Laboratory Technician (TT3) In Training

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 Materials Technician to support the Southwest Region’s construction program through materials testing and quality assurance activities. This position plays an important role in ensuring construction materials meet quality standards, helping deliver durable, reliable transportation infrastructure for communities across Washington. By supporting the quality and performance of highway construction projects, this position contributes to safer roadways and dependable travel for the public. Join WSDOT and help build and maintain a transportation system that supports safe, reliable, and cost-effective mobility for all.

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

• Maintain current WAQTC, ACI, and WTTQP certifications required to perform hands-on materials acceptance testing.
• Perform a full range of materials sampling and testing procedures, including soil density curve development, Hot Mix Asphalt gradation, asphalt content and volumetric testing, aggregate gradation, PCC and grout compressive strength, and miscellaneous soils testing.
• Operate Materials Management System/Materials Testing System (MATS) software to enter sample and test data, report test results, and correct erroneous information.
• Perform annual and as-needed laboratory equipment calibration, repair, and maintenance; maintain equipment inventories and verification documentation and coordinate annual calibrations with outside vendors.
• Maintain and organize laboratory documentation and records, including equipment calibration, maintenance, verification, samples, and test reports, and prepare records for biannual laboratory review audits.
• Maintain laboratory consumable supply inventories and assist with setup and maintenance of field testing lab trailers; safely transport samples, equipment, testing supplies, and nuclear gauges between project sites, field offices, and laboratory facilities.
• Assist the Regional Independent Audit Inspector (IAI) with asphalt pavement coring, field materials sampling and testing, Aggregate Source Approval (ASA) sampling, soil testing including WSDOT portable penetrometer testing, and pavement condition data collection.
• Promote a culture of safety by participating in pre-activity safety planning, safety meetings and training, using proper PPE, completing facility safety reports in SIIRS, and maintaining a clean and safe work environment.

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 at the Transportation Technician 3 level, the following competencies are required:

• Applied Math & Measurement Skills: Demonstrated ability to perform multi-step calculations (areas, volumes, mass, percentages), and accurately use measurement tools such as rulers, scales, thermometers, and laboratory instruments. Demonstrated ability to independently check and verify materials testing calculation formulas and results against test method procedures.
• Computer Skills: Proficient at using email, file systems, and basic office software (e.g., Word, Excel), and laboratory information management software (e.g. Materials Management System).
• Materials Sampling & Testing: Demonstrated ability to independently conduct a full range of material testing (asphalt, concrete, soils, aggregate), document findings, identify potential quality issues, interpret test results, and understand specification requirements. Ability to independently diagnose and troubleshoot errors or anomalies in sampling and testing procedures, results, and equipment.
• Organization Skills: Demonstrated ability to manage and organize data and records such as materials sampling and testing records, laboratory equipment calibration and maintenance records.
• Communication Skills: Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and proactively seek clarification to ensure accuracy and understanding. Ability to communicate with project staff to resolve materials sampling problems including sample labeling, sample handling, sample size, and transmittal errors.
• Safe Work Practices: Working knowledge of workplace safety standards and safe work practices. Ability to consistently follow safety procedures, correctly use required PPE, and demonstrate safe behaviors on job sites.
• Equipment Operation & Care: Ability to safely operate and care for tools and laboratory equipment such as ovens, splitters, shakers, sieves, sampling equipment. Ability to perform maintenance, verification, and calibration of laboratory equipment.

In addition to the above, the following are also required at the Transportation Technician 3 level:

• A valid driver's license with the ability to operate a state-owned automobile.
• Western Alliance for Quality Transportation Construction (WAQTC) Certification and American Concrete (ACI) in assigned test methods or ability to obtain within first year of hire.
• Proficiency with Materials Management System or equivalent laboratory management software, data collectors, and ability to create simple drawings, spreadsheets, or digital records.

Preferred Qualifications For Transportation Technician 3:

• Experience gained through construction or maintenance of roadways and bridges including, but not limited to, knowledge of materials used to build roads and bridges, field inspection and material testing, and quality control/quality assurance verifying work meets specifications, tolerances, and standards.
• Possession of two or more Western Alliance for Quality Transportation Construction (WAQTC) qualified tester certifications in HMA Production, Testing, and Sampling; Aggregate Production, Testing and Inspection; and Nuke Gauge, Embankment/Surfacing/Pavement Applications.
• Possession of an American Concrete Institute (ACI) qualified tester certification or equivalent.

