V

Virginia Department of Transportation

Plans, builds, maintains Virginia transportation infrastructure

Civil Engineer

Full-TimePosted on 10/21/2026Deadline 11/4/26
$71.9k - $76.4k
Entry
Bachelor's
Salem, VA, USA
In Person
Architecture & Civil EngineeringTransportation Engineering

About the job

Requirements
  • Ability to apply engineering knowledge and principles to complete projects and other tasks.
  • Ability to make independent decisions and determine efficient processes to maximize resources.
  • Must pass the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam and obtain the Engineering in Training designation within 12 months of employment.
  • Must have completed or be on track to complete at least a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Civil Engineering Technology, or a related degree from an ABET-accredited program by the start of employment.
  • Knowledge of construction and maintenance contract policies and procedures.
  • Must be at least 18 years of age by the start of employment.
  • Basic computer operation skills.
  • Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with diverse groups.
  • Ability to draw rational conclusions and develop solutions from analysis, make independent decisions, and manage multiple assignments.
  • Ability to demonstrate and advocate safe work behaviors.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
  • Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
  • Ability to interpret technical data and prepare and maintain detailed reports.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities with competing deadlines and limited resources.
  • Ability to negotiate outcomes and work with diverse customer groups.
  • Ability to provide detailed reports on review findings.
  • Ability to read and understand highway construction plans.
  • Knowledge of engineering specifications and standards.
  • Knowledge of Civil Engineering principles relating to roadway design and standard design, ensuring compliance with VDOT standards.
  • Knowledge of VDOT, state, and federal policies and procedures relating to transportation engineering.
  • Knowledge of project management procedures and principles.
  • Knowledge of roadway design criteria, construction methods, standards, specifications, and materials.
  • Skill in providing and promoting customer service to internal and external customers.
  • Skill in using computers and software applications, including Microsoft Office, project management software, and engineering software.
Responsibilities
  • Apply engineering studies through the Employee Development Growth Experience program to perform as a competent VDOT engineer.
  • Provide technical advice, guidance, and training regarding assigned engineering program areas.
  • Prepare analyses, reports, and recommendations based on engineering determinations.
  • Provide engineering support and consultation related to the assigned engineering program area.
  • Manage assigned projects to ensure timely and accurate completion.
  • Communicate with VDOT staff, local government staff, consultants, citizens, and the Federal Highway Administration regarding transportation projects and programs.
  • Analyze and interpret engineering data and information, and prepare complete, clear, and concise reports and recommendations.
  • Establish communication among VDOT, contractors, government agencies, and the public; investigate issues and resolve complaints.
  • Apply knowledge of construction, including field inspections and project documentation.
  • Use established VDOT policies and procedures to develop and deliver engineering projects in compliance with state and federal laws and regulations.
  • Apply knowledge of environmental programs, their functions, and responsibilities.
  • Apply knowledge of maintenance systems and activities.
  • Plan, schedule, and coordinate engineering program activities so deliverables meet established scope and timelines.
  • Apply knowledge of materials, including quality assurance, pavement, and geotechnical engineering.
  • Apply knowledge of transportation planning, its role, function, and responsibilities.
  • Assist with project and task management, including scope, schedule, budget, deliverables, change management, quality, and status reports; manage concurrent tasks and report status updates.
  • Apply knowledge of residency operations, including budget and preliminary engineering, land development, construction, and maintenance.
  • Apply knowledge of right-of-way programs, their roles, functions, and responsibilities.
  • Apply roadway design principles and practices, including project development, geometric design, quality control, safety, engineering economics, environmental considerations, and construction techniques; develop roadway designs for complex transportation projects.
  • Manage assigned special program initiatives and projects, and represent VDOT or the assigned program area on committees and work groups.
  • Apply knowledge of structure and bridge work, including preliminary design, bridge safety inspection, and bridge maintenance.
  • Coordinate information orally and in writing while providing customer service and work habits consistent with VDOT values.
  • Apply knowledge of traffic engineering and operations.
Desired Qualifications
  • A combination of training, experience, or education in Civil Engineering or a related field.
  • Experience in design technology and interpreting technical plans and specifications.
  • Experience in roadway design and geometric design application.
  • Experience in roadway transportation.
  • Engineer in Training designation at the time of employment.

About the company

V

Virginia Department of Transportation

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The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) manages Virginia’s transportation network. It plans, builds, maintains, and operates roads, bridges, and tunnels to keep travel safe and efficient. Its work includes long-range planning (looking 20–25 years ahead), transportation modeling for regional partners, and public outreach to keep citizens informed and involved, such as campaigns promoting safer roundabouts. Unlike private companies, VDOT is a state government agency funded to serve the public interest rather than earn profits. Its goal is to provide a reliable, safe, and accessible highway system for all Virginians and to address future transportation needs through coordinated planning and infrastructure projects.

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Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • June 17, 2026 CTB approved $28.5 billion for roads, bridges, transit, and trails.
  • FY2027 budget rose 6.7% to $9.0 billion, lifting construction spending.
  • Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel targets substantial completion in 2026/2027, preserving marquee delivery wins.

What critics are saying

  • Fairfax Circuit Court's Awuah ruling exposed VDOT to vegetation-maintenance liability on March 24, 2026.
  • Delayed bridge and tunnel maintenance invites more quadriplegia litigation and insurance costs.
  • Megaproject slippage on I-66 and Hampton Roads could miss 2026/2027 deadlines, eroding trust.

What makes Virginia Department of Transportation unique

  • VDOT controls Virginia's $9.0 billion FY2027 transportation budget, unmatched statewide scale.
  • The agency manages 4,300 projects through a $28.5 billion FY2027-2032 SYIP.
  • VDOT runs megaprojects like Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel and Transform 66.

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Benefits

  • Health Insurance
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan
  • Paid Vacation

Company News

SWVA Media
Dec 5th, 2023
Griffith Announces $600,000 Grant to Virginia Department of Transportation for Wildlife Crossing Sites

The U.S. Department of Transportation's Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program has awarded a grant of $604,318 to the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) to support the identification of wildlife crossing sites across the state.

WAVY-TV 10
Nov 22nd, 2023
New traffic pattern on Goosley Road to help with congestion

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) worked with the National Park Service (NPS) to create a new traffic pattern on Goosley Road at the Route 17 intersection in York County.