Plant Inspector/Material Tester (TT3, In-Training)

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 Transportation Technician 3 In-Training position in our Urban Mobility, Access & Megaprograms (UMAM) / I-405/SR 167 Program’s in Northwest Region.

The program’s purpose is to improve mobility, reduce congestion, and support economic growth by expanding express toll lanes, constructing new interchanges and access ramps, and integrating highway improvements with regional transit systems.

The program manages planning, design, construction, and corridor-wide coordination to ensure consistent, phased delivery of these high-priority projects.

What to Expect

Duties are often physical in nature and often performed outdoors in all types of weather conditions, including inclement weather, heavy winds, and other hazards, during both daytime and nighttime.

Perform duties next to high-volume, high-speed traffic. Perform duties low to the ground or at elevated heights, above 25 feet over land or water. Operate equipment for materials testing.

Perform duties and/or assist others in a confined environment. Climb ladders. Stand and walk for extended periods of time. Traverse rough, steep, and uneven terrain.

Transport and manipulate various types of equipment weighing 50 pounds or more. Grasp and manipulate electronic components, equipment, assemblies, etc.

Exposure to hazardous conditions, materials, chemicals, and products such as herbicides, gasoline, diesel, solvents, oils, lubricants, paint, and cleaners, as well as air quality hazards and hot asphalt that may be up to 350 degrees.

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

• Drive to project sites in a state vehicle to transport up to 50 lbs. of materials, supplies, and equipment to perform tasks.
• Inspect Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) plant, by collecting material from the HMA plant.
• Perform materials testing in a lab and field.
• Collect samples and complete paperwork for the material tests performed and samples collected.
• Interpret highway construction plans, specifications, and special provisions.
• Monitor the Design-Builder’s work for one or more major aspects of a project.
• Assist in all phases of structures inspection.
• Serve as responsible inspector for smaller, less complex work.
• Take measurements and calculate quantities on drainage pipes and conduits, retain wall rebars, luminaire, foundation rebar cages.
• Complete and submit Inspector Daily Reports, force account sheets, and other required documentation.

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, the following are required:

• Materials Testing & Inspection: Demonstrates understanding and ability to perform complex asphalt, concrete, and aggregate tests; interprets results to ensure QA compliance.
• Sample Collection & Documentation: Demonstrates ability to perform or oversee sample collection; ensures accuracy and compliance with procedures.
• Environmental Compliance: Demonstrates ability to apply environmental knowledge and monitor field activities for compliance with permits, contracts, and regulations; escalates significant issues appropriately.
• Equipment & Tool Use: Demonstrates ability to safely operate advanced lab and field equipment and ensure proper usage by others.
• Plan & Specification Interpretation & Field Measurements: Demonstrates ability to interpret construction plans and specifications, evaluate complex plans/specs, execute field layout, and calculate quantities accurately.

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

• Certification as a WSDOT Certified Tester within six (6) months of appointment date and maintain certification in position.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Independent Inspection Judgment & Documentation: Demonstrates ability to lead inspections for smaller or specialized projects; prepare comprehensive reports; mentor others on inspection procedures.
• Experience contributing to a work environment that fosters a culture of respect and equal opportunity.
• Advanced Materials Testing: Demonstrates expertise in specialized asphalt, concrete, and aggregate testing; operates complex lab and field equipment and interprets nuanced results to ensure quality assurance.
• Construction & Environmental Knowledge: Applies knowledge of complex highway construction processes, structures inspection, Design-Build projects, and relevant environmental permits and conditions.
• Problem-Solving & Troubleshooting: Identifies, evaluates, and resolves unexpected field or laboratory issues efficiently, using sound judgment and established procedures.
• Communication & Collaboration: Effectively conveys technical information verbally and in writing; collaborates with contractors, engineers, and stakeholders; fosters teamwork and knowledge sharing.
• Mentoring & Training: Provides guidance and instruction to junior staff in materials testing, inspection techniques, and safety practices; supports skill development and knowledge transfer.
• Technology, Procedures, & Professional Credentials: Demonstrates proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications and WSDOT-approved software for documentation; applies knowledge of WSDOT materials testing procedures and quality assurance practices.
• Professional Credentials: Possession of Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification or a bachelor’s degree in engineering (BSCE).

*To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the Contact Us section of this posting.

Important Notes

• 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 357-28of the Washington Administrative Code.

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.

The base salaries for each level are:Transportation Technician 3: $68,014 – $91,400 Annually

• Transportation Technician 2: $58,627 – $78,863 Annually
• Transportation Technician 1: $49,455 – $66,414 Annually

Travel is an expectation of the position and may be required on a regular, sporadic, or as-needed basis to perform inspection and/or materials testing in the assigned geographic area, attend an off-site meeting, or attend training. Overnight travel may be required.

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 offer flexible work schedules that allow you time for your life outside of this excellent opportunity.
• 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 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 sidra.fields@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 25DOT-NWR-12448-1 in the subject line.