Transportation Engineer II, III, IV - Wharton Area Office

Overview: Close Visual Acuity - work includes data/figures; view a computer screen; extensive reading. Performs complex transportation engineering work in one or more functional areas such as planning, project development and design, construction, transportation/traffic operations and/or maintenance. Ensures compliance with applicable federal and state laws, policies, procedures, standards and guidelines. Work requires contact with governmental officials and private entities. Employees at this level perform work independently on assignments; however, all unusual issues are referred to the supervisor.

Essential Duties

• Transportation Engineer II: Assists Area Engineers with construction contract administration matters. Demonstrates and enforces the TxDOT Safety Culture at all times. Oversees construction project traffic control plans; periodically reviews traffic control devices with Area Engineers. Oversees contracts, issues work orders and monitors construction schedules and contractor payments and job progress on construction projects. Trains engineering staff. Analyzes and assists in the resolution of contract problems and disputes. Conducts pre-construction meetings. May serve as a lead worker and the related tasks. Monitors contractors' compliance with plans and specifications. Resolves differences between contractors and inspectors. Reviews shop drawings, plans, specifications, estimates, supplemental agreements and change order requests. Drives/travels to project/work locations to make on-site engineering reviews, analyses, tests and to provide technical support. Assists in providing recommendations to the Motor Carrier Division for routing of overload vehicles.
• Transportation Engineer III: In addition to the above duties, utilises project management principles in initiating, planning, executing, monitoring, controlling and closing for complex transportation projects. Assesses and reports actual project progress versus planned progress to determine trends and variances for complex projects. Performs data collection, evaluations, analyses, studies, inspections, forecasts, assessments, and/or plan development. Updates, reviews, monitors, and/or reviews requests for changes to plans, manuals and/or standard sheets.
• Transportation Engineer IV: In addition to the above duties, makes presentations and represents TxDOT. Conducts final inspections on completed construction projects. Assists in recommending major maintenance and betterment programs to the district staff. Communicates and coordinates with local stakeholders and elected officials when projects impact their jurisdiction. Works with governmental officials on behalf of the Area Engineer.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's Degree in engineering or related science; bachelor's or higher degree accepted by TX PELS.
• Experience: Transportation Engineer II = 5 years experience; Transportation Engineer III = 6 years experience; Transportation Engineer IV = 7 years experience. Experience: Engineering, transportation engineering, or related engineering experience. Related graduate level education may be substituted for experience on a year per year basis.
• Licenses and Certifications: Valid driver’s license. This position requires driving a state vehicle. Licensed Professional Engineer. If performing underwater bridge inspections: Must have Open Water Diver certification. For Bridge Inspection: Must have completed a comprehensive training course based on the Bridge Inspector's Training Manual or NICET Level III or IV certification in Bridge Safety Inspection within 1 year of hire. Professional engineers licensed in another state must obtain a Texas professional engineering license within 6 months of hire and sign an agreement to that effect as a condition of employment.

Competencies

• Applicable plans, specifications and estimates preparation, review, processing and compliance requirements.
• Applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
• Applicable testing methods, processes and procedures.
• Applicable engineering workstations and applications to support efficient planning and design activities.
• Applying engineering principles, practices and methods in job responsibilities.
• Public relations for maintaining effective working relationships with individuals and groups, both internal and external.
• Communicating technical information effectively.
• Using computers and applicable programs, applications, and systems.
• Communicate effectively.
• Exercises logic and reasoning to define problems, establish facts and draw valid conclusions; makes decisions that support business objectives and goals.
• Maintaining a safe working relationship.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Light work: Lift up to 20 lbs at a time and frequently lift or carry objects up to 10 lbs.
• Repetitive motion: substantial movements of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
• Close Visual Acuity: work includes data/figures; view a computer screen; extensive reading.
• Subject to inside and outside environmental conditions.
• Subject to hazards: moving vehicles/mechanical parts, high places/heat, or chemicals.

Conditions of Employment

This job has been identified as physically demanding and will require a pre-employment physical. Must pass a drug test prior to employment for safety impact positions. This is a Safety Impact position and will be subject to random drug testing. Please note that the Department of Transportation's Drug and Alcohol Testing Regulation – 49 CFR Part 40, at 40.151(e) – does not authorise “medical marijuana” under a state law to be a valid medical explanation for a positive drug test result for an employee in this position.

Position Information

The Wharton Area Office is seeking a motivated individual to fill the position of the Transportation Engineer II, III, or IV. In this position you will gain valuable experience in project management, construction methods to build roadways, bridges, and related structures in accordance with plans and specifications, problem resolution on complex projects, contract administration, change order evaluations and dispute resolution. You will have the opportunity to oversee the planning, design and construction of multiple projects. This is a career building position with unlimited opportunities. The Texas Department of Transportation reserves the sole right in determining the level of position based on the applicant's work experience, education, skill level, and all other appropriate factors, and based on business needs.

Salary and Benefits

• Salary Ranges: Transportation Engineer II: 69,572 - 114,099; Transportation Engineer III: 76,530 - 129,430; Transportation Engineer IV: 84,182 - 142,374.
• Benefits And Perks: At TxDOT, we value work-life balance and are committed to providing our employees with a comprehensive range of benefits and programs, including retirement plans, flexible work schedules, paid leave and holidays, health premiums paid at 100% for full-time employees, on-the-job training, tuition assistance, wellness program with leave incentives, career development opportunities, and family-friendly policies.

Job Information: Engineering/Engr Support; Schedule: Full-time; Employee Status: Regular; Job Type: Standard; Job Level: Non-Management; Job Posting: Jan 20, 2026, 4:24:09 PM.