Transportation Engineer Licensed Specialist 13 (Soils Engineer) - Grand Region
State of Michigan
Posted: April 7, 2026 (1 day ago)
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State of Washington
Dept. of Transportation
Location
Washington, 98504
Salary
$47,100 - $87,048
per year
Type
Full-Time
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This job involves working in a state lab to test soils, rocks, and related materials used in highway construction, ensuring they meet quality standards through hands-on experiments and data recording.
You'll also maintain lab equipment and follow safety protocols in a busy environment with some physical demands like handling hot materials.
It's a great fit for detail-oriented people with a background in lab work or construction materials who enjoy technical tasks and teamwork.

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 seeking to fill multiple Transportation Technician positions within the Structural Materials Section’s Soils Laboratory.
Serving as the Soil Lab Technicians, you will support the evaluation of materials used in highway construction projects under the supervision of the Soils Laboratory Supervisor (TE3).
These roles will be responsible for performing complex testing of soils, rock, and geotextiles to determine material quality and acceptability, and preparing, analyzing, reducing, and accurately recording test data.
In addition, the positions will assist with maintaining laboratory equipment, including calibration, routine maintenance, and associated documentation.
Our top candidates will demonstrate technical proficiency in materials testing, attention to detail in data management, the ability to follow standardized procedures and quality assurance protocols, and strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
What to Expect
These positions perform materials testing duties in a laboratory environment, which may include exposure to chemicals, elevated temperatures, working with materials exceeding 325 degrees F, and working with various chemicals.
These positions also require cross training and qualification in other laboratories that are part of the Construction Materials Division to assist as needed within the State Materials Laboratory.
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within these roles, the Soils Lab Technicians will:
Qualifications
These are Transportation Technician 3 positions.
However, the hiring manager reserves the right to fill the positions 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 these opportunities, the following competencies are required:
Technical Engineering Support: Demonstrated proficiency performing semi-skilled technical engineering work, including data collection, field inspections, materials testing, and drafting.
Ability to apply engineering concepts, methods, and standards to support transportation projects, while utilizing engineering tools, software, and equipment to complete assignments accurately and efficiently.
Materials Testing & Laboratory Operations: Knowledge of engineering principles, methods, and practices with a strong understanding of material testing procedures.
Ability to read, understand, and operate a variety of laboratory instruments and equipment, ensuring accurate data collection, analysis, and documentation.
The following qualifications are also required:
It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:
Important Notes
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.
These are Transportation Technician 3 positions.
However, the hiring manager reserves the right to fill the positions 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: $64,776 – $87,048
Why WSDOT
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:
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 Robyn.Lovely@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-HQ-04956m in the subject line.
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