Assistant Construction Engineer (Civil Engineer Manager (Transportation)) (PennDOT, District 5 Only)

THE POSITION

Would you thrive in a career where you could help direct engineering decisions that shape major transportation projects?  Join the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) as an Assistant Construction Engineer and support essential construction operations across District 5.  This role allows you to apply engineering judgment in the field while guiding staff and ensuring quality work.  Do not miss this opportunity to contribute to the safety and reliability of infrastructure for communities throughout the region! 

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position applies engineering practices to support construction oversight, resolve field issues, and ensure projects meet specifications.  As an Assistant Construction Engineer, you will perform the following duties:

• Project Oversight: Monitor construction work to ensure compliance with plans, specifications, and engineering standards
• Field Coordination: Communicate with contractors, consultants, and partner agencies to resolve construction issues
• Technical Decisions: Interpret designs and adjust plans or quantities to support effective project completion
• Documentation Review: Manage project records, material tracking, payments, and closeout procedures
• Issue Resolution: Address complex engineering problems and support claim meetings when needed
• Workforce Guidance: Direct and evaluate staff to maintain safe and efficient operations

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• You will work closely with vendors and work hours may change based on vendor availability.
• This position may require overtime and travel as needed.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, up to 50% of the work schedule and upon successful completion of the probationary period.  In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania.  If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Allentown.  The ability to telework is subject to change at any time.  Additional details may be provided during the interview.
• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email.  Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

Organization or Location Restrictions:

• This posting is restricted to Department of Transportation, District 5 employees only.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Four years of professional civil engineering experience which includes three years in the appropriate specialty and one year of experience in directing the work of civil engineers.

Special Requirements:

• This position requires possession of a valid Professional Engineer license issued by the Pennsylvania State Registration Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors and Geologists.

Condition of Employment:

• This position requires possession of a valid driver’s license.

Post Employment Requirement:

• For the Bridges and Transportation parentheticals, successful candidates with an out of state Professional Engineer license will be required to produce a valid Professional Engineer License issued by Pennsylvania within their initial six month probationary period.

Other Requirements:

• PA residency requirement is currently waived for this title.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

This position is not subject to the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement or memorandum of understanding.  

You must be eligible for selection in accordance with merit system employment regulations. 

Recruitment Methods:

• Applicants must meet one of the following methods to be considered for this vacancy: 
  • Promotion Without Exam
  • Reassignment (Only current civil service employees in the same agency who hold the same or similar job title, with the same maximum salary, within the same occupational group or where there is a logical career movement, will qualify for reassignment.) 
    • Meritorious service is defined as (a) the absence of any discipline above the level of written reprimand during the 12 months preceding the closing date of the posting, and 
    • (b) the last regular or probationary performance evaluation showing an overall rating of satisfactory or higher. 
  • Voluntary Demotion
  • Reinstatement (Former civil service employees may only be reinstated to the job title from which they resigned. Current civil service employees are not eligible through reinstatement.)

Promotion Without Examination (PWOE): 

• Class Restrictions for Promotion Without Examination Only - You must have or have held regular civil service status in one of the following classifications:
  • Senior Civil Engineer Supervisor (Transportation)
  • Senior Civil Engineer Supervisor (Bridges)
  • Senior Civil Engineer Supervisor (General)
  • Senior Civil Engineer Supervisor (Structural)
  • Senior Civil Engineer (Transportation)
  • Senior Civil Engineer (Bridges)
  • Senior Civil Engineer (General)
  • Senior Civil Engineer (Structural)
  • Bridge and Structural Design Supervisor
  • Highway Design Supervisor
• Employees who previously held regular civil service status in the job title of the position being filled are also eligible for promotion without examination.
• The promotion without examination requirements are issued in accordance with merit system employment regulations.
• Meritorious service is defined as (a) the absence of any discipline above the level of written reprimand during the 12 months preceding the closing date of the posting, and (b) the last regular or probationary performance evaluation showing an overall rating of satisfactory or higher. 
• Applicants must have a minimum of one year in the next lower classes by the posting closing date with no break in service. 

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position.  Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements.  Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.  
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date.  Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
• All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant’s own experience, qualifications, and work.  Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only.  Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted.  Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce.  The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania.  The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law.  All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

Benefits

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See the total value of your benefits package by exploring our benefits calculator.

Health & Wellness

We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*

Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options. 

Work/Life Balance
We know there’s more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.* 

Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.

Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little “extras” that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.

For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit www.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.

*Eligibility rules apply.

Supplemental Questions

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Agency Information

EmployerCommonwealth of PennsylvaniaAddress 613 North Street

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17120 Website http://www.employment.pa.gov