Assistant Inspector

State of Washington; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is seeking a Construction Inspector to support the delivery of transportation projects through field inspection, contract compliance, and environmental permit adherence. The role ensures safety, quality, and adherence to standards across Washington’s transportation network, including major highways and bridges.

Ideal candidates hold a civil/structural engineering degree or an Engineer-In-Training (EIT) certification, with a valid driver’s

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in civil or structural engineering or EIT certification.
• Foundational engineering knowledge in civil/structural/geotechnical/transportation engineering principles.
• Ability to use software systems for documentation and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Inspect construction activities for compliance with plans, specs, permits, and environmental requirements.
• Verify materials are approved, sampled, and tested.
• Clarify contract requirements and coordinate environmental compliance.
• Prepare field notes, pay records, reports, photographs, and daily construction documentation.
• Verify contractor payment requests and assist with CUF reviews and Wage Rate Interviews.
• Assist with training and mentoring assigned inspection staff.
• Collect material samples and perform field/testing per the Construction Manual.
• Record and interpret test results and operate testing equipment.

Skills

EIT Certification

Contract compliance

Inspection proficiency

Communication skills

Field documentation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in civil or structural engineering

Engineer-In-Training (EIT) certification

Job description

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 currently seeking a construction inspection professional to support the successful delivery of transportation projects through effective inspection and contract compliance. This position plays a critical role in ensuring construction activities meet contract plans, specifications, and environmental permit requirements. By helping ensure projects are completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with established standards, this role contributes to the reliability and quality of Washington’s transportation system. This position directly supports WSDOT’s commitment to providing safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation options for the communities we serve.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you/the Assistant Inspector will:

• Inspect construction activities for compliance with contract plans, specifications, permits, and commitments.
• Verify contract materials are approved, sampled, and tested according to requirements.
• Clarify contract requirements, coordinate environmental compliance, and elevate inspection issues as needed.
• Prepare field notes, pay records, reports, photographs, and daily construction documentation using Unifier.
• Verify contractor payment requests and assist with CUF reviews and Wage Rate Interviews.
• Assist with training and mentoring assigned inspection staff.
• Collect material samples and perform field and plant testing in accordance with the WSDOT Construction Manual.
• Record and interpret test results and operate required materials testing equipment.

Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity, the following competencies are required:

• Transportation Engineer 1 In-Training:
  • A Bachelor’s degree in civil or structural engineering. OR
  • Certification as an Engineer-In-Training (EIT).
• Transportation Engineer 2:
  • Foundational Engineering Knowledge: Demonstrated understanding of civil, structural, geotechnical, or transportation engineering principles (e.g., structural, geotechnical, construction management, traffic, bridge, or similarly related engineering experience including but not limited to inspection and/or testing of hot mix asphalt paving, concrete placement, placement of embankment, and bridge construction/rehabilitation).
• In addition (applies to both levels):
  • Licensure: A valid driver’s license, with the ability to safely travel to and from job sites.
  • Physical Capability: Ability to manipulate and transport up to 40 lbs.
  • Computer and Technology Proficiency: Knowledge of computer technology and the ability to use software systems to support documentation, reporting, and communication
  • Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
  • Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.

The following qualifications are also required:

• Qualified General Inspection Certification.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

• Engineering Certification: Certification as an EIT.
• Engineering Licensure: Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in Washington State.
• Construction Inspection: Experience as a construction inspector working on major highways with complex traffic control setups.
• Construction and Materials Oversight: Experience inspecting drainage, hot mix asphalt, bridge construction and/or rehabilitation, and concrete placement.
• Leadership Experience: Experience mentoring and directing the duties of coworkers (direct reports and/or interns).
• Communication and Stakeholder Engagement: Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to communicate messages to a variety of audiences including professional and technical organizations, designers, contractors, other team members, and members of the public.

Important Notes

• This position is not eligible for remote work.
• The salary listed includes the legislative approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County.
• 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 357-28of 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 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 mayearn 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.
• PlanFor 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 toState Benefitsfor more information.

Check out this video to learn more:Why WSDOT?

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