Zone Safety Engineer

The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) is seeking a motivated and technically proficient Professional Engineer to serve as the Work Zone Safety Engineer within the Traffic & Safety Division. This position provides statewide technical leadership to advance work zone traffic control, construction safety, operational policy implementation, and innovative temporary traffic management solutions.

This role is structured as a proactive technical partnership with Region staff and project teams, rather than a reactive oversight position. You will collaborate directly with field engineers, inspectors, contractors, designers, and construction personnel to build regional technical capability. This is achieved through active mentorship, field support, targeted training, and the development of clear, defensible standards grounded in practical field application.

As the Work Zone Safety Engineer, you will spearhead the refinement of Traffic Control Standard Drawings, Standard Specifications, policies, guidance documents, and work zone operational practices germane to the Traffic & Safety Division. You will also drive the advancement of SMART work zone technologies and connected transportation systems to enhance safety, mobility, and real‑time traveler information throughout construction operations.

Success in this position requires a balance of strong technical writing, collaborative communication, sound engineering judgment, and a practical understanding of field operations.

• Salary Range: $45.53 - $72.25
• FT/PT Status:
  Full Time
• Background Check:
  You must successfully pass a criminal history check.
• Schedule Code: B - Competitive Career Service (12 month probationary period)
• Location:
  
  Calvin Rampton Building – 4501 South 2700 West, Taylorsville, Utah
• Final date to receive applications: 06/10/2026

• Technical Oversight:
  Provide specialized engineering support and plan review assistance for complex temporary traffic control and work zone operations.
• Standards & Policy Maintenance:
  Maintain and update UDOT Traffic Control Standard Drawings, Standard Specifications, guidelines, and design details.
• Training & Mentorship:
  Develop and deliver technical training programs for field engineers, inspectors, contractors, and project teams to standardize practices statewide.
• Collaborative Problem Solving:
  Partner with Region staff, construction personnel, project teams, and contractors to resolve recurring work zone design and field implementation challenges.
• Innovation & Technology:
  Lead the deployment of SMART work zone technologies, integrating connected, real‑time traveler data with platforms like Waze and other third‑party providers.
• Data Analysis:
  Analyze work zone crash data, operational bottlenecks, and field performance metrics to identify and implement safety improvements.
• Federal & Industry Liaison:
  Coordinate with the FHWA, industry partners, and internal stakeholders regarding emerging standards, best practices, and national work zone initiatives.

• Licensure:
  Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) in the State of Utah.
  • Note:
    
    Out-of-state licensees must obtain reciprocity with Utah prior to their official start date.
• Experience:
  
  A minimum of two (2) years of professional engineering experience following initial PE licensure.

Applicants within one year of meeting the two‑year post‑licensure requirement may be considered at the Engineer III level. The salary range for an Engineer III is $37.46 - $60.77 per hour.

Our ideal candidate is someone with a demonstrated background in traffic engineering, roadway design, construction engineering, transportation operations, or temporary traffic control design.

• Advanced knowledge of engineering principles, traffic control standards, specifications, and field construction practices.
• A practical understanding of construction‑phase traffic management and the ability to troubleshoot field implementation challenges.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and technical writing skills, with a proven ability to mentor staff and present complex data clearly.
• Tec…