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 three Construction Compliance Inspectors (TE2) in Bothell, WA to support the I-405/SR 167 Corridor Program, a highly visible, multibillion-dollar construction program focused on delivering an integrated, multimodal corridor that improves safety, mobility, and reliability throughout the Northwest Region. In this role, you will perform Quality Verification inspections and other transportation engineering work in the office, lab, and field to ensure Design-Build projects comply with contract requirements and meet established quality standards. Your work will help manage transportation risks, protect the traveling public, and support the safe and efficient movement of people and commerce throughout Washington.
What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you will:
- Apply engineering principles to verify construction work meets design standards, specifications, and safety requirements.
- Evaluate field conditions and recommend corrective actions based on engineering judgment.
- Inspect project sites and evaluate project work.
- Prepare reports and document project activities and data into Inspector Daily Reports (IDRs).
- Maintain daily logs and supplement inspection records with photographs.
- Monitor construction schedule, delays, and potential change order issues.
- Develop, maintain, and perform Quality Verification audits.
- Perform occasional material sampling and testing.
Qualifications
These are Transportation Engineer 2 positions. However, the hiring manager reserves the right to fill the positions 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, the following competencies are required:
Required Competencies – Transportation Engineer 2 (TE2) Level:
- Engineering Knowledge and Application: Demonstrated knowledge of civil engineering principles and applying engineering and mathematical concepts (i.e. calculus, trigonometry, and construction-related math) to analyze, evaluate, and solve transportation-related project challenges.
- Inspection & Compliance Expertise: Experience conducting environmental and construction inspections for bridges, structures, stormwater systems, utilities, and other transportation infrastructure to verify compliance with contract requirements, plans, permits, and regulatory commitments.
- Technical Interpretation: Skill in reading and interpreting construction plans, specifications, permits, and applicable standards (e.g., WSDOT, MUTCD, AASHTO) to identify issues, evaluate alternatives, and recommend corrective actions.
- Quality Verification & Documentation: Proficiency in preparing inspection reports, daily logs, audit documentation, and photographic records, to support compliance tracking, project decision-making, and quality assurance.
- Communication & Collaboration: Experience clearly and respectfully communicating concise technical and contractual information to internal teams, external stakeholders, and contractors, both verbally and in writing, with attention to audience and context.
- Problem-Solving & Decision-Making: Demonstrated ability to analyze complex site conditions, construction means and methods, and potential risks to recommend practical solutions that maintain safety, quality, and schedule requirements.
- Technology Proficiency: Skilled in using standard office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and specialized inspection tools and equipment, including environmental monitoring devices and personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Safety & Environmental Awareness: Knowledge of construction site hazards, environmental compliance practices, and safe work procedures, with a proactive approach to mitigating risks.
Required Competencies – Transportation Engineer 1 (TE1) Level (In-Training):
- Engineering Fundamentals: Knowledge of basic engineering and mathematical principles (i.e. calculus, trigonometry, and construction-related math) to solve routine technical problems. This is typically demonstrated through a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (BSCE) or Structural Engineering (BSSE) or certification as an Engineer-in-Training (EIT).
- Data Collection and Analysis: Skill in gathering, analyzing, and documenting data accurately to support engineering decisions.
- Communication Skills: Skills in communicating information effectively and professionally, both orally and in writing, to a diverse audience, including those with non-technical backgrounds, both virtually and in-person. Including listening, asking and clarifying questions, and reflecting on constructive feedback for continuous improvement.
- Software Proficiency: Proficiency with computers and software applications, including Microsoft Office. Skills to learn and operate engineering design software (i.e., AutoCAD, MicroStation, Civil 3D, or equivalent).
- Standards and Procedures: Experience learning and applying standards, policies, and procedures related to transportation engineering projects.
The following qualifications are also required at all levels:
- Certification: Ability to obtain General Inspector Certification within six (6) months of hire through on-the-job training.
- Licensure: A valid driver’s license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.
- Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
- Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.
- Ability to conduct field reviews and visits to active construction sites, at times during inclement weather, including rain, snow, heat, cold, or wind.
- Ability to conduct fieldwork, including traversing across rough or uneven surfaces and performing work in noisy, dusty, or otherwise challenging environments.
- Ability to maneuver and transport various materials and/or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to work alternate shifts such as night shifts and long hours that coincide with the contractor’s schedule.
It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:
- Design-Build Project Experience: Demonstrated ability to perform quality verification inspections and audits on design-build transportation projects.
- Audit & Quality Systems Knowledge: Experience preparing and conducting QV audits using tools such as the Construction Audit Tracking System (CATS).
- Advanced Materials Testing Skills: Experience performing and interpreting tests for soil density, asphalt, concrete, water quality, and other materials common in transportation construction.
- Regulatory Familiarity: Working knowledge of federal, state, and local environmental regulations and transportation engineering standards.
- Stakeholder Coordination: Experience engaging with multiple parties including contractors, agencies, and the public to resolve technical and compliance issues.
- Certification: Possession of General Inspector Certification.
To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the Contact Us section of this posting.
Important Notes
- This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
- These positions are not eligible for remote work. These are field inspection positions that require daily site visits.
- 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 357-28 of the Washington Administrative Code.
- These are Transportation Engineer 2 positions. However, the hiring manager reserves the right to fill the positions 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 Engineer 2: $72,900 – $98,064
- Transportation Engineer 1: $66,072 – $88,788
- 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.
- 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.
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 olivia.dietrich@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-NWR-80620m in the subject line.