Hydraulics Engineer (TE4) In-Training

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 manages the world's longest floating bridge, leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds the record for the world’s widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

The Opportunity

WSDOT is currently seeking a Transportation Engineer 4 (TE4) to serve as the senior fluvial geomorphologist within the Headquarters’ (HQ) Hydraulics Office, supporting WSDOT’s mission to deliver safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation solutions. By evaluating watershed and reach conditions, and conducting hydrologic and hydraulic analyses, the position ensures infrastructure is designed and maintained in alignment with natural processes—reducing long-term risk, maintenance costs, and environmental impacts. The role directly supports WSDOT’s core values of safety, innovation, leadership, and sustainability through expert analysis and guidance on complex projects, including Chronic Environmental Deficiencies (CED), Fish Passage Program, floodplain and channel migration assessments, and emergency repairs. It also provides technical leadership and mentorship to regional staff, ensuring consistency and excellence in hydraulic and geomorphic practices statewide.
 

What to Expect

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

• Assess reach and watershed conditions, and conduct a range of hydraulic and geomorphic analyses. 
• Perform hydrologic and hydraulic computations for the preparation and review of CED Site and Reach Assessments, hydraulic basis of design reports, floodplain evaluations, channel migration studies, and emergency repair actions.
• Design habitat complexity features such as large woody material placements and engineered log jams using force-balance methods and CAD tools.
• Provide technical expertise to regional and project offices; may assign or oversee work performed by junior staff or interns.
• Review current policies related to stream restoration design and construction; recommend updates to reflect the latest scientific knowledge and professional standards.
• Assess and address the effects of coastal processes on WSDOT infrastructure; evaluate site-specific coastal conditions such as erosion, wave action, and sea level rise, and developing both conceptual and final designs for coastal protection measures.

Qualifications

This is a Transportation Engineer 4 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:

Technical Knowledge & Application

• Ability to apply engineering principles in geomorphology, hydrology, and hydraulics to infrastructure design, analysis, and maintenance. Skilled in conducting field investigations, collecting and interpreting survey data, and preparing technical documentation. 
• Demonstrated proficiency with modeling tools such as Hydrologic Engineering Center River Analysis System (HEC-RAS) or Sedimentation and River Hydraulics (SRH)-2D, with the ability to interpret results, evaluate bridge scour, and apply regulatory frameworks. Experienced in developing and reviewing technical standards, manuals, and supporting documentation.

Field Investigation & Data Collection

• Proven capability to perform field inspections in varied environments, including steep slopes, river crossings, and remote locations. Experience ranges from conducting supervised site visits and data collection to independently leading assessments in complex and diverse terrain. 
• Ability to integrate field findings into design, analysis, and reporting.
• A valid standard driver’s license and the ability to operate a state-owned vehicle.  

Communication & Collaboration

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey technical information to engineers, contractors, stakeholders, and non-technical audiences. Experience presenting technical materials, leading discussions, and contributing to shared project goals.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in collaborative, interdisciplinary team environments and skill in mentoring and training colleagues. 

Leadership, Professional Judgment & Organizational Values

• Ability to exercise sound professional judgment in solving engineering problems, from routine technical challenges to complex infrastructure issues. 
• Commitment to mentoring and coaching staff, sharing expertise, and developing training to build organizational capability. Dedicated to fostering a respectful, inclusive workplace that values diverse perspectives and advances agency equity commitments.

In addition to the above, the following are also required in order to qualify at the TE4 level: 

• Licensed Professional Civil Engineer or Licensed Geologist in Washington State (or the ability to obtain licensure in Washington State within six (6) months of hire.) 
• Ability to obtain WSDOT Hydraulics Scour Certification within 6 months of hire.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

Hydraulic Modeling and Software Proficiency: 

• Experience in calibrating and interpreting results from 1D and 2D hydraulic models to support engineering decisions across diverse project settings. 
• Skills in managing digital workflows for storing, retrieving, and producing hydrologic and hydraulic data for use in technical reports and design documentation.

Bridge Scour Analysis and Design Standards: 

• Demonstrated knowledge of bridge scour mechanisms, including pier, abutment, and contraction scour, including long term channel stability and the implications for infrastructure design and safety. 
• Ability to apply FHWA and AASHTO design guidelines for evaluating scour risk and ensuring structural integrity during high-flow and flooding events. Ability to integrate scour analysis into comprehensive hydraulic assessments for bridge and culvert projects.

Coastal Geomorphology and Infrastructure Resilience: 

• Possess a strong understanding of coastal processes such as erosion, sediment transport, and wave dynamics. 
• Ability to contribute to the development of resilient coastal infrastructure designs that account for geomorphic conditions and align with green infrastructure principles. 
• Ability to interpret site-specific coastal data to assess risks and inform design of long-term, sustainable protection measures.

Important Notes 

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• Statewide travel is occasionally required. Overnight trips are required for project support.
• 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 4 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 4: $87,048 – $117,120
• Transportation Engineer 3: $78,912 – $106,104 
• Transportation Engineer 2: $71,472 – $96,144
• Transportation Engineer 1: $64,776 – $87,048  
• 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. 

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 alyssa.nastasi@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 25DOT-HQ-05202 in the subject line.