Senior Claims & Litigation Investigator (Senior Civil Engineering Specialist)

Full Job Description

Join us in shaping Seattle’s streets!

At the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), we don’t just move people—we connect communities, build safer streets, and create a more sustainable city.

With a bold vision for the future, we’re tackling big challenges: making travel safer, cutting carbon emissions, and ensuring reliable, affordable transportation for everyone—no matter who they are or where they live.

Seattle is growing fast, and we’re growing with it. Thanks to a historic voter-approved $1.55 billion investment in transportation in 2024, we’re building sidewalks, fixing bridges, and improving transit connections to keep our city moving.

We’re a team of problem solvers, planners, engineers, communicators, and field crews—bringing purpose-driven work to life. Now, we need passionate, innovative talent like you. Let’s build a Seattle that works for everyone—together!

SDOT has an exciting opportunity for a collaborative and detail-oriented Senior Claims Investigator (Senior Civil Engineering Specialist) on our Legal Affairs team within the Finance and Administration Division.

This key team member will support departmental claim investigations and respond to claims for damages or litigation filed against the City of Seattle.

This includes producing reports, providing documents related to infrastructure conditions and activities, testifying regarding investigative findings and departmental policies, and most importantly, identifying and promoting risk management and loss prevention measures to protect the public from harm.

Requirements

• Performs site visits to assess and document conditions and causes that result in the filing of claims and litigation against the City of Seattle.
• Researches and interprets department-wide physical and electronic records, including work orders, service requests, past claim investigations, maps, permits, design drawings, etc.
• Solicits field operations records, input, and site assessments from other SDOT staff.
• Advises department asset owners on work order requests and instructions for crews to implement corrective actions.
• Composes clear, comprehensive, and consistent investigation response reports and documentation.
• Provides responses and data to the Legal Affairs Advisor for the City's Risk Management Office in a timely manner.
• Responds to requests for information from other SDOT staff and risk management staff in other City departments, such as the City Attorney's Office.
• Provides litigation testimony on behalf of SDOT and the City of Seattle.
• Drafts and edits responses to interrogatories and prepares documents for production for the City Attorney's Office on behalf of the department.
• Supports department goals in promoting diversity, equity, and social justice.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:
Education:

• Associate Degree in Civil Engineering Technology, or two (2) years of college-level coursework in engineering and construction technology.

Experience:

• Four (4) years of experience in civil engineering or construction technology.

OR: An equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the position duties.

Though not requirements, strong candidates will have some of the following experience or are able to describe comparable experience:

• Knowledge of tort law.
• Intermediate to advanced proficiency in using Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint and other analytical software.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and a high level of customer service skills.
• Ability to work both as part of a team and independently, while keeping supervisor informed of progress and issues.
• Attention to detail, organization, and the ability to actively manage multiple processes.
• Ability to effectively work in a multi-cultural workplace with a diverse customer base.

Other Requirements:
Work Environment / Physical Demands:

• Work is typically performed in a hybrid work environment in which a minimum of 3 days of work is completed in a City office, and 2 days of work is completed remotely in a regular 40-hour work week.
• Field assignments entail exposure to all types of weather, traffic, hazardous/toxic substances, and work in or near construction sites.
• May be required to lift over 50 pounds.
• May be required to stand, walk, or bend for extended periods of time.

License:

• Current Washington State driver's license or evidence of equivalent mobility.

Additional Information

Your application will not be reviewed if these items are missing or incomplete.

Hiring Process
Applications are reviewed after the posting closes. Qualified candidates must submit the following to be considered:

1. Completed NEOGOV online application.
2. Supplemental questionnaire responses
3. Cover letter describing how your skills and experience align with the stated job responsibilities and qualifications.
4. Current résumé indicating relevant experience and education.

Offers of employment are contingent on verification of information provided by the applicant as part of the application process, including a potential background check.

Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.

Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

The City’s full salary range for this position is $62.79 - $70.35 hourly.

For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact: Ryan Jones at Ryan.Jones@Seattle.gov.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.

More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans.

Who May Apply: This position is open to all candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences.

Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

The Department encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, veterans and those with diverse life experiences.

Accommodations for people with disabilities are provided on request.

The City is a Drug Free Workplace.