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 leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, manages the world's longest floating bridge, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

The Opportunity

WSDOT is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Transportation Technician 3 (In-Training) to join the Project Engineering Office (PEO) in Wenatchee, WA. This exciting opportunity offers hands-on experience in both transportation design and construction, supporting projects that improve the safety, mobility, and reliability of Washington’s transportation system. In this role, you will contribute to the successful delivery of highway improvement projects from concept through construction. On the design side, you will assist with developing plans, specifications, estimates, reports, and other engineering documents that enhance the safety, quality, and capacity of state highways. During construction, you will work alongside engineering staff to collect field data, inspect contractor work, verify compliance with contract requirements, and document project progress. Through this work, you will play a vital role in ensuring transportation projects are designed and built to the highest standards while advancing WSDOT’s mission to provide safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation solutions for the people of Washington.

What to Expect

The typical schedule for this position is Monday through Friday, 40 hours per week. Flexible and/or compressed work schedules may be available based on business needs. During construction season, extended work hours may be required, including work beyond 8 hours per day and occasional weekend work. This position is eligible for daily overtime. The position may also require working nights, weekends, holidays, alternate shifts, and responding to unscheduled or emergency situations as operational needs arise.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Transportation Technician 3 will:

• Provide design assistance in the development of contracts and produce design documentation for projects on State Highways.
• Prepare reports, contract plans, specifications, and estimates for highway projects.
• Perform computer aided drafting and design.
• Provide assistance in the administration of contracts and produce documentation for contract work for projects on State Highways.
• Serve as an Inspector on earthwork, concrete, asphalt paving, drainage, and other duties, which will often require the operation of a nuclear gauge, inspection of crusher operation, and inspection of Asphalt Plant operations.
• Measure and record materials quantities and visually inspect material installations on project sites.
• Provide assistance to survey crews in the collection of necessary field data for inclusion in current and future projects.

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.

At the Transportation Technician 3 (Skilled) Journey level, the following is required:

• Engineering Knowledge and Technical Skills: Demonstrated understanding of civil, structural, geotechnical, or transportation engineering principles. Experience in applying complex engineering and mathematical principles to plan, execute, and evaluate technical tasks; interprets and resolves complex project issues.
• Inspection Documentation and Field-Materials Testing Skills: Experience in independently preparing detailed field reports, accurately capturing observations and trends, and ensuring compliance with project and regulatory standards. Experience performing complex or multiple types of material tests independently and analyzing results in depth.
• Design Proficiency: Experience in using standard software to prepare records, estimates, and other documents; skilled in using engineering software to create plan sheets and drawings; experience in independently navigating a variety of databases, manuals, and other documents to ensure conformity to design standards.
• Communication and Interpersonal Proficiency: Effective written and verbal communication skills, experience communicating complex technical information to a variety of audiences including engineers, contractors, and the public, and resolving misunderstandings.

At the Transportation Technician 2 (Semi-Skilled) Intermediate level, the following is required:

• Engineering Knowledge and Technical Skills: Demonstrated understanding of civil, structural, geotechnical, or transportation engineering principles. Experience in applying engineering and mathematical principles to perform technical tasks, interpret results, and troubleshoot routine issues on transportation projects.
• Inspection Documentation and Field Materials Testing Skills: Experience in independently preparing detailed field reports and notes based on observations, and identifying trends or discrepancies to support insurance of project and industry standards. Experience performing a variety of material tests independently and accurately documenting results.
• Design Proficiency: Experience in using standard software to prepare records, estimates, and other documents; uses engineering software to create plan sheets and drawings; navigates databases, manuals, and other documents with oversight to ensure conformity to design standards.
• Communication and Interpersonal Proficiency: Effective written and verbal communication skills, experience independently conveying technical information to diverse audiences, and adjusting communication style for understanding.

At the Transportation Technician 1 (Trainee) level, the following is required:

• Engineering Knowledge and Technical Skills: Demonstrated understanding of civil, structural, geotechnical, or transportation engineering principles. Experience in applying basic engineering and mathematical principles under supervision to support tasks such as drafting, surveying, plan development, or data collection.
• Inspection Documentation and Field-Materials Testing Skills: Experience in preparing basic field reports or field notes under guidance, following established templates and procedures. Ability to perform basic field or laboratory field tests under guidance, following established procedures and recording results accurately.
• Design Proficiency: Experience in using standard software to prepare records, reports, drawings, and other documents. Ability to use engineering software to create plan sheets and drawings with oversight.
• Communication and Interpersonal Proficiency: Experience communicating technical information clearly in routine situations under supervision and receiving feedback to improve clarity.

In addition to the above, the following are also required at each level:

• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.
• Required Certifications:
  • General Inspector Certification.
  • Construction Materials Testing Certifications, including WAQTC AgTT, WAQTC AsTT-II, ACI, WAQTC DTT Embankment, WAQTC DTT HMA.
• Ability to adjust work schedules to align with contractor activities, including working long hours, nights, and weekends when necessary.
• Valid driver’s license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicle.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions, traverse rough, steep, and uneven terrain, and perform duties in confined spaces while maintaining safety protocols.
• Ability to maneuver and transport various materials and/or equipment up to 50 pounds.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

• Engineering Design Software: Proficiency in the engineering design software OpenRoads.
• Local Area Knowledge & Application: Demonstrated knowledge of the local transportation network, geographic features, roadway systems, and surrounding communities, with the ability to apply that knowledge to support project development, design decisions, and field investigations.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• In addition to the salary range listed, a general wage increase of 2% will be applied for all state employees on July 1, 2026.
• 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.
• 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:
  1. Transportation Technician 3: $64,776 – $87,048
  2. Transportation Technician 2: $55,836 – $75,108
  3. Transportation Technician 1: $47,100 – $63,252
• 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 at amanda.strebeck@wsdot.wa.gov Please be sure to reference Transportation Technician 3 (In-Training) #20090 in the subject line.