Traffic Engineering Layout Specialist (Associate Civil Engineering Specialist)

About the Department

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!

Position Overview:
SDOT's Transportation Operation Division (TOD) Is currently seeking a Traffic Engineering Layout Specialist (under the City's classification title of Associate Civil Engineering Specialist) to lead layout projects, review channelization, signing plans, and construction to ensure consistency with city standard practices, and national/local guidelines. The Traffic Engineering Layout Specialist plays a critical role serving as the anchor between theoretical designs and practical implementation. In this position, you will act as a pivotal resource in ensuring that all engineering projects are executed with precision, efficiency, and in compliance with all relevant standards. 

This role emphasizes the importance of office-based plan reviews to mitigate late-stage design changes and highlights the value of onsite inspections. These inspections guarantee that the actual installations match the approved designs, thus minimizing the need for costly and time-consuming corrections. The effectiveness of this position is crucial for maintaining project timelines, adhering to budget constraints, and ultimately, for the successful realization of SDOT's Levy objectives without unwarranted delays or financial overruns. This position reports directly to the Civil Engineering Supervisor.

Position Duties

• Lead technically complex projects to layout signs and channelization in the field from design plans and work orders prepared by TOD and Project Development Division personnel for installation by Pavement, Signs, and Markings Division crews.
• Inspect the layout and installation of signs and channelization completed by contractor field crews, coordinating and making any needed field design changes with engineers, for example, contractors working on private development Street Improvement Permit (SIP) projects, or Capital Projects (CP) projects.
• Provide interdivisional support for Seattle Public Utilities, and Seattle City Light, as well as interagency support within King County (Metro and Roads Division), Washington State Department of Transportation, and other partnering municipalities. This includes completing punch list reviews and asset management documentation.
• Assist in the preparation of plans and designs for signing and channelization.
• Update the Master City CAD GIS drawing with projects that have been implemented.
• Prepare work orders and draft plans that document work to be completed by crews and the assets that are affected.
• Coordinate and cooperate with other agencies, departments, divisions, private contractors, and vendors.
• Manage Customer Service Request (CSR) investigation, implementation, and replies which includes work order preparation, assignment, review, and approval.
• Support department goals in promoting diversity and social justice.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Requires two (2) years of Civil Engineering experience;
• Associate Degree in Civil Engineering Technology or two (2) years of college level coursework in engineering and construction technology; 

OR: A combination of education and/or training and/or experience which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class).

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

You’ll be successful in this role if you have:

• Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Office Suites.
• Three (3)+ years of AutoCAD experience.
• Experience with GIS software.
• Excellent record keeping and customer service skills.
• A current Washington State Flagger Certification.
• A current Washington State Traffic Control Supervisor Certification.
• The ability to Effectively work in a multi-cultural workplace with a diverse customer base.

Other Qualifications

Work Environment/Physical Demands:

• Most work is typically performed in an office and outdoor environments with hybrid options at this time.  
• Field assignments entail exposure to all types of weather, traffic, hazardous/toxic substances and work in or near construction sites.
• May be required to lift over 50 pounds.
• May be required to stand, walk, or bend for extended periods of time.
• Overnight travel may be required.

Offers of employment are contingent on verification of information provided by the applicant as part of the application process, including 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 $53.60 - $62.40 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 on request.

The City is a Drug Free Workplace.

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