Lab Technician/Core Driller (TT3, In-Training)
About WSDOT
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is the steward of an integrated, multimodal transportation system that helps to ensure that people and goods move safely and efficiently throughout the state. In addition to building, maintaining, and operating the state highway system, WSDOT operates the largest ferry system in the nation, manages the world's longest floating bridge, and recently completed the world's widest tunneling project.
The Opportunity
WSDOT is eager to hire a self-motivated engineering technician to support our construction projects in Seattle as a Lab Technician Materials Tester and Core Driller. This In-Training position will support the agency by testing and sampling construction materials used on WSDOT projects and obtaining cores from various roadways. The incumbent will ensure accurate testing and sampling using testing equipment and established procedures and will use the coring rig in the field to obtain core samples from the roadway. As the Materials Tester/Core Driller, this position is vital to ensuring that testing, sampling, and documentation of construction materials is accomplished efficiently and accurately while aligning with applicable rules and policies. The successful candidate appointed to this unique position will serve a vital role in support of WSDOT’s mission to provide safe, reliable, and cost effective transportation options to improve communities and economic vitality.
What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Materials Tester will:
- Handle laboratory testing as Qualified tester in all the required Western Alliance for Quality Transportation (WAQTC) Test Procedures and WSDOT Test Methods.
- Perform log-in, curing, and testing of concrete cylinders, grout cubes, and Portland Cement Concrete (PCC)/Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) cores as required by specification.
- Operate and maintain a WSDOT vehicle to transport nuclear density gauges to Headquarters Materials Lab for repair and calibration.
- Sample concrete aggregate from commercial suppliers within the region independently.
- Enter sample and test data into the MATS reporting database.
- Transport and operate a coring rig in the field to collect pavement cores of existing roadways throughout the region.
Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity at the Transportation Technician 1, the following are required:
- High School Diploma or GED equivalent
To be considered for this opportunity at the Transportation Technician 2, the following are required:
- An Associate Degree in Civil Engineering Technology, Surveying, Drafting, or other closely related field, OR
- High School Diploma or GED equivalent and two (2) years of experience performing basic technical engineering work as a Transportation Technician 1 or equivalent such as construction/field material testing experience.
To be considered for this opportunity at the Transportation Technician 3, the following are required:
- Two (2) years of experience performing semi-skilled technical engineering work as a Transportation Technician 2 or equivalent such as construction/field material testing experience, OR
- A bachelors degree in Engineering, OR
- Engineer-in-Training (EIT) Certificate
Candidates at any level will have:
- Current driver’s license
- Current Qualified Tester in WAQTC Test Methods and Modules or the ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire.
- Current Nuclear Gauge Qualified or the ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire.
- Current Flagger Certification or the ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire.
- Ability to manipulate and transport up to 50lbs.
- Ability to travel throughout the region to project sites.
- Ability to work in a laboratory environment with hazards that can include ovens and furnaces with temperature ranging from 140 – 1,000 degree Fahrenheit.
- Ability to work in various weather conditions in a construction zone exposed to hazards to include night work and next to highway traffic.
- Working knowledge of computer programs including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.
It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:
- Associates Degree in Civil Engineering Technology or other closely related field
- Prior experience performing materials testing
- Prior experience operating a core drilling machine
- Experience with WSDOT MATS.
Important Notes
- Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 357-16-197 mandates that all employees who work for executive cabinet agencies (which includes the Department of Transportation) must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Compliance with this mandate is a condition of employment with WSDOT. Exemption may be granted for religious or medical purposes; however, accommodations will be subject to approval based on the essential functions required of the position.
- This position offers flexible/hybrid work options
- The salary listed includes the legislative approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County.
- The official duty station for this position will be within Georgetown south of downtown Seattle.
- 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.
- The recruiting efforts for this position may be extended beyond the displayed closing date for as long and until a sufficient candidate pool has been established. The Appointing Authority reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any time thereafter. It is to your benefit to submit your application as soon as possible.
- This is an in-training position that offers a career path and on-the-job training. This position allows you to progress upward through the Transportation Technician field and achieve the goal class of a Transportation Technician 3. Candidates will be considered for a Transportation Technician 1, Transportation Technician 2, or Transportation Technician 3, depending on their qualifications. Annual salary levels for each position are:
- Transportation Technician 1: $42,852 - $57,216
- Transportation Technician 2: $53,121 - $71,479
- Transportation Technician 3: $60,190 - $80,879
- WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system. 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 earn a minimum 14 paid vacation days per year!
- Plan For Your Future – WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options, and free dental coverage! Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information.
- 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.
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 details your qualifications, and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
- Contact information to be included in the “References” section of the online application for a minimum three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, knowledge base, and job-related competencies.
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. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, as well as people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.
Contact us:
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, Eric Saniatan, at SaniatE@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 23DOT-NWR-10352 in the subject line.
Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter.