Assistant Plans Engineer (Highway Design Manager)

State of Pennsylvania
King of Prussia, Pennsylvania
Full Time

Email Address

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THE POSITION

Are you ready to step into a fulfilling leadership position with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT)? We are excited to welcome a diligent Highway Design Manager to take on the role of Assistant Plans Engineer. Through your work, you will guide major transportation projects from early design through final delivery. Your efforts will help to shape safe and reliable systems used by Commonwealth communities every day. Apply today to join a team that values strong leadership, innovative planning, and high quality results!

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position leads transportation design efforts by guiding teams, reviewing plans, and coordinating project development from start to finish. Your work will focus on ensuring that all work meets department standards and supports project goals. As an Assistant Plans Engineer, you will perform the following duties:

Project Leadership: Direct design teams and guide project development from planning through delivery
Design Review: Review and approve design plans to ensure compliance with standards and regulations
Team Oversight: Monitor team performance and provide direction to support successful project completion
Agency Coordination: Work with agencies and stakeholders to obtain approvals and address project needs
Field Collaboration: Participate in field views and meetings to define project scope and requirements
Technical Support: Develop design elements and assist with analysis and project documentation

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

Full-time employment
Work hours are 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
This position may be eligible for alternate work schedule (AWS).
Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in King of Prussia. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview.
Salary: Selected candidates who are new to employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $77,379.00 (before taxes).
You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

One year as a Senior Highway Designer or Highway Design Supervisor (Commonwealth job titles or equivalent Federal Government job titles, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
Three years of professional experience in highway design work and a Bachelor's Degree in engineering, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics or transportation technology; or
Any equivalent combination of experience and training.

Other Requirements:

This particular position also requires possession of a valid Class C Driver's License.
You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency Guidelines.
You must be able to perform essential job functions.

How to Apply:

Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant's own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

Veterans:

Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. 7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

EXAMINATION INFORMATION

Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
You must provide complete and accurate information or:
your score may be lower than deserved.
you may be disqualified.
You may only apply/test once for this posting.
Your results will be provided via email.

Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this short video!

See the total value of your benefits package by exploring our benefits calculator.

Health & Wellness

We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*

Compensation & Financial Planning

We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.

Work/Life Balance

We know there's more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*

Values and Culture

We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.

Employee Perks

Sometimes, it is the little "extras" that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.

For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit www.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.

Eligibility rules apply.

Additional Requirement - Do you possess a valid Class C non-commercial driver's license?

If you answered "Yes" to the above question, please provide your driver's license number and expiration date. If you answered "No", type N/A in the box.

Have you been employed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a Senior Highway Designer or Highway Design Supervisor for one or more years full-time?

If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.

How many years of full-time professional experience in highway design work do you possess?

3 years or more
2 but less than 3 years
1 but less than 2 years
Less than 1 year
None

How much graduate coursework have you completed in civil engineering, or a closely-related field with emphasis on highway/design? If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted. If you answer this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visiting and clicking the Evaluation Services link.

30 credits or more
Less than 30 credits
None

You must complete the supplemental questions below. These supplemental questions are the exam and will be scored. They are designed to give you the opportunity to relate your experience and training background to the major activities (Work Behaviors) performed in this position. Failure to provide complete and accurate information may delay the processing of your application, or result in a lower-than-deserved score or disqualification. You must complete the application and answer the supplemental questions. Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position or to determine your score.

All information you provide on your application and supplemental questions is subject to verification. Any misrepresentation, falsification or omission of material facts is subject to penalty. If requested, you must provide documentation, including names, addresses, and telephone numbers of individuals who can verify the validity of the information you provide in the application and supplemental questions.

Read each work behavior carefully. Determine and select which "Level of Performance" most closely represents your highest level of experience/training. List the employer(s)/training source(s) from your Work or Education sections of the application where you gained this experience/training. The "Level of Performance" you choose for each work behavior must be clearly supported within the description of the experience and training information entered in your application or your score may be lowered. In order to receive credit for experience, you must have worked in a job for at least six months in which the experience claimed was a major function.

If you have read and understand these instructions, please click on the "Yes" button and proceed to the exam questions.

If you have general questions regarding the application and hiring process, please refer to our FAQ page.

WORK BEHAVIOR 1 - DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT PROCEDURES OR POLICIES Develops and implements technical procedures or policies for emerging engineering and transportation systems. Ensures policy compliance with industry guidelines and updates specifications to drive innovation. Levels of Performance Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

A. I have experience DEVELOPING procedures, policies, or guidelines related to engineering or transportation systems.
B. I have experience IMPLEMENTING procedures, policies, or guidelines related to engineering or transportation systems.
C. I have experience developing or implementing procedures, policies, or guidelines NOT related to engineering or transportation systems.
D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to policy development or policy design.
E. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.

In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed on this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you claimed you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
The type(s) of procedures, policies, or guidelines you developed or implemented.
Your specific duties and level of responsibility.

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

College/University
Course Title(s)
Credits/Clock Hours

WORK BEHAVIOR 2 - STANDARD CADD DRAWINGS Creates and enhances Computer-Aided Design and Drafting (CADD) drawings to incorporate advanced engineering techniques, collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams to implement current design practices. Levels of Performance Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

A. I have experience creating AND enhancing CADD drawings to ensure implementation of current design practices.
B. I have experience ENHANCING EXISTING CADD drawings to ensure implementation of current design practices.
C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework or training related to computer-aided drafting and design, 3D design or drafting and design technology.
D. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.

The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
The specific duties you performed related to creating or enhancing CADD drawings.
Your level of responsibility.

College/University
Course Title(s)
Credits/Clock Hours

WORK BEHAVIOR 3 - SUPERVISION Performs the full range of supervisory duties including assigning and reviewing work; providing guidance; training subordinates or arranging for the training of subordinates; evaluating work; providing discipline; monitoring and approving leave; and making recommendations in the hiring and termination process. Levels of Performance Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

A. I have experience performing SUPERVISORY DUTIES which included assigning and evaluating work, providing discipline, monitoring and approving leave, and making recommendations in the hiring and termination process.
B. I have experience as a LEAD WORKER which included providing training or staff orientation to newly hired staff and reviewing their work.
C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework or training related to supervisory development, labor relations, or human resource management, but I do not have at least six months of supervisory or lead work experience in a work setting.
D. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.

The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
Your duties as a supervisor (evaluating employee performance, approving leave, providing discipline, hiring/termination decisions, etc.).
Your duties as a lead worker (reviewing work, training, etc.).
Your specific responsibilities.

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework or training, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

College/University/Training Source
Course Title(s)
Credits/Clock Hours

WORK BEHAVIOR 4 - TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE Provides technical assistance to maintenance and construction crews on transportation and utility projects. Serve as the agency's lead representative in public forums and on professional committees to build consensus and deliver expert guidance. Levels of Performance Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

A. I have experience providing technical assistance to internal AND external parties regarding highway maintenance or construction. I ALSO served as an agency representative on various committees.
B. I have experience providing technical assistance to internal OR external parties regarding highway maintenance or construction.
C. I have experience providing technical assistance NOT related to highway maintenance or construction.
D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to public relations or communications.
E. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.