is responsible for ensuring that the geotechnical aspects of project design and construction are consistent with standards of practice, national codes, and departmental policies.

What to Expect
This position conducts senior-level work and ensures that the geotechnical aspects of project design and construction are consistent with standards of practice, national codes, and departmental policies.
 
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Senior Geotechnical Engineer will:

• Serve as a senior geotechnical engineering member of a team or multiple teams where the team(s) is responsible for delivering specific design-bid-build projects, mega projects, and design-build projects for WSDOT.
• Provide comprehensive oversight of all geotechnical elements of the projects addressed by the team and serve to facilitate the integration of geotechnical elements across all portions of the project.
• Perform geotechnical engineering design for projects of considerable scope and complexity.
• Act as a technical resource for other team members and may supervise other geotechnical staff on the team and review their work.
• Mentor and train staff or team members on geotechnical issues and policy. 
• Make team or staff project assignments to accomplish the geotechnical work. 
• Develop scopes of work for consultant team members to accomplish the work. 
• Review completed geotechnical designs and reports related to the project to ensure quality and consistency with standards of practice, national codes, departmental policies, and scopes of work.
• Complete the geotechnical designs independently and provide recommendations supporting WSDOT’s construction program and maintenance activities. 
• Research project site conditions and evaluates existing data and its applicability to the project. 
• Develop field exploration plans and specialized laboratory testing plans for design and construction projects.
• Perform complex design analysis in conformance with current WSDOT geotechnical design policy; independently select analysis methods appropriate for the site conditions, collected data, and project needs.

 
Qualifications
This is a Transportation Engineer 5 (TE5) position. However, the hiring manager reserves the right to fill the position at a lower level, a TE4, TE3, or TE2, depending on qualifications, providing an opportunity for an individual to gain the required experience on the job as part of a formal “in-training” plan.
 
At the TE5 level, the following required:

• A bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Geological Engineering, or a closely allied field and five (5) years of professional geotechnical design experience as a TE4 or equivalent; OR nine (9) years of professional geotechnical design experience, five (5) of which are at the TE4 or equivalent level. 
• Licensure as a Professional Engineer (Civil) in Washington State. 
• Education and training will include a minimum of 20-quarter or 15-semester college level credit hours in soil mechanics, foundation engineering, or geotechnical engineering.  Continuing Education Units (CEU) will be considered on a case-by-case basis (one (1) CEU is equivalent to 1-quarter or 0.75-semester college level credit hour).
• A valid driver’s license.

 
At the TE4 level, the following is required:

• A bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Geological Engineering, or a closely allied field and one (1) year of professional geotechnical design experience as a TE3 or equivalent; OR four (4) years of professional geotechnical design experience, one (1) of which is at the TE3 or equivalent level. 
• Licensure as a Professional Engineer (Civil) in Washington State. 
• Education and training will include a minimum of 20-quarter or 15-semester college level credit hours in soil mechanics, foundation engineering, or geotechnical engineering.  Continuing Education Units (CEU) will be considered on a case-by-case basis (one (1) CEU is equivalent to 1-quarter or 0.75-semester college level credit hour).
• A valid driver’s license.

 
At the TE3 level, the following is required:

• A bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Geological Engineering, or a closely allied field and one (1) year of professional geotechnical design experience as a TE2; OR three (3) years of professional geotechnical design experience, one (1) of which is at the TE2 or equivalent level.
• Certified as an Engineer-in-training. 
• Education and training will include a minimum of 20-quarter or 15-semester college level credit hours in soil mechanics, foundation engineering, or geotechnical engineering.  Continuing Education Units (CEU) will be considered on a case-by-case basis (one (1) CEU is equivalent to 1-quarter or 0.75-semester college level credit hour).
• A valid driver’s license.

 
At the TE2 level, the following is required:

• A bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Geological Engineering, or a closely allied field; OR certification as an Engineer-in-Training and two (2) years of professional geotechnical design experience. 
• Education and training will include a minimum of 20-quarter or 15-semester college level credit hours in soil mechanics, foundation engineering, or geotechnical engineering.  Continuing Education Units (CEU) will be considered on a case-by-case basis (one (1) CEU is equivalent to 1-quarter or 0.75-semester college level credit hour).
• A valid driver’s license.

 
In addition to one of the above, the following are also required: 

• Skills to communicate effectively with peers and customers on an interpersonal basis and on a remote basis.
• The ability to traverse uneven, rough, muddy, slippery, and steep terrain while performing field reconnaissance, investigating landslides, or while on construction sites in the presence of large equipment.
• Advanced knowledge in the following areas:
  • Geotechnical design
  • Soil mechanics
  • Seismic design
  • AASHTO Design Codes for Highway Structures
  • WSDOT Geotechnical Design Manual
  • WSDOT specifications and construction submittal requirements
• The ability to manage multiple concurrent tasks and duties. 

 
Important Notes 

• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• In addition to the salary range listed, a general wage increase of 3% will be applied for all state employees on July 1, 2024.
• In addition to base salary, employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type, duties, or location of the position. For union-represented positions, more information on other forms of compensation can be found in the applicable . Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in of the Washington Administrative Code.
• This position requires a Professional Engineers License issued by the State of Washington. License holders from other states will be expected to obtain a WA State PE license within six (6) months of appointment or within the timeframe as outlined by the in-training plan. 
• This position has been approved for in-training. The hiring manager is looking to hire at the TE5 level, however the in-training plan will allow candidates to be considered as a TE4, TE3, or TE2, if not qualified at the highest  level. The annual salaries for each level are below:  
  • TE5: $88,416 – $118,932 
  • TE4: $80,112 – $107,712 
  • TE3: $72,552 – $97,596 
  • TE2: $65,748 – $88,416 
• WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit .

 Why WSDOT 

• Work-Life Balance – We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals’ lifestyle. As such, there are a number of flexible schedule options available, including occasional telework for eligible positions.  
• Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees may earn up to 25 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 for more information.

 
Check out this video to learn more:

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.
• Copies of transcripts demonstrating the required college level credit hours and/or copies of certificates demonstrating CEUs.
• Contact details for a minimum of three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. NOTE: This information may 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. All persons, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity, 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 via email.
 
Contact Us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, at . Please be sure to reference 24DOT-HQ-05190 in the subject line.