Materials Tester (TT3, In-Training)

Full Job Description

About WSDOTWashington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal organization with a global reputation for excellence!

Our dedicated workforce is responsible to plan, design, build, and operate an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state.

In addition to maintaining over 18,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT manages the world's longest floating bridge, executes an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds a record for the world's widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

The OpportunityWSDOT is currently seeking a Materials Tester (Transportation Technician 3 – In-Training) to contribute to our mission of providing safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation options that enhance communities and economic vitality.

In this role, you will play a crucial part in supporting the Project Engineer by administering a Design-Build Contract through construction Quality Verification work.

This position monitors the Contractor’s work and ensures that testing, sampling, and documentation of construction materials is accomplished in accordance with Contract requirements through materials testing and Quality Verification (QV) audits.

Coordinate work with project stakeholders and other adjacent projects.

What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Materials Tester will:

• Collect materials samples for aggregate, asphalt, bituminous materials, or other required testing.
• Qualify and perform aggregate testing, asphalt lab testing, and in-place density testing in compliance with relevant modules and certifications.
• Qualify and perform concrete testing according to the American Concrete Institution’s Field-Testing Technician Grade I Certification and Grout Testing Technician qualification.
• Receive assorted construction materials from different sources and deliver them to Northwest Region or Headquarters labs for further testing.
• Log all testing and delivery data into WSDOT’s Materials Tracking System (MATS).
• Maintain a comprehensive record of all tests within the office's internal test tracking system.
• Assist and perform data tracking within WSDOT’s Statistical Analysis of Materials (SAM) system.
• Familiarize with and assist in tracking within the Materials Tracking Program (MTP/ROM).
• Support the Materials Documentation Engineer in materials testing, tracking, and auditing tasks.
• Perform construction Quality Verification (QV) audits using the State’s Construction Auditing Tracking System (CATS).
• Conduct QV audits on various Design-Builder's construction work activities and verify material compliance with RFP mandatory standards.

QualificationsThis is a Transportation Technician 3 position.

However, the hiring manager reserves the right to fill the position at a lower level, depending on qualifications, providing an opportunity for an individual to gain the required experience on the job as part of a formal “in-training” plan.

At the Transportation Technician 3 (Skilled) Journey level, the following is required:

• Engineering Knowledge & Technical Skills: Experience applying complex engineering and mathematical principles to plan, execute, and evaluate technical tasks; leads or trains staff; interprets and resolves complex project issues.
• Data Collection & Analysis: Experience managing data collection and analysis processes for multiple projects, developing improved methods, interpreting complex data sets, and guiding others in proper documentation and analysis techniques.
• Communication Skills: Experience leading communication efforts on projects, effectively conveying complex technical information to multiple audiences, mentoring others on communication strategies, and resolving misunderstandings.
• Software & Technical Proficiency: Experience leveraging software and databases for complex project tasks, optimizing workflows, troubleshooting technical issues, and training others in software use.
• Collaboration & Adaptability: Experience leading or coordinating team efforts, managing priorities across multiple tasks or projects, mentoring staff on collaboration, and implementing effective solutions to changing conditions.
• Material Testing & Analysis: Experience performing complex or multiple types of material tests independently, analyzing results in depth, and ensuring compliance with project and regulatory standards.
• Field Operations & Equipment Handling: Experience performing a wide range of field operations independently, applying technical judgment to ensure efficient, safe, and correct use of equipment and materials.
• Vehicle Operation for Fieldwork: Experience independently navigating complex or variable field conditions safely while performing assigned field duties across multiple sites.
• Safety Planning & Compliance: Experience independently applying comprehensive safety practices, consistently identifying and mitigating hazards, and ensuring adherence to PASPs and safety standards across work activities.
• Field Reporting & Communication: Experience preparing complex or detailed field reports independently, accurately capturing observations and trends, and providing technical information clearly to project stakeholders.
• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.

