Assistant Project Engineer (Civil Engineer, Assistant)

Join us in shaping Seattle’s streets!

At the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), we don’t just move people—we connect communities, build safer streets, and create a more sustainable city.

With a bold vision for the future, we’re tackling big challenges: making travel safer, cutting carbon emissions, and ensuring reliable, affordable transportation for everyone—no matter who they are or where they live.

Seattle is growing fast, and we’re growing with it. Thanks to a historic voter-approved $1.55 billion investment in transportation in 2024, we’re building sidewalks, fixing bridges, and improving transit connections to keep our city moving.

We’re a team of problem solvers, planners, engineers, communicators, and field crews—bringing purpose-driven work to life. Now, we need passionate, innovative talent like you. Let’s build a Seattle that works for everyone—together!

Looking for an opportunity to put your Civil Engineering background to work on Seattle’s current and future Transportation Systems?

SDOT has an exciting opportunity for a highly collaborative and detail-oriented Assistant Project Engineer (Civil Engineer, Assistant I) on our Project Design & Delivery team in the Project Development Division. This position is responsible for recommending preliminary scoping schematics, 30%, 60%, 90% and final designs and design criteria for intersection improvements for Stay Healthy Street, Vision Zero, Pedestrian Master Plan, and other related public works projects, which include asphalt & concrete design, speed hump/cushion design, sign/channelization design, storm drainage design, signal & lighting design, landscaping & tree planting design, and other related public works projects. This key role will prepare traffic control plans for city crew construction projects, as well as prepare and monitor project schedules for city crews: Storm Drainage, Concrete, Asphalt, Urban Forestry, Signal, Traffic Signs & Markings, Curb Space Management, and Roadway Structures

• Coordinate work with and obtain concurrence on project designs from other SDOT divisions, other City departments (i.e. Seattle Public Utilities, Seattle City Light, Seattle Parks & Recreation, etc) and other public agencies (i.e. city of Shoreline, King County).?
• Oversee project progress from design through construction, including traffic control plan design, crew inspection and crew coordination between all city crews.??
• Serve as lead to support personnel on less complex projects such as sign replacement, channelization re-marking, streetlight repair, or other maintenance related work.?
• Conduct field inspections of work done by all city crew and contractors work to ensure compliance with plans and specifications.??
• Participate in presentations for community outreach with the public.??
• Meet with community groups and representatives of other agencies and City departments to discuss current or proposed projects.?
• Support department goals in promoting diversity and social justice in keeping with the City’s Race and Social Justice Initiative.

Minimum Qualifications:
Education:

• Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering or Civil Engineering Technology

OR:An equivalent combination of education and experience which provides preparation to do professional civil engineering work

License, Certification:

• Current Washington State driver's license or evidence of equivalent mobility

Though not requirements, strong candidates will have some of the following experience or are able to describe comparable experience:

• Specific civil engineering experience in design of bicycle, pedestrian, and transit facilities, roadways, infrastructure, and signal and lighting improvements related to public works transportation facilities.
• Strong proficiency in MS Word, MS Excel, SharePoint, Adobe Professional, AutoCAD, and Civil 3D.
• Familiarity with City of Seattle, WSDOT, NACTO, MUTCD, and City/County roadway design standards.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of civil and construction engineering, including methods, materials, equipment, and techniques used in civil engineering, construction, and inspection.
• Ability to read and interpret plans, spec's, construction schedules, contracts, and other construction documents to ensure contract compliance.
• Willingness to work in the field during all types of weather, traffic, and work in or near construction sites. Ability to effectively communicate with a wide diverse population.

Work Environment / PhysicalDemands:

• Work is typically performed in a hybrid work environment in which a minimum of 3 days of work is completed in a City office, and 2 days of work is completed remotely in a regular 40-hour work week.

• May be required to work nights, evenings, weekends, and holidays and in field assignments with exposure to all types of weather, traffic conditions, hazardous/toxic substances, and construction sites.
• May be required to lift over 50 pounds.
• May be required to stand, walk, or bend for extended periods of time.

Your application will not be reviewed if these items are missing or incomplete.

Hiring Process

Applications are reviewed after the posting closes. Qualified candidates must submit the following to be considered:

1. Completed NEOGOV online application.
2. Cover letter describing how your skills and experience align with the stated job responsibilities and qualifications.
3. Current résumé indicating relevant experience and education.
4. Supplemental questionnaire responses.

Job offer is contingent upon verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process and may include a criminal history background check.

Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

The full salary range for this position is $49.16 - $53.15 per hour.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans

Who May Apply: This position is open to all candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The Department encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, veterans and those with diverse life experiences.

Accommodations for people with disabilities are provided upon request.

The City is a Drug Free Workplace.