To be considered for this opportunity at the Transportation Technician 2 level, the following competencies are required:

• Applied Math & Measurement Skills: Demonstrated ability to perform multi-step calculations (areas, volumes, mass, percentages) and accurately use measurement tools such as rulers, scales, and thermometers. Ability to independently check and verify quantities.
• Computer Skills: Proficient at using email, file systems, and basic office software (e.g., Word, Excel), and ability to learn specialized software and equipment (e.g., data collectors and Materials Management System) with guidance.
• Materials Sampling & Testing: Basic ability in materials testing or lab procedures, and basic ability to interpret test results, recognize potential errors or anomalies in results, and understand tolerances.
• Organization Skills: Demonstrated ability to manage and organize data and records such as materials sampling and testing records, laboratory equipment calibration and maintenance records.
• Communication Skills: Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and proactively seek clarification to ensure accuracy and understanding.
• Safe Work Practices: Working knowledge of workplace safety standards and safe work practices. Ability to consistently follow safety procedures, correctly use required PPE, and demonstrate safe behaviors on job sites.
• Equipment Operation: Ability to safely operate and care for tools and laboratory equipment such as ovens, splitters, shakers, sieves, sampling equipment, and ability to learn standard equipment maintenance procedures.

In addition to the above, the following are also required for Transportation Technician 2 level:

• A valid driver's license with the ability to operate a state-owned automobile.
• Western Alliance for Quality Transportation Construction (WAQTC) Certification and American Concrete (ACI) in assigned test methods or ability to obtain within first year of hire.

Preferred Qualifications For Transportation Technician 2:

• Experience gained through construction or maintenance of roadways and bridges.
• Possession of one or more Western Alliance for Quality Transportation Construction (WAQTC) qualified tester certifications in HMA Production, Testing, and Sampling; Aggregate Production, Testing and Inspection; and Nuke Gauge, Embankment/Surfacing/Pavement Applications.
• Possession of an American Concrete Institute (ACI) qualified tester certification or equivalent.

To be considered for this opportunity at the Transportation Technician 1 level, the following competencies are required:

• Applied Math & Measurement Skills: Demonstrated ability to perform multi-step calculations (areas, volumes, mass, percentages).
• Computer Skills: Proficient at using email, file systems, and basic office software (e.g., Word, Excel), and ability to learn specialized software and equipment (e.g., data collectors and Materials Management System) with guidance.
• Attention to Detail: Ability to accurately complete tasks, monitor own work for quality, and follow checklists and step-by-step procedures reliably.
• Communication Skills: Ability to communicate clearly and proactively seek clarification to ensure accuracy and understanding.
• Safe Work Practices: Understands basic safety rules and can follow safety instructions and willingly participates in safety training and applies safe behaviors on job sites.
• Work Ethic & Reliability: Demonstrates punctuality, responsibility, and willingness to learn, and works effectively as part of a team and accepts supervision and feedback.

In addition to the above, the following are also required at the Transportation Technician 1 level:

• A valid driver's license and the ability to operate a state-owned vehicle.
• Western Alliance for Quality Transportation Construction (WAQTC) Certification and American Concrete (ACI) in assigned test methods or ability to obtain within first year of hire.

Preferred Qualifications For Transportation Technician 1:

• Experience gained through construction or maintenance of roadways and bridges.
• Experience performing equipment or materials testing not specific to highway construction context.
• Experience performing skilled or technical labor.

At all levels

• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Demonstrates a willingness to take action to meet the needs of others.

Important Notes

• This recruitment will be used to fill six (6) permanent positions within the Southwest Region, in Chehalis, WA or Vancouver, WA. This recruitment may also be used to fill additional vacated positions.

• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.

• 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.

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 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.

How to Apply Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine salary. Therefore, it is very important that the “Work Experience” portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible. In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application:

• An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
• An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
• Contact details for a minimum of three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. This information can be entered in the “References” section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment.

Please click the "APPLY" button to proceed. Note that you will be prompted to either sign in or create an account. This step is required in order to submit an application to this opportunity. 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. 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 [email protected]. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-SWR-40075 in the subject line.