Engineer - Early Career - Various Locations Statewide

Posting closes 4/8/2027 Under immediate supervision, this position is responsible for assisting in various engineering related tasks as required. This posting is intended for early-career engineers, including recent graduates and students who will complete their qualifying engineering degree by May 2027. Candidates are encouraged to apply now for current and anticipated entry-level Engineer opportunities at ARDOT locations statewide.

Examples of Work The following examples are intended only as illustrations of various types of work performed. No attempt is made to be exhaustive. Related, similar, or other logical duties are performed as assigned. The Department may require employees to perform functions beyond those contained in job descriptions. The Department may modify job descriptions based on Department needs. The Arkansas Department of Transportation is an "at will" employer.

Perform engineering duties in planning, research, design, or the construction and maintenance of Arkansas’ roadways and bridges. Receive specialized training from designated training personnel. Apply engineering techniques, procedures, and criteria within rules, regulations, specifications, and operating procedures of the Department. Additional Examples of Work Applicable to Structures Engineers Evaluate survey, soil and hydraulic data, and design bridge types as directed for inclusion in the project plans.

Produce layouts, structural details and related technical drawings using computer-aided design and drafting (CADD). Assemble design drawings, specifications and bid quantities, and make cost estimates for completed bridge projects. Analyze existing bridge structures for load capacity as part of the Department’s continuing bridge inspection and rating program. Collaborate with structural detailers in plan preparation of projects which they have designed.

Additional Examples of Work Applicable to Hydraulic Design Engineers Conduct hydrologic and hydraulic investigations and analyses for bridges and other hydraulic structures. Investigate highway related drainage problems. Coordinate hydrology and hydraulic design with other federal, state, and local agencies. Prepare detailed analytical reports in connection with hydrologic and hydraulic studies. Additional Examples of Work Applicable to Maintenance Engineers Develop thorough knowledge of all phases of highway maintenance and the Asset Management Programs.

Maintain mutually beneficial relationships with District personnel and Area Maintenance Supervisors in order to assist in solving maintenance problems. Analyze and recommend solutions to maintenance problems. Asset Management Perform pavement data analysis on data collected using nondestructive equipment, including but not limited to: the Falling Weight Deflectometer, Skid Truck, and Pavement Performance Data Collection Vehicle.  Ensure that QC/QA practices are implemented and followed at all levels in the data collection, analysis, and reporting processes.

Assist in project identification, prioritization, and scoping for the State Transportation Improvement Program. Additional Examples of Work Applicable to Materials Engineers Conduct quality assurance tests of materials used on Department projects. Recommend acceptance of test results of materials. Assist in the monitoring of materials problems and functions for construction and maintenance activities.

Additional Examples of Work Applicable to Planning and Research Engineers Multimodal and Project Planning Evaluate travel patterns, produce traffic models and project future traffic demand for project design purposes. Analyze and recommend solutions to address transportation mobility and safety needs. Perform transportation planning activities and conduct planning studies. Assess transportation system performance.

Research  Serve as Project Coordinator for contract research projects, including all project management activities (review reports, claims for reimbursement, chan