Transportation Technician 3 (In-Training) Design & Construction | Multiple Positions
Mt Adams Resource Stewards
Description
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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 multiple Transportation Technicians to work on Design and Construction in the office, laboratory, and/or field. These positions perform skilled technical tasks in support of highway design and construction projects under the close supervision of higher-level engineers to ensure accuracy, compliance, and quality of deliverables. This includes performing field site assessments, preparing project scoping, assisting with design and the development of plans, specifications, and estimates, inspecting construction projects, testing materials, and other duties necessary to ensure that WSDOT projects are designed and constructed according to established standards and specifications, on time, and on budget. These roles are critical in fostering a respectful and healthy work environment with focus on diversity, equity and inclusion.
What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Transportation Technician 3 will:
- Interpret highway construction plans, specifications and special provisions.
- Perform on-site review inspection on active highway construction projects; inspect contractor work for conformance to plans and specifications.
- Prepare complete and accurate field records; prepare accurate daily records of the contractor’s work, force account sheets and other documentation.
- Gather samples of materials in the field; manipulate and/or transport materials and equipment to and from the field.
- Use routine procedures to sample and test construction materials and recording and interpreting results. Assist in preparing design documentation, calculations, reports, contract documents, etc. using field data and following design manual criteria.
Inspection, materials testing, and survey work outdoors may be in all weather conditions and may require traversing steep or uneven terrain. Schedule may need to be adjusted in accordance with contractor scheduled during inspection season; occasional extended hours may be required and may need to work nights; occasional unplanned, last-minute work hours may be requested to respond to roadway emergencies due to natural events like rockfalls or flooding, to provide back up due to unplanned shortage in work force to cover planned contractor work, or to cover previously unscheduled contractor work.
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 at the Transportation Technician 1 level, the following competencies are required:
- Basic Math & Measurement Skills: Ability to perform basic arithmetic (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division), ability to understand and use basic measurements (length, area, volume), and ability to use rulers and simple measurement tools.
- Reading Comprehension & Following Instructions: Ability to interpret plan details, engineering tables, or visual information such as graphs, and ability to complete written forms and maintain basic records.
- Attention to Detail: Demonstrates accuracy when completing tasks, monitors own work for quality, and can follow checklists and step-by-step procedures reliably.
- Basic Computer Skills: Experience using email, file systems, and basic office software (e.g., Word, Excel), and ability to learn specialized software and equipment (e.g., data collectors and CAD) with guidance.
- Communication Skills: Experience communicating clearly in person and in writing; willing to ask questions when unsure and seek clarification.
- Safe Work Practices: Understands basic safety rules and can follow safety instructions, and willingly participates in safety training and applies safe behaviors on job sites.
- Work Ethic & Reliability: Demonstrates punctuality, responsibility, and willingness to learn, and works effectively as part of a team and accepts supervision and feedback.
To be considered for this opportunity at the Transportation Technician 2 level, the following competencies are required:
- Applied Math & Measurement Skills: Experience performing multi-step calculations (areas, volumes, grade calculations), experience accurately using measurement tools such as tapes, levels, and basic survey equipment, and ability to check and verify quantities with guidance.
- Basic Technical Understanding of Construction Concepts: Demonstrated understanding of foundational concepts such as grades, slopes, materials, or layout, ability to read and interpret basic components of construction plans, or drawings with supervision, and ability to recognize when work does not align with instructions or specifications and ask for guidance.
- Data Collection & Recordkeeping: Demonstrated ability maintaining clear and accurate field notes, logs, or electronic records, transferring data between devices or into basic tablets or spreadsheets, and following prescribed documentation procedures.
- Equipment Operation & Care: Ability to safely operate and care for tools and equipment such as survey instruments, data collectors, or material sampling equipment, and ability to follow standard operating procedures for calibration, storage, and basic troubleshooting.
- Problem-Solving & Situational Awareness: Ability to identify straightforward issues (e.g., measurement errors, environmental concerns, traffic control issues) and elevate them to supervisors, and ability to follow guidance in developing solutions or taking corrective actions.
- Communication & Coordination: Experience communicating clearly with supervisors, inspectors, contractors, and teammates, ability to understand schedules and deadlines, and verbal and written instructions related to inspections and ensure tasks meet expectations, and demonstrated ability to ask appropriate questions and relay field conditions or findings.
