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 support some of the agency’s largest and most complex mega programs, including the SR 520 Bridge Replacement and HOV Program and the Alaskan Way Viaduct Program.

This position plays a critical role in delivering highly visible, multi-billion-dollar capital projects that improve mobility and economic vitality across the region.

Serving within the SR 520 Corridor Design-Build Office, the Lead Inspector supervises State Quality Verification inspection activities and provides oversight to ensure construction work meets or exceeds contract requirements.

The incumbent represents WSDOT in coordination with Design-Builder Quality Control and Quality Assurance staff to uphold strong quality management practices.

This role also promotes a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative work environment aligned with WSDOT’s mission and values.What to Expect

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

• Perform Quality Verification inspections by interpreting complex structural, civil, electrical, and mechanical plans and confirming on-site construction complies with contract requirements.
• Inspect project sites on limited-access freeways and bridges, document findings in Inspector Daily Reports, and identify nonconformance, differing site conditions, and potential change order issues.
• Coordinate with contractors, agency staff, external partners, and the public to maintain the schedule, address concerns, and communicate project status, risks, and proposed changes.
• Lead implementation of Quality Audit and Quality Verification Plans by determining audit elements, scheduling activities, and monitoring inspection and testing efforts.
• Verify and investigate non-compliant work, exercise independent judgment, and advise the Design-Builder on quality issue resolution in accordance with permit requirements and contract provisions.
• Review and provide comments on design-build submittals, working drawings, differing site condition notices, change orders, progress payments, and schedule updates to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Coordinate and track traffic control lookahead schedules and related notifications with adjacent projects and internal partners, maintaining updates in the Work Zone Database.
• Supervise and support technicians and engineering staff by planning and assigning work, evaluating performance, facilitating training, participating in hiring, and addressing employee development and workplace concerns.

Qualifications

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

• Engineering Knowledge and Application: Demonstrated understanding of civil engineering principles and experience applying technical knowledge to transportation-related projects and recommending appropriate engineering solutions.
• Leadership Skills: Strong communicator with proven ability to lead and coach subordinate staff, including evaluating performance, identifying training needs, and resolving personnel issues.
• Technical Interpretation and Analysis: Experience reading, interpreting, analyzing, and reviewing contract plans, specifications, and cost estimates in accordance with project requirements and engineering standards.
• Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills to communicate technical information clearly to a variety of stakeholders, including engineers, contractors, and the public.
• Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills: Demonstrated research and analytical skills to examine issues, evaluate options, and propose alternative solutions while maintaining strong attention to detail and sound judgment.
• Interpersonal and Collaborative Effectiveness: Strong interpersonal skills demonstrated through the ability to work effectively with project offices, team members, and support offices, fostering productive working relationships and coordinated outcomes.
• Technology and Software Proficiency: Experience using personal computers and proficiency with associated software, including Microsoft Suite products (e.g., SharePoint, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
• Design-Build Construction Inspection and Quality Management: Experience serving as a construction project inspector on design-build projects, including implementing or supporting construction quality management processes and interpreting complex construction plans, provisions, and standards.

• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.

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

• A valid driver’s license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.
• General Inspector Certification or the ability to obtain it within one year of employment.
• Ability to work in confined spaces, work at heights of 50 feet or more, wear fall protection harnesses or a life jacket, be able to work over water, and ride in a boat.
• Ability to traverse rough, steep, and uneven terrain and climb ladders while wearing fall protection harnesses to perform inspection duties.
• 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:

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position is not eligible for remote work.

Work is performed in both office and field environments. Field duties require traveling to and from project sites in a state vehicle and working in active construction zones.

Employees may be exposed to hazards commonly found on construction sites, including inclement weather (rain, wind, snow), uneven or steep terrain, and heavy equipment.

The role may also require climbing ladders, working in confined spaces, working at heights of 50 feet or more, wearing fall protection or personal flotation devices, and performing duties over water or from boats.

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

Please be sure to reference 26DOT-NWR-80480 in the subject line.