Fresh Listing

Posted: March 1, 2026 (1 day ago)

This job was posted recently. Fresh listings typically have less competition.

Civil Engineering Technicians (In-Training) | H2H

State of Washington

Dept. of Transportation

Fresh

Location

Washington, 98504

Salary

$47,100 - $87,048

per year

Closes

April 1, 2026

Job Description

Summary

This entry-level job with the Washington State Department of Transportation hires high school seniors or recent graduates as transportation technicians, where you'll gain hands-on experience in supporting road and bridge projects through tasks like inspections, surveying, and materials testing.

At the same time, the department pays for you to complete a two-year civil engineering degree program, with mentoring to help you advance.

It's perfect for motivated young people who like math and science and want to build a career in infrastructure while learning on the job.

Key Requirements

  • High school senior or graduated within the last two years
  • Interest in math and science with eagerness to apply them to real-world projects
  • Ability to work in field, office, and laboratory settings
  • Willingness to enroll in and complete a WSDOT-sponsored two-year Civil Engineering degree program
  • Strong interpersonal skills to interact with contractors, crew members, and the public
  • Capability to perform physical tasks such as density testing and surveying on construction sites
  • Commitment to a formal on-the-job training plan with mentoring

Full Job Description



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 looking for several enthusiastic, career-minded individuals to join our dynamic Civil Engineering Technician teams who support the vast infrastructure throughout the state.

WSDOT has coordinated with local Career and Technical Education (CTE) partners to blaze a career path for high school seniors or recent high school graduates looking to enter the workforce.

Candidates selected for this opportunity will be hired as entry-level Transportation Technicians, gaining practical, on-the-job field experience.

Concurrently, selected candidates will enroll in and complete a WSDOT-sponsored two-year Civil Engineering degree program.


As part of this program, you will be provided with a formal on-the-job training plan and paired with a mentor to coach and support you toward obtaining the experience and credentials needed to advance your career in civil engineering.

Successful completion of the in-training plan will result in promotion to the next level within the job class series, and a minimum 5% pay increase!

This opportunity is ideal for individuals who enjoy math and science and are eager to apply those skills to real-world projects while continuing their formal education.


What to Expect

There are multiple Transportation Technician positions available statewide for high school seniors and individuals who graduated within the last two years.

In this role, you’ll support transportation projects through field assessments, design support, construction inspection, materials testing, and surveying.

Work may occur in field, office, and laboratory settings.


Employees working toward their WSDOT-supported two-year degree may reduce hours while school is in session (25–30 hours recommended).


Among the varied range of responsibilities held within these roles, you will:

  • Assist with the inspection of materials.
  • Interpret highway construction plans, specifications, and special provisions in monitoring the contractor’s work.
  • Effectively interact with contractors, crew members, and the public.
  • Work as a density tester on subgrade, surfacing, and paving projects.
  • Work as an asphalt inspector on paving projects.
  • Check calculations made by others.
  • Assist the Office Engineer with construction documentation.
  • Perform design tasks, drawing, and revising contract plan sheets.
  • Produce Special Provisions, Ebase estimates, Structure Notes, and Quantity Tabulations.
  • Work on a construction or design project survey team on projects of all sizes.


Qualifications

These are Transportation Technician 3 positions.

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, the following competencies are required:

  • Applied Technical Engineering Skills (Fundamental Knowledge): Ability to perform basic technical engineering tasks under guidance, such as data collection, field inspections, material testing, or plan review. Demonstrated understanding of engineering principles.
  • Communication and Collaboration: Effective written and verbal communication skills to interact with contractors, engineering staff, and the public. Able to communicate observations, findings, and technical data clearly in documentation and discussions.
  • Positive Team Environment: Demonstrated experience working in a manner that contributes to a respectful, inclusive, and equitable workplace. This includes effectively engaging with individuals from diverse backgrounds, supporting equal opportunity, and promoting a positive team environment.
  • Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
  • Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.


In addition, the following are also required:

  • A valid driver’s license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.
  • Ability to traverse uneven and steep terrain adjacent to traffic and heavy equipment in all weather conditions.
  • Ability to maneuver and transport various materials and/or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
  • Ability to obtain certification as a WSDOT General Inspector within 12 months of hire.
  • A Western Alliance for Quality Transportation Construction (WAQTC) qualified tester, or equivalent, or ability to obtain within 24 months of hire.
  • An American Concrete Institute (ACI) qualified tester, or equivalent, or the ability to obtain within 24 months of hire.


Selected candidates must be at least 18 years old on or before June 30, 2026.


Important Notes

  • This recruitment will be used to fill positions in the following areas: (1) Bellingham, (2) Lacey, (1) Mt. Vernon, and (2) Spokane.
  • WSDOT will pay tuition for the 2-year Civil Engineering degree program through Yakima Valley College. Coursework is delivered and completed remotely and paired with real-world field experience on WSDOT projects.
  • Employees pay non-tuition fees associated with coursework (such as books and technology fees).
  • Satisfactory completion of courses is required to continue receiving tuition assistance each quarter.
  • This program requires completion within two years of starting the degree.
  • Employees are eligible to reduce working hours while school is actively in session (recommended to work at least 25-30 hours).
  • Employees agree to continue working at WSDOT for 2 years post-graduation. Repayment of tuition may be required if employment ends within two years of post-program completion.
  • These positions offer flexible/hybrid remote work options.
  • These are in-training positions that offer a career path, hands-on learning, and mentorship.

    This opportunity will allow you to progress upward through the Transportation Technician series and achieve the goal class of a Transportation Technician 3.

    Candidates will be considered for a Transportation Technician 1 or Transportation Technician 2, depending on their qualifications.

    Annual salary levels for each position are:Transportation Technician 3: $64,776 – $87,048

  • Transportation Technician 2: $55,836 – $75,108
  • Transportation Technician 1: $47,100 – $63,252

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 357-28 of 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, 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 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:

    One (or both) of the following:Two (2) Letters of Recommendation from professional contacts who can speak to your character, work ethic, and readiness for this career opportunity.

    Professional contacts may include previous employers, teachers, coaches, or other non-relatives in similar roles. AND/OR

  • Contact details for a minimum of 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.


    Contact Us

    For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at Robyn.Lovely@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-HQ-H2HCET in the subject line.

    Check your resume before applying to catch common mistakes

    Browse Similar Jobs

    Posted on NEOGOV: 3/1/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 3/2/2026

    Source: NEOGOV | ID: neogov-washington-5252329