Lead Inspector (TE3)

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 currently seeking a Lead Inspector (Transportation Engineer 3) to join our Construction Inspection team and help ensure transportation projects are delivered safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with contract requirements.

In this role, you will lead a team responsible for inspecting and verifying contractor work to ensure compliance with Standard Specifications, Contract Specifications, and Contract Plans.

This position plays a key role in promoting environmental stewardship while overseeing sampling, testing, and documentation of materials incorporated into construction projects.

You will maintain strong communication with project teams, contractors, supervisors, specialty groups, local agencies, and other stakeholders, while making timely field decisions to support project delivery.

This position also mentors staff and ensures accurate, timely completion of project documentation needed to support contractor payment and successful project outcomes.What to Expect

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

• Lead a construction inspection team and manage multiple transportation construction projects to ensure quality, safety, and contract compliance.
• Coordinate project delivery with contractors, WSDOT staff, external agencies, and the public to support timely and efficient completion.
• Evaluate field conditions, anticipate potential issues, and provide guidance to inspection staff to support effective decision-making.
• Plan and monitor inspection and materials testing activities to verify work meets contract specifications, budget, schedule, and permit requirements.
• Oversee inspection documentation and contractor activities, including IDRs, pay notes, submittals, materials acceptance, RFIs, and consultant oversight.
• Communicate project status, emerging risks, and changes in scope, schedule, or budget to managers, the Office Engineer, and specialty groups.
• Ensure environmental compliance by reviewing and applying permit requirements and supporting constructability and design-phase project reviews.
• Mentor engineers and technicians by providing training, evaluating performance, assigning work, supporting hiring efforts, and addressing employee concerns.

Qualifications

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

Construction Oversight:

Engineering Knowledge and Application:

• Knowledge of highway construction procedures, including inspection, materials testing, documentation, and application of Standard Specifications.
• Knowledge of civil engineering principles, practices, and methods related to the construction of transportation projects.
• Experience developing and proposing alternative solutions to complex project elements in coordination with internal experts and external agencies.
• Ability to solve engineering problems of varying complexity using strong mathematical skills.

Communication Proficiency:

• Experience writing and verbally communicating clear, factual, tactful, and concise technical and administrative information to a diverse audience.
• Ability to present project information to supervisors, management, and stakeholders.

Growth Mindset:

Service-Oriented:

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

• A valid driver’s license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.
• Ability to traverse rough, steep, and uneven terrain.
• Ability to adjust work schedule to meet business needs, including responding to night and weekend calls as required.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

Construction Inspection Proficiency:

Staff Supervision:

Construction Knowledge and Expertise:

• Knowledge and experience with construction administration procedures for transportation construction projects.
• Knowledge and experience with construction administration procedures for Design-Build projects.
• Knowledge of construction manuals, design manuals, and utility requirements and standards applicable to transportation projects.
• Knowledge and experience of materials approval processes and environmental stewardship.

• Possesses basic knowledge of Scheduling Methodologies and the ability to read and analyze Contractor Schedules.
• Ability to use general project management applications, including but not limited to the Microsoft Office package, estimating tools, and scheduling software,

In addition to the above, the following are also preferred:

• Certified General Inspector
• Certification as an Engineer-in-Training
• Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in Washington State, or in another US State.
• IAI certification as a material tester in all concrete, earth, aggregate, and asphalt tests.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.

This position requires frequent visits to active project sites, including accessing on-site job trailers.

Inspection work is performed outdoors in all weather conditions and may occur during daytime or nighttime hours.

Working conditions may include exposure to hazards such as exhaust, high-speed traffic, steep or uneven terrain, and heavy construction equipment.

• The salary listed includes the legislative approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County.

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 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 will 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 should 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 UsFor inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at yasmin.munoz@wsdot.wa.gov.

Please be sure to reference 26DOT-NWR-13330 in the subject line.