Senior Geotechnical Engineer (TE5 In-Training) – Two Positions

About the Department

About WSDOT

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. In addition to maintaining over 20,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, manages the world's longest floating bridge, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

The Opportunity

WSDOT is seeking two Senior Geotechnical Engineers to provide statewide technical leadership and expertise for complex transportation projects across Washington. In this role, you will lead advanced geotechnical analyses and design, develop practical solutions for challenging site and foundation conditions, and provide technical oversight throughout project development and construction. You will work on design-bid-build, mega, design-build, and other alternative delivery projects while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, consultants, contractors, and project partners. This position also serves as a senior technical resource within WSDOT's Geotechnical Office, providing guidance on complex geotechnical issues, mentoring engineering staff, and supporting statewide initiatives that advance geotechnical practices and transportation project delivery.

This is an in-training opportunity and may be filled at the Transportation Engineer 2, 3, 4, or 5 level, depending on the selected candidate's qualifications. Through progressively responsible assignments, mentorship, and successful completion of an in-training plan, employees have the opportunity to advance to the Transportation Engineer 5 level.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you will:

• Perform advanced geotechnical analysis and design for transportation projects of considerable scope and complexity, including evaluating site conditions, developing field exploration and laboratory testing plans, conducting geotechnical analyses, and developing foundation, retaining wall, ground improvement, and other geotechnical designs and recommendations.
• Lead and provide technical oversight for geotechnical work on design-bid-build, mega, design-build, and other alternative delivery projects. 
• Serve as a senior technical resource, mentor and train engineering staff, coordinate geotechnical team assignments, and ensure designs and technical work comply with standards of practice, national codes, WSDOT policies, and project requirements.
• Support major and complex transportation projects by identifying geotechnical issues that may affect project design, construction, schedule, budget, or delivery, and developing or facilitating practical solutions with multidisciplinary project teams.
• Provide geotechnical construction support by advising project teams on incorporating geotechnical recommendations into contract documents, preparing or reviewing contract provisions and RFP sections, reviewing contractor submittals, evaluating changed site conditions and claims, participating in pre-construction meetings, and conducting field visits to support construction activities.
• Manage multiple geotechnical projects and assignments by developing scopes of work and cost estimates, coordinating consultants and multidisciplinary teams, establishing priorities, tracking schedules and budgets, communicating project status, and representing the Geotechnical Office with regional and statewide clients.
• Coordinate and oversee consultant work by developing and negotiating scopes of work and cost estimates, directing the preparation of geotechnical reports and technical deliverables, and reviewing consultant work for quality, adequacy, and consistency with WSDOT geotechnical policies and project requirements.
• Represent the Geotechnical Office statewide by providing technical expertise during emergency response activities, value engineering studies, cost risk assessments, and other initiatives, and by communicating geotechnical policies and guidelines to WSDOT staff and project partners.

Qualifications

This is a Transportation Engineer 5 position. However, the hiring manager reserves the right to fill the position at a lower level in the classification series based on candidate qualifications, providing an opportunity for an individual to gain the required experience on the job as part of a formal “in-training” plan.

To be considered for this opportunity, the following competencies are required:

• Education and Training: 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).
• Geotechnical Engineering: Demonstrated ability to apply geotechnical engineering principles including site characterization, field exploration, laboratory testing, seismic evaluation, foundation design, retaining wall design, ground improvement, and engineering analysis to support transportation projects. 
• Technical Analysis and Problem Solving: Ability to evaluate complex engineering data, exercise sound engineering judgment, and develop practical geotechnical solutions. 
• Project Management: Ability to manage multiple assignments, prioritize competing work, coordinate multidisciplinary teams, and deliver projects within established schedules and budgets. 
• Communication: Ability to communicate complex technical information effectively through written reports, technical recommendations, meetings, and presentations with technical and non-technical audiences. 
• Field Investigations: Ability to safely conduct field investigations while following established safety practices. 
• Licensure/Certification: Ability to obtain the required licensure or certification as outlined in the in-training plan. 
• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth. 
• Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others. 
• Valid driver's license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.

At the TE5 level, the following required:

• Licensure as a Professional Engineer (Civil) in Washington State. 
• Experience performing complex geotechnical engineering analysis and design on multiple concurrent projects. 

At the TE4 level, the following is required:

• Licensure as a Professional Engineer (Civil) in Washington State. 
• Experience performing complex geotechnical engineering analysis and design on one or more projects. 
   

At the TE3 level, the following is required:

• Certification as an Engineer-in-Training in Washington State. 
• Experience performing geotechnical engineering analysis and design on multiple concurrent projects. 

At the TE2 level, the following is required:

• Certification as an Engineer-In-Training in Washington State. 
• Experience performing geotechnical engineering analysis and design on multiple one or more projects. 
   

Important Notes 

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• 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 Collective Bargaining Agreements. Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in Chapter 357-28 of the Washington Administrative Code. 
• This is a Transportation Engineer 5 position. However, the hiring manager reserves the right to fill the position at a lower level in the classification series based on candidate qualifications, providing an opportunity for an individual to gain the required experience on the job as part of a formal “in-training” plan. The base salaries for each level are: 
  • Transportation Engineer 5: $98,064 – $131,868
  • Transportation Engineer 4: $88,788 – $119,460
  • Transportation Engineer 3: $80,496 – $108,228
  • Transportation Engineer 2: $72,900 – $98,064
• 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 www.uscis.gov

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.
• 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 State Benefits for more information. 

Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?

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.
• Contact details for a minimum three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. This information can 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.

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 www.uscis.gov

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at [email protected]. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-HQ-00436m in the subject line. 

Benefits

More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note:  If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits. 

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS).  New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs.  For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP).  This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays 
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday. 

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave 
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave. 

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.  

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave 
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026

Supplemental Questions

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Agency Information

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View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504 Website http://www.careers.wa.gov