- Safety & Work Zone Awareness: Demonstrated understanding of basic work zone safety principles, ability to follow work zone traffic control guidance, and ability to identify unsafe conditions, and willing to contribute to safety discussions and pre-activity plans.
- Ability to Work with Moderate Independence: Ability to complete assigned inspection tasks, including making and documenting observations accurately, with limited supervision once trained; ability to plan ahead and work through sequential inspection tasks without step-by-step oversight, and ability to manage time and organize daily work activities.
To be considered for this opportunity at the Transportation Technician 3 level, the following competencies are required:
- Engineering Fundamentals & Technical Calculations: Demonstrated experience applying engineering and mathematical principles (geometry, trigonometry, construction math); ability to independently perform complex calculations for grades, slopes, areas, volumes, and layout, and verify computations and identify errors.
- Plan Reading & Interpretation: Demonstrated ability to interpret all components of transportation construction plans and specifications, understands design intent and anticipates field impacts, and explains plan elements to less experienced staff.
- Construction Inspection & Quality Verification: Demonstrated ability to independently inspect all phases of construction, including complex operations, verifies contractor work for conformance and documents deficiencies, and applies environmental and work zone traffic control requirements.
- Materials Sampling & Testing: Experience independently conducting material testing, documenting findings, and identifying potential quality issues.
- Documentation: Demonstrated experience independently producing accurate, complete field records, daily reports, and pay documentation and maintaining organized and accurate documentation using agency software.
- Software & Technology Proficiency: Ability to use engineering software (e.g., OpenRoads, MicroStation, Unifier) effectively to develop new plan sheets and details independently and perform simple geometric designs and quantity takeoffs.
- Problem-Solving & Technical Judgment: Demonstrated ability to identify issues in the field or office and develop practical solutions, and exercise sound judgment when evaluating field conditions and contractor work.
- Safety Leadership: Actively participates in safety planning and promotes a safe work environment.
- Communication & Coordination: Demonstrated experience clearly communicating with contractors, engineers, inspectors, and project partners to document conversations and decisions appropriately, listen, ask clarifying questions, and use feedback effectively.
In addition to the above, the following are also required at any level:
- Ability to manipulate and transport material testing equipment to include Nuclear Density Gauge weighing up to 60 pounds.
- Ability to traverse steep or uneven terrain.
- Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
- Service-Oriented: Demonstrates a willingness to take action to meet the needs of others.
- Certifications:
- A valid driver’s license and ability to operate a state vehicle.
- Western Alliance for Quality Transportation Construction (WAQTC) Certification and American Concrete (ACI) in assigned test methods or ability to obtain within first year of hire.
- WSDOT General Inspector Certification or equivalent or ability to obtain within first year of hire.
To be considered for this opportunity at the Transportation Technician 3 level, the following competencies are preferred:
- Roadway and Bridge Construction & Inspection: Experience gained through construction or maintenance of roadways and bridges including, but not limited to, plan and drawing interpretation, surveying support skills, knowledge of materials used to build roads and bridges, field inspection and material testing, and quality control/quality assurance verifying work meets specifications, tolerances, and standards.
- Lead Inspection and Team Coordination: Experience serving as a lead inspector with demonstrated ability to coordinate small teams or oversee small project assignments.
- Certifications:
- Possession of Western Alliance for Quality Transportation Construction (WAQTC) qualified tester certifications in HMA Production, Testing, and Sampling; Aggregate Production, Testing and Inspection; and Nuke Gauge, Embankment/Surfacing/Pavement Applications.
- Possession of an American Concrete Institute (ACI) qualified tester certification or equivalent.
- Possession of a WSDOT General Inspector Certification.
Important Notes
- This recruitment will be used to fill six (6) permanent positions within the Southwest Region, in Chehalis, WA or Vancouver, WA. This recruitment may also be used to fill additional vacated positions.
- This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
- 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.
- 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. The base salaries for each level are:
- Transportation Technician 1: $47,100 – $63,252
- Transportation Technician 2: $55,836 – $75,108
- Transportation Technician 3: $64,776 – $87,048
- 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 are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals’ lifestyle. As such, there are a number of flexible schedule options available, including telework options for eligible positions.
- 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 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.
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.
Contact Us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at alyssa.nastasi@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-SWR-41089m in the subject line.