Utilities/Agreements Engineer (TE4)

About WSDOT
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is the steward of an integrated, multimodal transportation system that helps to ensure people and goods move safely and efficiently throughout the state. In addition to building, maintaining, and operating the state highway system, WSDOT operates the largest ferry system in the nation, manages the world's longest floating bridge, and recently completed the world's widest tunneling project.

The Opportunity
WSDOT is currently seeking a highly skilled Utilities/Agreements Engineer (Transportation Engineer 4) for a senior-level technical program specialist role supporting the SR 520 Bridge Replacement and HOV Program (SR 520) and the Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement Program (AWV). Reporting directly to the Program Manager, this position is integral to managing and administering Utility, Local Agency, and Private entity agreements within the $4.9 billion SR 520 Program and $3.4 billion AWV Program. The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring the highest quality work products, transparent processes, and timely, fiscally responsible project delivery. Responsibilities include developing and executing agreements with governmental agencies, utilities, and others through collaboration with project managers, WSDOT Utilities, Railroads and Agreements (URA), and other supporting groups within WSDOT, along with the State Attorney General's Office.
What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Utilities/Agreements Engineer will:

• Oversee payable and reimbursable agreements between WSDOT and Other Governmental Agencies, managing scope development, cost negotiation, and agreement execution.
• Secure and record all required approvals for governmental agency agreements, ensuring compliance with protocols.
• Take an active role in attending and leading development, coordination, and status meetings related to governmental agency agreements.
• Manage payable and reimbursable agreements between WSDOT and Private and Public Utilities, handling scope development, cost negotiation, and agreement execution.
• Facilitate and participate in development, coordination, and status meetings related to utility agreements, ensuring effective communication.
• Continuously monitor and record the status of active, in-process, and close-out agreements, providing real-time updates and reports via various communication channels.
• Engage with the Director of Operations, Program Manager, Project Managers, WSDOT HQ, Governmental Agencies, Utilities, and others to report status and proactively resolve issues.
• Act as a subject matter expert on agreements, offering expert-level information, interpretation, advice, and training on policies and procedures.
• Remain current on all relevant systems, manuals, policies, procedures, agreement language, laws, and regulations to ensure accurate guidance.
• Demonstrate considerable independence of action in decision-making and problem-solving related to agreement administration.

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

• One (1) year of experience as a Transportation Engineer 3 or equivalent, such as Bridge Engineer 3 or Transportation Planning Specialist 3.

OR

• Three (3) years of experience in Contract Management, Program Management, Business, Law, or a similar field.

AND

• Possess highly developed knowledge of technical engineering practices and departmental policies, procedures, and standards related to agreements/contracts. Including experience developing and interpreting agreement language and understanding of RCWs, WACs, FHWA CFRs, and other policies/procedures related to government contracting.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise considerable independence of action in decision-making and problem-solving.
• Ability to understand and adjust priorities to meet changing deadlines and customer needs.
• Possess excellent organizational skills and experience with document management.
• Must be able to pay close attention to detail.
• Possess working knowledge in the use of a PC and be proficient in Microsoft Office software such as Word, Excel, Teams, and Outlook.
• Must be able to communicate in a clear and concise manner via email, Teams, phone, virtual meetings, and in-person meetings.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have the following:

• Possess working knowledge of the use of WSDOT systems such as TRAINS, FIRS, COGNOS, and ART.
• Possess working knowledge of the WSDOT Agreements manual.
• Possess an understanding of Transportation Engineering Project Delivery methodology.

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 listed includes the legislative-approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County.
• 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.wa.gov.
• 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.

Why WSDOT

• Work-Life Balance - We are committed to ensuring that our staff experience the reward of public service while sustaining a routine that suits each individual's lifestyle.
• Paid Leave - In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees 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 federal student loan forgiveness eligibility.
• Plan For Your Future - WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes various 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 your salary. Therefore, the "Work Experience" portion of the application must be completed in as much detail as possible.
To be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application:

• An attached Resume outlines (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. NOTE: This information may be entered in the "References" section of the online application; it does not require an additional attachment.

Please click the "APPLY" button to proceed. Note that you will be prompted to sign in or create an account. This step is required to apply for this opportunity.

WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment where 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 needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter.

Contact us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, Yasmin Munoz, at MunozY@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 24DOT-NWR-80598 in the subject line.Employment Type: Full Time - Permanent