Transportation Technician 3 – Material Tester (In-Training) | Multiple Positions

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 multiple Transportation Technician 3 – Material Testers to support the delivery of safe, high-quality transportation projects through construction materials testing and inspection. These positions perform field testing, sampling, and documentation of materials such as earthwork, Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA), concrete, grout, geotextiles, and aggregates to verify compliance with WSDOT specifications and contract requirements. Using established procedures and specialized testing equipment, these positions help ensure materials are accurately tested, sampled, and documented. This work directly supports WSDOT’s mission by helping ensure transportation infrastructure is constructed safely, reliably, and in accordance with established standards.

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

• Perform laboratory and field testing of construction materials, including aggregates, Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA), soils, concrete, geotextiles, and other materials to determine quality and suitability for use.
• Collect material samples using appropriate tools and equipment and transport samples for testing and analysis.
• Operate specialized testing equipment, including nuclear densometers, to conduct density testing of HMA, soils, earthen embankments, and other compacted materials.
• Conduct aggregate, concrete, and asphalt mix testing, including sieve analysis, sand equivalent, moisture content, slump, air entrainment, asphalt content, and aggregate content.
• Assist with construction inspection activities by observing contractor operations and inspecting earthwork, surfacing, drainage, paving, and Best Management Practices (BMPs).
• Document construction activities, field measurements, observations, quantities, and calculations to support accurate project records, contractor payments, and cost tracking.
• Maintain materials documentation by entering data into WSDOT systems, reviewing field notes and contractor submittals for compliance, processing sample transmittals, and communicating material approvals or rejections.
• Operate WSDOT-assigned vehicles to travel to construction sites and transport material samples, testing equipment, and tools.

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.

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, the following are also required (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.

• Licensure: A valid driver’s license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.

• Work Schedule Flexibility: Ability to work all shifts, including evenings, weekends, nights, or overtime as needed.

• Physical Capability:• Ability to independently transport equipment and materials up to 50 pounds.

• Ability to traverse rough, steep, and uneven terrain.

• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.

• Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

• Western Alliance for Quality Transportation Construction (WAQTC) qualified tester in one or more of the following subject areas: • Aggregate Testing

• Asphalt Testing

• Concrete Testing

• Embankment and Base

• In-Place Density

• American Concrete Institute (ACI) Certification in one or more of the following subject areas: • Concrete Field-Testing Technician — Grade I

• Concrete Strength Testing Technician

• Concrete Laboratory Testing Technician (Level 1 & 2)

• Aggregate Testing Technician (Level 1 & 2)

• Masonry Field & Laboratory Testing Technician

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.

• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.

• The standard work schedule is Monday through Friday, 40 hours per week. When assigned to a construction project, the work schedule may vary to align with the contractor’s schedule and project needs.

• Materials testing and inspection work is performed outdoors at construction sites during daytime and nighttime hours and in varying weather conditions. Work may involve exposure to high-speed traffic, heavy construction equipment, vehicle exhaust, dust, smoke, steep or uneven terrain, confined spaces, and elevated work areas such as bridges and bridge structures.

• These are in-training positions that offer a clear career path, hands-on experience, and opportunities for mentorship and professional growth. Employees can progress through the Transportation Technician series as they gain the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to advance. Candidates will be considered for a Transportation Technician 1, 2, or 3 position based on their qualifications. Annual salary ranges for each position are:• Transportation Technician 1: $48,048 - $64,512

• Transportation Technician 2: $56,952 - $76,608

• Transportation Technician 3: $66,072 - $88,788

• 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.

• 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.

Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?

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 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 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 [email protected]. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-NWR-13175m in the subject line.