Salary: $78,912.00 - $129,288.00 Annually
Location : Spokane County - Spokane, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 26DOT-ER-61031
Department: Dept. of Transportation
Division: Eastern Region
Opening Date: 06/25/2026
Closing Date: 7/9/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
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 is currently seeking a Transportation Engineer 5 in our Eastern Region! As a Transportation Engineer 5 within the ER Environmental Department, this position supports WSDOT's mission to provide safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation options by ensuring projects comply with hydraulic policies and procedures. The ER Hydraulics Engineer provides hydraulic related support to ensure compliance with the Highway Runoff Manual, Hydraulic Manual, and environmental regulations including the Clean Water Act, National Environmental Policy Act, State Environmental Policy Act, Washington State Hydraulic Code, National Pollution Discharge Elimination System, and other WSDOT policies and guidance.
What to Expect
This is a Transportation Engineer 5 position. However, the hiring manager reserves the right to fill the position at a lower level in the 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.
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you will:
- 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. Evaluation involves the ability to drive a WSDOT vehicle, transporting the necessary assessment tools and equipment to and from facilities.
- 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.
Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:
Professional Engineering Authority & Licensure:
- 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.
Advanced Hydraulic & Hydrologic Engineering Expertise:
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.
Technical Review & Quality Assurance Leadership:
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.
Regulatory & Environmental Compliance:
Demonstrated knowledge andapplication of:
- Highway Runoff Manual
- WSDOT Hydraulic Manual
- Clean Water Act (CWA)
Project Delivery & Program Management
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.
Safety & Field Operations Competency
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.
Leadership & Supervision
Demonstrated ability to:
- 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.
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.
Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
Service-Oriented: Take action to meet the needs of others.
It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:
Specialized Water Resources Experience:
- Advanced experience in water resource engineering, hydrology, and open channel hydraulics.
- Experience designing complex stormwater treatment facilities and large-span hydraulic structures.
Hydraulic Modeling & Software Proficiency:
- Proficiency with hydraulic and hydrologic modeling software (e.g., HEC-RAS, HY-8, WWHM, MGSFlood, or equivalent).
Fish Passage & Environmental Restoration Experience:
- Experience designing fish passage improvements and coordinating with regulatory and tribal partners.
Policy Development Experience:
- Experience contributing to or developing statewide hydraulic policy. procedures. or technical guidance.
*To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the Contact Us section of this posting.
Important Notes
- This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
- This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
- The salary range listed includes the 3% general wage increase, effective on July 1, 2026. This is a Transportation Engineer 5 position. However, the hiring manager reserves the right to fill the position at a lower level in the 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 4: $87,048 - $117,120
- Transportation Engineer 3: $78,912 - $106,104
- 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.
- Administration (FMSCA). For more information, please go to
- 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.
- 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 a 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.
- 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 recruiter listed.
Contact Us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at Please be sure to reference
#61031 TE5 in the subject line.
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 Empl
