Materials Tester | (TT3, In-Training)

State of Washington Dept. of Transportation; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 69,000 - 93,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work schedules

Paid leave

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Washington State Department of Transportation in Seattle, WA, is seeking two Transportation Technicians (In-Training) to join the team. The role focuses on timely field testing, data collection, and inspection of highway construction to ensure safety and quality.

Positions include in-training paths across TT1-3 levels, with flexibility in shifts and opportunities to gain certification. A strong emphasis on collaboration and meeting environmental commitments is noted.

Qualifications

• Engineering Knowledge & Technical Skills: apply complex engineering and mathematical principles to plan, execute, and evaluate tasks.
• Data Collection and Analysis: manage data processes across projects and interpret data sets.
• Collaboration & Adaptability: manage priorities, collaborate, and implement solutions in changing conditions.

Responsibilities

• Perform material testing in the field and document results.
• Maintain and perform standard tests for asphalt, soils, aggregates, and concrete.
• Inspect plants and observe batching operations, ensuring conformance with plans.

Skills

Engineering Knowledge

Data Collection

Collaboration

Communication Skills

Mathematical & Analytical

Physical Capability

Licensure

Work Schedule Flexibility

Growth Mindset

Service-Oriented

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 seeking two motivated and detail-oriented Transportation Technicians (In-Training) to join our team in Seattle, WA. If you're passionate about quality, enjoy working in the field, and want to play a direct role in delivering transportation improvements that serve communities across Washington, this is an exciting opportunity to make a lasting impact. In this role, you'll help ensure highway construction projects are built safely, accurately, and in accordance with established standards, contributing to the delivery of reliable infrastructure that keeps people and commerce moving.

As a Transportation Technician, you'll perform timely and accurate materials testing in the field, document and interpret test results, and assist with the inspection of highway construction projects to verify compliance with contract plans, specifications, and environmental commitments. You'll also support contract administration activities, helping ensure projects are constructed as designed while upholding WSDOT's commitment to safety, quality, and stewardship of public resources.

What to Expect

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

• Perform material testing.
• Maintain certification and effective performance of industry standard materials tests for materials not limited to Asphalt and Embankment Compaction, On-site Concrete, HMA aggregate, and materials composition, Grout, and others as needed.
• Perform asphalt mix tests such as asphalt content and maximum density.
• Perform soils tests such as proctor density.
• Perform aggregate tests such as sieve analysis, sand equivalent, and moisture content.
• Operate nuclear densometer for testing material densities. Performs concrete tests such as yield, slump, air content.
• Perform soils tests such as proctor density.
• Serve as a materials inspector at an asphalt or concrete plant by observing batching operations, performing materials tests, checking plant equipment and procedures, and completing paperwork.
• Serve as a field inspector who collects materials samples.
• Record test data and interpret test results; perform inspection at an asphalt plant or concrete plant.
• Transport the nuclear densometer weighing up to 40 pounds, over steep or uneven terrain and in adverse weather conditions.

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.

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

Transportation Technician 3 Qualifications:

• Engineering Knowledge & Technical Skills: Ability to apply complex engineering and mathematical principles to plan, execute, and evaluate technical tasks.
• Data Collection and Analysis: Ability to manage data collection and analysis processes for multiple projects, and the ability to interpret complex data sets.
• Collaboration & Adaptability: Ability to manage priorities across multiple tasks or projects, collaborate with others, and implement effective solutions to changing conditions.

Transportation Technician 2 In-Training Qualifications:

• Engineering Knowledge & Technical Skills: Ability to independently apply engineering and mathematical principles to perform technical tasks, interpret results, and troubleshoot routine issues on transportation projects.
• Data Collection and Analysis: Ability to independently collect, analyze, and summarize data, identify trends or discrepancies, and provide information to support project decisions.
• Collaboration & Adaptability: Ability to work independently or in teams, adjust to shifting priorities, and maintain accuracy while supporting group objectives.

Transportation Technician 1 In-Training Qualifications:

• Engineering Knowledge & Technical Skills: Ability to apply basic engineering and mathematical principles (e.g., algebra, geometry, construction math) under supervision to support tasks such as drafting, surveying, plan development, or data collection.
• Data Collection and Analysis: Ability to gather, record, and organize data under supervision, following established procedures.
• Collaboration & Adaptability:Ability to contribute to team tasks under guidance, follow instructions, and learn to adapt to changing priorities.

In addition to the above (applies to all levels - TT1, TT2 & TT3):

• Communication Skills: Demonstrated strong oral and written communication abilities, with the capacity to convey technical and non-technical information clearly and effectively across diverse audiences.
• Technical Interpretation:Proficient in reading, understanding, and interpreting engineering specifications, drawings, and technical documentation to ensure accurate application in field and office settings.
• Mathematical and Analytical Skills: Skilled in applying mathematical principles and formulas to solve engineering and technical problems accurately and efficiently.
• Physical Capability: Ability to independently transport equipment and materials up to 50 pounds.
• Licensure: Valid driver’s license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.
• Work Schedule Flexibility: Ability to work all shifts including evening, weekends, nights, or overtime as needed.
• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Demonstrates a willingness to take action to meet the needs of others.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

• Certifications: Qualified WAQTC HMA tester and/or Certification as an Engineer-In-Training
• Construction Inspection and Quality Assurance: Experience testing materials and inspecting construction activities for conformance with contract requirements

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• 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 357-28 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.
• 1. Transportation Technician 3: $69,375 – $93,227
  2. Transportation Technician 2: $59,799 – $80,438
  3. Transportation Technician 1: $50,450 – $67,373
• 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 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 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?

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.