At the Transportation Technician 2 (Semi-Skilled) Intermediate level, the following is required:

• Engineering Knowledge & Technical Skills: Experience independently applying engineering and mathematical principles to perform technical tasks, interpreting results, and troubleshoot routine issues on transportation projects.
• Data Collection and Analysis: Experience independently collecting, analyzing, and summarizing data, identifying trends or discrepancies, and providing information to support project decisions.
• Communication Skills: Experience independently conveying technical information to diverse audiences, responding to questions, and adjusting communication style for understanding.
• Software & Technical Proficiency: Experience independently using MS Office, databases, and engineering software to complete technical tasks, manage data, and produce reports.
• Collaboration & Adaptability: Experience working independently in teams, adjusting to shifting priorities, and maintaining accuracy while supporting group objectives.
• Material Testing & Analysis: Experience performing a variety of material tests independently, accurately documenting results, interpreting findings, and identifying trends or discrepancies to support quality assurance.
• Field Operations & Equipment Handling: Experience independently handling, transporting, and operating field equipment and materials safely and efficiently while maintaining proper care.
• Vehicle Operation for Fieldwork: Experience independently operating vehicles to access multiple project sites safely and perform field duties efficiently.
• Safety Planning & Compliance: Experience applying workplace safety practices independently, participating in PASPs, and identifying or correcting hazards in the field.
• Field Reporting & Communication: Experience independently preparing accurate field reports and notes based on observations, identifying routine issues or patterns.
• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.

At the Transportation Technician 1 (Trainee) level, the following is required:

• Engineering Knowledge & Technical Skills: Experience applying basic engineering and mathematical principles (e.g., algebra, geometry, construction math) under supervision to support tasks such as drafting, surveying, plan development, or data collection.
• Data Collection and Analysis: Experience gathering, recording, and organizing data under supervision, following established procedures.
• Communication Skills: Experience communicating technical information clearly in routine situations under supervision and receiving feedback to improve clarity
• Software & Technical Proficiency: Experience using Windows-based computers and basic MS Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook) under supervision to complete routine tasks.
• Collaboration & Adaptability: Experience contributing to team tasks under guidance, following instructions, and learning to adapt to changing priorities.
• Material Testing & Analysis: Experience performing basic field or laboratory material tests (e.g., concrete, asphalt, aggregate, soil) under guidance, following established procedures and recording results accurately.
• Field Operations & Equipment Handling: Experience handling and operating field equipment and materials under guidance, following established safety and operational procedures.
• Vehicle Operation for Fieldwork: Experience operating state-owned vehicles under guidance to travel between project sites and perform assigned field duties safely.
• Safety Planning & Compliance: Experience following workplace safety procedures and participating in Pre-Activity Safety Plans (PASP) under guidance.
• Field Reporting & Communication: Experience preparing basic field reports or field notes under guidance, following established templates and procedures.
• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.

Required for all Transportation Technician levels:

• A Western Alliance for Quality Transportation Construction (WAQTC) qualified tester certification for in-place density (DTT), aggregate (AgTT), grout, and asphalt (AsTT II), or ability to achieve within 12 months of appointment.
• An American Concrete Institute (ACI) qualified tester certification, or ability to achieve within 12 months of appointment.
• Certification as a WSDOT General Inspector, or ability to obtain within 12 months of appointment.
• Work alternate and emergency shifts assigned, including overtime, nights, and weekends when necessary to meet project deadlines.
• Work is physical and often performed outdoors in all types of weather conditions.
• A valid driver’s license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have the following:

• Construction Materials Testing and Inspection
  Demonstrated ability to perform construction materials testing and project inspection activities in accordance with established standards and procedures.
• Materials Testing Certification
  Possession and application of WAQTC and ACI certifications for concrete, earthwork, aggregate, and asphalt testing modules.
• Construction Administration (WSDOT)
  Demonstrated knowledge of and ability to apply construction administration procedures for WSDOT projects.
• WSDOT Standards and Manuals
  Working knowledge of WSDOT Standard Specifications, Construction Manual, Materials Manual, Design Manual, and utility requirements and standards, with the ability to apply them in project delivery.
• Contract Document Interpretation
  Demonstrated ability to read, interpret, and apply contract documents, including special provisions, contract plans, and standard specifications.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options to be determined by the supervisor.
• Depending on qualifications, this position can be filled at the Transportation Technician 1 - 3 levels:
  • Transportation Technician 3 - annual salary range: $68,014 - $91,400.
  • Transportation Technician 2 - annual salary range: $58,627 - $78,863.
  • Transportation Technician 1 - annual salary range: $49,455 - $66,414.
• The salary listed includes the legislative-approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County.
• 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.

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.




Why WSDOT

• Work-Life Balance – We are committed to ensuring that our staff experience the reward of public service while sustaining a routine that suits each individual’s 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 federal student loan forgiveness eligibility.
• Plan For Your Future – WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes various 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 your salary. Therefore, the “Work Experience” portion of the application must be completed in as much detail as possible.

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 of three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. NOTE: This information may be entered in the “References” section of the online application; it does not require an additional attachment.




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

WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment where 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 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 Sidra.Fields@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-NWR-80542 in the subject line.