Question:
What are some good entry level positions in State DOT's? I'd like to
pursue a career in some aspect. What are various positions and what
kind of college is required?
Answer:
Depends what you want to do. When I was looking at the ColoDOT, I was
poised to graduate with my BSCE, so the type of position I would have
entered would be Engineer Intern, where you learn all about design in
drainage, roadway, bridge, and operation in traffic. As you move up you
can branch out into one of those areas.
Of course, that is just the hardcore engineering side of a DOT. There
is also drafting (which probably would require at least tech college),
construction management and inspection (go for a BS in construction
management), maintenance worker (go for a CDL), and then also the
administrative stuff (budget, HR) that any large organization has.
Don't forget that while PE registration (which is made
much easier by a civil engineering degree) is essential
for senior project management and technical design
and management positions, CADD experience can at least
get your foot in the door to do interesting stuff.
At ADOT, many of the non-PE (and non-degreed) staff
have significant project management and design
responsibilities, including geometric design, traffic
control & sign design, and other important tasks.
The drawback is that all work must be done under the
supervision of a licensed PE.
The career path at the agency ends abruptly, however,
at the Transportation Engineering Specialist level,
unless a PE is obtained through a degree or experience
(oh yeah, and two 8-hour exams).
Arizona DOT nearly always has vacancies for technical
staff with some (sometimes any!) experience in CADD
and highway design. As noted above, with time and
experience there are many opportunities available
that don't require a PE.
