Description 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 has an exciting opportunity for an experienced supervisor and engineer in the Port Orchard Project Engineering Office to assist in the delivery of the WSDOT fish passage program. The fish passage program is removing barriers to fish and provides critical infrastructure to connect fish habitat and aid in fish recovery. The Design Build Site Manager will assist in leading and managing an engineering field office of approximately 30 engineers and technicians responsible for the delivery of design build fish passage projects. You will help ensure projects are delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and in alignment with contract requirements, quality standards, and long-term maintenance needs. This position plays a critical role in translating design and policy into real-world construction outcomes while fostering collaboration across stakeholders and ensuring transparency and accountability in project delivery. You will also serve as a key representative of WSDOT to contractors, local agencies, elected officials, and the public. This position requires close coordination and cooperation with region staff and support groups, HQ, local agencies, Tribes, and project stakeholders to accomplish organizational goals and expectations. This position will provide staff with a balanced workplace, promoting training and development for professional growth and upward mobility, employee safety, workforce diversity, and pride in ownership. Your work will be pivotal in meeting the goals of this agency.

What to Expect

In this role, you will provide leadership and oversight for a field office responsible for delivering complex design-build transportation projects. You will coordinate closely with internal teams, consultants, contractors, and stakeholders while also supporting staff development and operational excellence. Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you will:

• Assist the Project Engineer in providing leadership, management, and oversight to an engineering field office delivering design and construction projects and assume limited authority of the Project Engineer in their absence.
• Ensure projects are delivered on schedule, within budget, and with appropriate quality measures to meet contract requirements and maintainability standards.
• Monitor and report on project delivery in accordance with departmental and regional expectations for transparency and accountability.
• Accurately apply policies and standards to design-build highway projects and provide oversight to ensure safe, timely, and cost-effective project delivery.
• Review and recommend approval of design changes, work methods, contract adjustments, materials substitutions, schedules, and payment estimates, including progress and final estimates.
• Review project schedules for accuracy, identify issues, and track progress while managing staff and resources in response to design-builder schedules.
• Review deliverables including design documents, contract documentation, materials certifications, environmental compliance, change orders, EEO/COA compliance, and contract administration reporting.
• Collaborate and build effective working relationships with internal teams, contractors, consultants, agencies, stakeholders, and the public to support successful project delivery.
• Work closely with WSDOT and Design-Builder subject matter experts to resolve complex engineering issues in a manner that best serves the project needs.
• Lead and support personnel management and workforce development by addressing staffing needs, coaching and mentoring staff, supporting performance management, and promoting employee engagement, inclusion, and safety.

Qualifications

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

• Construction Contract Management & Leadership: Demonstrated ability to oversee large-scale transportation construction contracts exceeding $50 million, including supervision of staff and successful delivery of complex infrastructure projects.
• Civil Engineering Expertise: Working knowledge of transportation engineering design and construction principles, including the ability to interpret plans, specifications, and contract documents.
• Project Management & Scheduling: Ability to manage multiple complex projects, set objectives, monitor progress, and implement corrective actions to ensure successful delivery.
• Effective Communication & Collaboration: Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills to engage effectively with staff, contractors, stakeholders, and the public.
• Problem Solving & Decision-Making: Ability to analyze complex issues, evaluate options, and make timely, effective decisions in a dynamic construction environment.
• Respect & Inclusivity: Advanced skills in effective and professional communications with a diverse audience, including those with non-technical backgrounds, both virtually and in-person, using a variety of electronic media, including, but not limited to telephones, email, text, and video conferencing. Ability to contribute to a respectful, inclusive, and equitable work environment.
• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.
• Leadership: Effective working knowledge of the principles of project management with strategic leadership abilities to build and maintain effective teams; motivate, coach, mentor, and empower employees; embrace and lead change; resolve conflicts; encourage employee engagement; foster and maintain a positive work environment; develop and implement process improvements; and demonstrate interpersonal skills to a diverse interdisciplinary workforce in developing and delivering multiple projects.

The following qualifications are also required:

• A valid driver’s license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

• Leadership & Supervisory Experience: Experience leading diverse teams, including coaching, mentoring, and supporting employee development in a construction or engineering environment.
• Complex Transportation Project Oversight: Experience managing large, complex transportation construction projects, including design-build delivery methods.
• Engineering, Scheduling & Budgeting Tools: Experience using engineering, scheduling, and budgeting software to support project planning, tracking, and delivery.

Important Notes

This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs. This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options but requires regular field and office presence to fulfill the duties of this position. 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. 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. As such, there are a number of flexible schedule options available, including telework options 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 State Benefits for more information.

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 of 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 olivia.dietrich@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-OR-3W138-1 in the subject line.