Assistant Inspector

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

Job summary

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) seeks a construction inspection professional to support transportation project delivery through effective inspection and contract compliance. This role ensures work meets plans, specs, and environmental permit requirements, contributing to safe, reliable transportation for Washington communities.

The position involves field inspections, material testing, documentation, and coordination with environmental and wage-rate processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in civil or structural engineering (or EIT).
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel to job sites.
• Willingness to obtain Qualified General Inspection Certification within 6 months.

Responsibilities

• Inspect construction activities to ensure compliance with contract plans, specs, permits and commitments.
• Verify materials are approved, sampled, and tested per requirements.
• Clarify contract requirements, coordinate environmental compliance, and elevate inspection issues.
• Prepare field notes, pay records, reports, and daily construction documentation using Unifier.
• Assist with CUF reviews, wage rate interviews, and contractor payment verification.
• Mentor assigned inspection staff and supervise on-site activities.
• Collect material samples and perform field/plant testing per WSDOT Construction Manual.
• Record and interpret test results using standard testing equipment.

Skills

EIT

Driver's license

Physically capable

Computer literacy

Growth mindset

Service-oriented

Mentoring staff

Education

Bachelor’s degree in civil/structural engineering

Engineer-In-Training 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!

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

• Certification Requirement: Must obtain Qualified General Inspection Certification within six (6) months of appointment and maintain the certification throughout the appointment.

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