Instrumentation Specialist (TE2)

State of Washington Dept. of Transportation; Tumwater (WA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible schedules

Paid vacation days

Tuition assistance

State retirement programs

Job summary

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) seeks a Transportation Engineer 2 to serve as the Instrumentation Specialist for the Geotech Design & Project Development team. You will collect, analyze, and validate geotechnical data, maintain field instrumentation, and support statewide instrumentation programs.

The role involves frequent travel (3–5 days/wk) to project sites, outdoor field conditions, and occasional overnight travel.

Qualifications

• Geotechnical instrumentation knowledge including slope inclinometer probes and various pressure transducers.
• Ability to assist design, deployment and data acquisition systems using field computers.
• Experience designing and maintaining web-based platforms for displaying geotechnical data.

Responsibilities

• Collect, compile, and validate geotechnical instrumentation data.
• Design, deploy, and manage remote data acquisition systems.
• Develop and maintain web portals displaying collected data, charts, and graphs.
• Train field technicians in ASTM procedures and SPT Analyzer use.
• Support field exploration and CSL/Downhole testing activities.

Skills

Geotechnical instrumentation

Remote data acquisition

Specialty geotechnical testing

Data management & analysis

Web-based data platforms

Geophysical field support

Communication

Growth mindset

Service-oriented

Tools

Dataloggers

SPT Analyzer equipment

CSL equipment

Downhole logging tools

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 Transportation Engineer 2 (TE2) to serve as the Instrumentation Specialist for the Geotech Design & Project Development team. In this role, you will perform geotechnical field instrumentation work in support of the Geotechnical Field Instrumentation Unit’s statewide instrumentation program. Under the general direction of the Field Instrumentation Supervisor and daily technical direction of a TE3, this position will independently collect, compile, analyze, plot, and validate geotechnical instrumentation and specialty testing data; install, operate, and maintain field instrumentation and remote data acquisition systems; and perform specialty field testing and assigned investigations. This position will provide statewide field support to geotechnical engineers, engineering geologists, and the WSDOT geophysicist by collecting high-quality field data for engineering interpretation, while ensuring work is completed in accordance with established procedures and applicable American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) testing standards.

What to Expect

This position will require frequent travel (3-5 days per week) to project sites. Fieldwork involves outdoor conditions at construction and survey sites with exposure to weather; uneven, rough, muddy/slippery, and steep terrain. This position may also require occasional overnight travel as needed.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Instrumentation Specialist will:

• Act as a specialist in instrumentation equipment, including digital slope inclinometer probes; pneumatic, electronic, and vibrating wire pressure transducers; and remote miniature video camera and recording systems.
• Assist the TE3 in the design, assembly, programming, deployment, and management of manual and automated remote data acquisition systems, using desktop and field computers.
• Design, implement, and maintain web site(s) for the purpose of displaying collected geotechnical field instrumentation data, charts, and graphs in an internet/intranet environment.
• Work with field exploration crews performing Standard Penetration Test (SPT) Analyzer testing.
• Train field technicians in proper ASTM test procedures and field use of the SPT Analyzer equipment.
• Compile, plot, and validate SPT Analyzer test data for engineering use.
• Perform Cross Hole Sonic Logging (CSL) testing in support of statewide construction projects.
• Perform Downhole Suspension Logging (Shear Wave Velocity) testing in support of statewide project design.

Qualifications

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

• Geotechnical Instrumentation: Knowledge of geotechnical instrumentation equipment, including digital slope inclinometers, pneumatic/electronic/vibrating wire pressure transducers, load cells, strain gauges, settlement sensors, crack meters, and extensometers.
• Remote Data Acquisition Systems: Skills and ability to assist in the design, assembly, programming, and deployment of manual and automated remote data acquisition systems, including dataloggers, modems, and cellular, radio, or landline telemetry equipment.
• Specialty Geotechnical Testing: Ability to perform specialty geotechnical field testing, including SPT Analyzer testing, CSL, and Downhole Suspension Logging (Shear Wave Velocity) and the ability to set up equipment, perform field quality control checks, and adhere to ASTM testing standards.
• Data Management & Analysis: Skills and ability to compile, reduce, plot, and validate geotechnical instrumentation and specialty testing data using specialized software for use by engineering staff.
• Web-Based Data Platforms: Ability to design, implement, and maintain web-based platforms for displaying geotechnical instrumentation data, charts, and graphs in internet/intranet environments.
• Geophysical Field Support: Ability to support geophysical investigations by preparing equipment, performing field testing, documenting field observations, and maintaining data quality throughout the investigation process.
• Communication: Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey field data and observations clearly to the engineers and project managers.
• 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:

• A valid driver’s license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.
• Ability to operate and maintain geotechnical instrumentation equipment in the field.
• Ability to maneuver and transport various materials and/or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to perform heavy field work in varying outdoor weather conditions including uneven, rough, muddy/slippery, and steep terrain.
• Ability to work at heights or in confined spaces, depending on project requirements.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate/have:

• Computer Programming: Basic understanding of computer programming concepts and at least one programming language.
• Units of Measurement: Understanding of the International System of Units (SI) and English unit systems.
• Mathematics: Basic understanding of geometry, trigonometry, and algebra and their application to technical work.
• Geotechnical Data and GIS Tools: Familiarity with web-based geotechnical data display platforms or GIS tools as used in WSDOT geotechnical programs.

Important Notes

• This position will require frequent travel throughout Washington State (typically 3 to 5 days per week) to conduct field investigations and geophysical surveys at project sites and remote locations.
• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• 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 position is not eligible for regular remote work options.
• 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 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.
• 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 to State Benefits for more information.

Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at [e-mail]. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-HQ-00137 in the subject line.