Full Job Description

About WSDOT
Washington 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 Opportunity
WSDOT is seeking a skilled Transportation Engineer 3 in Tumwater, WA to support the Structural Materials Testing Section.
This position oversees laboratory operations, training, and instruction for permanent and non-permanent staff in the Index Soils, Specialized Soils, Rock Core, and Geotextile Laboratories, which support statewide WSDOT capital construction projects through geotechnical testing and material verification.
The incumbent serves as a Geotechnical Specialist for complex and advanced testing, manages day-to-day laboratory operations, including scheduling, training, and quality oversight, and ensures compliance with agency policies, standards, and engineering principles.
Responsibilities include performing and supervising testing, reviewing and correcting data entries, maintaining equipment calibration and records, and preparing, analyzing, and completing complex test reports.
What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Soils Laboratory Supervisor
will:
- Schedule, prioritize and coordinate testing of several laboratories including soils, cores and geotextile laboratories.
- Conduct testing in the assigned laboratories including organizing and tracking samples, scheduling, supervising, directing and reviewing the work of two Transportation Engineer 2 and multiple Transportation Technicians conducting testing.
- Maintain qualifications in all soils, cores, and geotextiles testing and will conduct testing as needed to meet the schedule.
- Troubleshoot and run diagnostic tests, input and analyze data into several specialized software programs for several highly specialized pieces of testing equipment including the Cyclic Simple Shear (CSS), Triaxial, Direct Shear, Consolidation, Rock Shear, Rock Direct Shear, Uniaxial Compression Strength, and Ring Shear to produce test reports.
- Coordinate with project engineers, federal, county, and city engineers to arrange delivery, testing parameters and report requirements.
- Schedule and prioritize testing activities in the Index Soils Laboratory, Specialized Soils Laboratory, Rock Core Laboratory, Geotextile Laboratory and the other Laboratories associated with the Structural Materials Testing Section as well as training and qualifying engineers and technicians as part of an AASHTO accredited testing laboratory.
- Ensure that tester qualifications and equipment verifications are kept current, and remain qualified in testing soils, cores, and geotextiles and help with testing in other laboratories as needed.
- Write and interpret test reports, new test procedures, and ensure all reports are reported per the procedure and use best engineer practices.
- Prepare, check and correct testing data entries performed by engineers and technicians.
- Coordinate inter-laboratory and intra-laboratory testing and training.
Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:
Laboratory Operations & Program Management: Demonstrated ability to schedule, prioritize, and coordinate multiple laboratory testing operations efficiently, ensuring timely and accurate results while balancing competing demands.
Proven experience managing laboratory workflows, sample tracking, and documentation in a structured and organized manner.
Technical Expertise in Geotechnical Testing: Demonstrated proficiency in conducting soils, rock, and geosynthetics testing, including sample preparation and execution of standard test procedures.
Proven ability to operate, troubleshoot, and maintain laboratory equipment to ensure consistent, high-quality test results.
Data Analysis & Reporting: Demonstrated competence in recording, reducing, and interpreting laboratory test data using specialized software. Proven ability to prepare clear, accurate, and comprehensive technical reports that communicate complex engineering findings.Supervision, Training & Workforce Development: Demonstrated skill in supervising, mentoring, and reviewing the work of laboratory technicians and engineers. Proven ability to lead training initiatives, reinforce laboratory safety practices, and develop staff competency in laboratory procedures.Communication & Stakeholder Engagement: Demonstrated ability to present technical material effectively to diverse audiences and communicate clearly in both written and verbal formats. Proven skill in building and maintaining professional relationships within a laboratory and agency context.Technical & Computer Proficiency: Demonstrated working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications—including spreadsheets and databases—and the ability to leverage software tools to manage laboratory operations and data effectively.Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.
In addition, the following are required:
- A valid driver’s license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.
- Maneuver and transport various materials and/or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds
- Work with materials exceeding 325 degrees F
- Stand for long periods of time and walk long distances
- Work under time constraints using timers, stopwatches, etc.
- Work for periods of time which may exceed normal shifts
- Work with a variety of chemicals in the laboratory setting
- Wear appropriate personal protection equipment and adequate clothing for specific work activity.
- Maintain qualifications in assigned test procedures
- This position may require cross training and qualifications in other laboratories that are part of the Construction Materials Division to assist as needed.
It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:
Advanced Laboratory Testing Expertise: Demonstrated proficiency in advanced geotechnical testing methods, including cyclic simple shear, triaxial, direct shear, consolidation, uniaxial compression strength, and ring shear.
Proven ability to develop, refine, and implement laboratory test procedures to ensure accurate and reliable results.
Equipment Calibration & Quality Assurance: Demonstrated experience calibrating, verifying, and standardizing laboratory equipment. Proven knowledge of quality assurance principles and laboratory accreditation requirements, including participation in inter-laboratory or proficiency testing programs.Collaboration & Stakeholder Coordination: Demonstrated ability to coordinate effectively with project engineers, contractors, and external agencies to support project objectives, ensure technical compliance, and facilitate problem-solving.Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills: Demonstrated strong analytical and problem-solving skills applied to complex technical challenges in laboratory operations and geotechnical testing.Cross-Training & Operational Flexibility: Demonstrated ability to cross-train in additional materials testing disciplines and adapt to evolving laboratory needs while maintaining quality and efficiency.Leadership & Continuous Improvement: Demonstrated leadership in fostering teamwork, mentoring staff, and promoting continuous improvement in laboratory operations, processes, and performance outcomes.
Important Notes
- This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
- This position is not eligible for remote work.
- To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the “Contact Us” section of this posting.
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 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 a 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 recruiter listed.
Contact Us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, Amanda Strebeck, at amanda.strebeck@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference Soils Laboratory Supervisor
#04583 in the subject line.