Transportation Technician 3 (In-Training)
State of Washington
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) seeks a Transportation Technician 3 (In-Training) to join the Project Engineering Office in Wenatchee, WA. You will support highway design and construction, develop plans, specs, estimates, and reports, and assist with field data collection and contractor inspections.
The role offers hands-on experience across design and construction with potential flexible/hybrid schedules and overtime during construction.
Qualifications
- Understand civil, structural, geotechnical, or transportation engineering principles.
- Experience applying engineering/mathematical principles to plan, execute and evaluate tasks.
- Ability to prepare detailed field reports and ensure regulatory compliance.
- Proficient in using engineering software to create plan sheets and drawings.
Responsibilities
- Provide design assistance and develop contract-related documents for state highways.
- Prepare reports, plans, specs, and estimates for highway projects.
- Perform CAD (computer-aided drafting) duties for project documentation.
- Assist survey crews in collecting field data for current and future projects.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
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 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!
WSDOT is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Transportation Technician 3 (In-Training) to join the Project Engineering Office (PEO) in Wenatchee, WA. This exciting opportunity offers hands‑on experience in both transportation design and construction, supporting projects that improve the safety, mobility, and reliability of Washington’s transportation system. In this role, you will contribute to the successful delivery of highway improvement projects from concept through construction. On the design side, you will assist with developing plans, specifications, estimates, reports, and other engineering documents that enhance the safety, quality, and capacity of state highways. During construction, you will work alongside engineering staff to collect field data, inspect contractor work, verify compliance with contract requirements, and document project progress. Through this work, you will play a vital role in ensuring transportation projects are designed and built to the highest standards while advancing WSDOT’s mission to provide safe, reliable, and cost‑effective transportation solutions for the people of Washington.
The typical schedule for this position is Monday through Friday, 40 hours per week. Flexible and/or compressed work schedules may be available based on business needs. During construction season, extended work hours may be required, including work beyond 8 hours per day and occasional weekend work. This position is eligible for daily overtime. The position may also require working nights, weekends, holidays, alternate shifts, and responding to unscheduled or emergency situations as operational needs arise.
- Provide design assistance in the development of contracts and produce design documentation for projects on State Highways.
- Prepare reports, contract plans, specifications, and estimates for highway projects.
- Perform computer aided drafting and design.
- Provide assistance in the administration of contracts and produce documentation for contract work for projects on State Highways.
- Serve as an Inspector on earthwork, concrete, asphalt paving, drainage, and other duties, which will often require the operation of a nuclear gauge, inspection of crusher operation, and inspection of Asphalt Plant operations.
- Measure and record materials quantities and visually inspect material installations on project sites.
- Provide assistance to survey crews in the collection of necessary field data for inclusion in current and future projects.
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.
- Engineering Knowledge and Technical Skills: Demonstrated understanding of civil, structural, geotechnical, or transportation engineering principles. Experience in applying complex engineering and mathematical principles to plan, execute, and evaluate technical tasks; interprets and resolves complex project issues.
- Inspection Documentation and Field‑Materials Testing Skills: Experience in independently preparing detailed field reports, accurately capturing observations and trends, and ensuring compliance with project and regulatory standards. Experience performing complex or multiple types of material tests independently and analyzing results in depth.
- Design Proficiency: Experience in using standard software to prepare records, estimates, and other documents; skilled in using engineering software to create plan sheets and drawings; experience in independently navigating a variety of databases, manuals, and other documents to ensure conformity to design standards.
- Communication and Interpersonal Proficiency: Effective written and verbal communication skills, experience communicating complex technical information to a variety of audiences including engineers, contractors, and the public, and resolving misunderstandings.
- Engineering Knowledge and Technical Skills: Demonstrated understanding of civil, structural, geotechnical, or transportation engineering principles. Experience in applying engineering and mathematical principles to perform technical tasks, interpret results, and troubleshoot routine issues on transportation projects.
- Inspection Documentation and Field Materials Testing Skills: Experience in independently preparing detailed field reports and notes based on observations, and identifying trends or discrepancies to support insurance of project and industry standards. Experience performing a variety of material tests independently and accurately documenting results.
- Design Proficiency: Experience in using standard software to prepare records, estimates, and other documents; uses engineering software to create plan sheets and drawings; navigates databases, manuals, and other documents with oversight to ensure conformity to design standards.
- Communication and Interpersonal Proficiency: Effective written and verbal communication skills, experience independently conveying technical information to diverse audiences, and adjusting communication style for understanding.
- Engineering Knowledge and Technical Skills: Demonstrated understanding of civil, structural, geotechnical, or transportation engineering principles. Experience in applying basic engineering and mathematical principles under supervision to support tasks such as drafting, surveying, plan development, or data collection.
- Inspection Documentation and Field‑Materials Testing Skills: Experience in preparing basic field reports or field notes under guidance, following established templates and procedures. Ability to perform basic field or laboratory field tests under guidance, following established procedures and recording results accurately.
- Design Proficiency: Experience in using standard software to prepare records, reports, drawings, and other documents. Ability to use engineering software to create plan sheets and drawings with oversight.
- Communication and Interpersonal Proficiency: Experience communicating technical information clearly in routine situations under supervision and receiving feedback to improve clarity.
In addition to the above, the following are also required at each level:
- Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
- Service‑Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.
- Ability to Obtain and Maintain the following certifications:
- General Inspector Certification.
- Construction Materials Testing Certifications, including WAQTC AgTT, WAQTC AsTT‑II, ACI, WAQTC DTT Embankment, WAQTC DTT HMA.
- Ability to adjust work schedules to align with contractor activities, including working long hours, nights, and weekends when necessary.
- Valid driver’s license and the ability to operate state‑owned vehicle.
- Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions, traverse rough, steep, and uneven terrain, and perform duties in confined spaces while maintaining safety protocols.
- Ability to maneuver and transport various materials and/or equipment up to 50 pounds.
- Engineering Design Software: Proficiency in the engineering design software OpenRoads.
- Local Area Knowledge & Application: Demonstrated knowledge of the local transportation network, geographic features, roadway systems, and surrounding communities, with the ability to apply that knowledge to support project development, design decisions, and field investigations.
- This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
- This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
- To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the “Contact Us” section of this posting.
- 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. The base salaries for each level are:
- Transportation Technician 3: $66,072 – $88,788
- Transportation Technician 2: $56,952 – $76,608
- Transportation Technician 1: $48,048 – $64,512
- 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
- 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 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 a choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information.
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at amanda.strebeck@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference Transportation Technician 3 (In‑Training) #20090 in the subject line.
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
The following information describes typical benefits available for full‑time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full‑time work (e.g. part‑time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full‑time.
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax‑deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long‑term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre‑tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well‑being of employees.
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre‑tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
If you are employed by a government or not‑for‑profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Full‑time and part‑time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full‑time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 non‑overtime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part‑time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro‑rated basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full‑time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Full‑time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full‑time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part‑time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full‑time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Full‑time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357‑31‑165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full‑time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 non‑overtime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part‑time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357‑31‑165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro‑rated basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full‑time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in WAC 357‑58‑175, an employer may authorize a lump‑sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357‑31‑165.
Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 01-07-2026
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