Assistant Inspector (TT3) In-Training

About WSDOT

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal agency with a global reputation for excellence. Our dedicated workforce plans, designs, builds, and operates an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 20,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT manages the world's longest floating bridge, leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds the record for the world’s widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

The Opportunity

WSDOT is currently seeking a Transportation Technician 3 to join the team working on the SR 520 Bridge Replacement and HOV Program (SR 520), and Alaskan Way Viaduct Program (AWV) projects. These are highly visible, political, controversial, and complex multi-billion-dollar capital constructions programs that are under the Assistant Secretary – Urban Mobility, Access and Megaprograms (UMAM). These are among the largest Megaprograms in WSDOT, consisting of multiple major projects in various phases of development stretching from I-5 to I-405 on SR 520 and through the City of Seattle on Alaskan Way and waterfront connecting SR 99. Projects in development or under construction within the SR 520 Program include the Montlake Phase, SR 520/I-5 Express Lanes Connection, Portage Bay Bridge and Roanoke Lid (PBB), and the Montlake Cut Second Bascule Bridge projects. Projects under construction and being closed out within the AWV Program include the South Access Phase 2 project, the Office of the Waterfront Main Corridor and Marion Street Pedestrian Bridge project, and the SR 99 Demolition, Decommissioning and Surface Street Project. This position supports WSDOT’s mission by performing material testing and inspection for a Design Build Project.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Assistant Inspector will:

• Sample and test materials in accordance with the WSDOT Construction Manual, WSDOT Materials Manual and Contract requirements (using nuclear density meter, scale, bottles, sample bags, shovel, wheelbarrow, etc.).
• Confirm location and access needs with the Design Builder's Quality Assurance (QA) staff in regard to materials samples to be used for density curves, split sampling of small quantities of materials and sampling of non-statistical materials to be tested.
• Conduct audits related to the Design Builder's materials tracking efforts to validate and ensure that test frequencies are maintained for the quantity of materials delivered or handled at the jobsite and document.
• Confirm that the materials used on the project are approved and documented in accordance with the Contract.
• Coordinate with the Design Builder in preparing materials transmittals.
• Complete Inspector’s Daily Reports (IDR) on the performance of contractor's work.

Qualifications

This is a Transportation Technician 3 position. However, the hiring manager reserves the right to fill the position at a lower level in the classification series based on candidate qualifications, providing an opportunity for an individual to gain the required experience on the job as part of a formal “in-training” plan.

To be considered for this opportunity, one of the following competencies are required:

• Applied Technical Engineering Skills: Ability to perform basic technical engineering tasks under guidance, such as data collection, field inspections, material testing, or plan review—comparable to work performed by a Transportation Technician 2 or similar role. 

OR

• Engineering Fundamentals Knowledge: Demonstrated understanding of engineering principles through formal education or equivalent experience in one or more of the following areas: civil, structural, geotechnical, traffic, or transportation engineering; soil mechanics; or other closely related disciplines.

OR

• Professional Credential Recognition: Possession of a recognized professional credential such as Certification as an Engineer-in-Training (EIT), demonstrating foundational knowledge in engineering disciplines OR Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering. 

In addition to one of the above, the following are also required:

• Possession of an unrestricted valid driver’s license to operate vehicles in Washington State.
• Ability to transport, move, and manipulate various types of equipment weighing up to 35 pounds.
• Ability to traverse rough, steep, and uneven terrain.
• Qualified tester status in the aggregate, concrete, and hot mix asphalt density modules or the ability to become a qualified within three (3) months of hire and maintain throughout employment.
• General Inspector Certification, or ability to acquire within six (6) months of hire.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Current Qualified Tester status in Aggregate, Concrete and Hot Mix Asphalt Density Modules and one (1) year of materials testing experience involving WSDOT testing methods.
• One (1) year of Design-Build Quality Verification inspection experience preparing and performing Quality Verification audits.
• Fluency in the use of the following computer applications: Word, Excel, Outlook and CATS.

Important Notes 

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position is not eligible for remote work.
• The salary listed includes the legislative approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County. 
• This is a Transportation Technician 3 position. However, the hiring manager reserves the right to fill the position at a lower level in the classification series based on candidate qualifications, providing an opportunity for an individual to gain the required experience on the job as part of a formal “in-training” plan.
• Transportation Technician 1: $49,455 – $66,414
• Transportation Technician 2: $58,627 – $78,863
• Transportation Technician 3: $68,014 – $91,400
• In addition to base salary, employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type, duties, or location of the position. For union-represented positions, more information on other forms of compensation can be found in the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements. Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in Chapter 357-28of the Washington Administrative Code. 
• WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.

Why WSDOT 

• Work-Life Balance – We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals’ lifestyle. 
• Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees may earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year!
• Tuition Assistance – Permanent employees have several options for assistance with education expenses, including tuition reimbursement programs, government discounts at participating colleges throughout the state, and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness.  
• Plan For Your Future – WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options. Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information. 

Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?

How to Apply

Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine salary. Therefore, it is very important that the “Work Experience” portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible. 

In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application:

• An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
• An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
• Contact details for a minimum three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. This information can be entered in the “References” section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment. 

Please click the "APPLY" button to proceed. Note that you will be prompted to either sign in or create an account. This step is required in order to submit an application to this opportunity.

WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. All persons, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/ or gender identity, are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter.

WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at alyssa.nastasi@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 25DOT-NWR-80472 in the subject line.