About WSDOT
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is the steward of an integrated, multimodal transportation system that helps to ensure 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 currently seeking a Transportation Technician 3 (In-Training). This position supports the WSDOT Bituminous Materials Section as a technician in the Liquid Asphalt Laboratory and Nuclear Electronics Laboratory. These laboratories are responsible for supporting statewide WSDOT capitol construction projects and local jurisdictions with performance graded (PG) asphalt binders and emulsified asphalts verification, conformation, and specification compliance testing as well as calibration, repair, and maintenance of nuclear density gauges. The incumbent must be able to prepare, analyze, reduce, and record test data entries. They will also assist the Asphalt Testing Engineer and Asphalt Laboratory Engineer with maintaining equipment calibration, maintenance, and associated records for the Liquid and Nuclear Electronics Laboratories.
 
What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Liquid Asphalt Technician will:

• Be responsible for performing complex asphalt material testing and assisting the Asphalt Testing Engineer and Asphalt Laboratory Engineer with day-to-day laboratory operations, including scheduling, training, instruction, and inspecting the work of non-permanent employees in the Liquid Asphalt Laboratory. 
• Work with state-of-the-art equipment and test procedures while performing the most complex materials testing in the Liquid Asphalt Laboratory in accordance with American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), and WSDOT test procedures.
• Perform all test methods assigned to the Liquid Asphalt Laboratory and maintain qualification in all PG Binder, emulsified asphalt, and flexible adhesive tests. This position is required to reduce, record, and interpret test data as well as assist the Asphalt Testing Engineer in maintaining equipment calibrations, verifications, maintenance, and associated records.
• Test AASHTO resource Proficiency Samples and participate in AASHTO resource onsite inspections.
• Be responsible for Nuclear Electronics Laboratory scheduling, calibration, repair, and maintenance of all nuclear density gauges statewide from late fall until early spring. Also responsible for troubleshooting and repair of nuclear gauges statewide as needed throughout the year.
• Reduce, record, and interpret test data; operate personal computer using a variety of software programs; and troubleshoot and run diagnostic tests, as well as input data into several specialized software programs.

• Graduation from high school or GED equivalent.

• An Associate degree in Civil Engineering Technology, surveying, drafting or other closely related fields. OR-
• Completion of an accredited vocational/technical program consisting of at least 1,200 instructional hours in Civil Engineering Technology, surveying, drafting, structural detailing, engineering design or other closely related fields. OR-
• Graduation from high school or GED equivalent AND two (2) years of experience performing basic technical engineering work as a Transportation Technician 1 or equivalent.   (College level or vocational/technical course work in engineering, drafting, survey, mathematics, or other closely related fields will substitute for the required technical engineering experience on a year-for-year basis.) OR-
• Three (3) years of experience as a Maintenance Technician, one of which must be as a Maintenance Technician 2.

• Two (2) years' experience performing basic technical engineering work as a Transportation Technician 2 or equivalent. OR-
• Certification as an Engineer-In-Training. OR-
• Three (3) years of experience as a Highway Maintenance Worker 1, one of which must be as a Highway Maintenance Worker 2.

• Perform testing on various materials and do so according to various standards and procedures.
• Ability to manipulate and transport up to 50 pounds with assistance, along with moving heavy equipment and loading and unloading trucks.
• Work with a variety of chemicals in the laboratory setting. This includes materials exceeding 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Ability to maintain and calibrate basic testing equipment; assist in maintenance chores and laboratory clean-up.
• Read and interpret thermometric devices and a variety of gauges on laboratory equipment.
• Stand for long periods of time.
• Effectively communicate in written and verbal form with diverse audiences.
• Possess a current Washington State Driver's license and have the ability to travel statewide.
• Ability to be certified by the Troxler Corporation to calibrate, repair, and maintain nuclear density gauges.

• Status as a Qualified Tester in  tests associated with the Liquid Asphalt Laboratory and proficiency in related specialized computer programs.

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.   
• This position has been approved for in-training. The hiring manager is looking to hire at the Transportation Technician 3 level, however the in-training plan will allow candidates to be considered as a Transportation Technician 1 or Transportation Technician 2, if not qualified at the highest level.
  • Transportation Technician 1: $40,812 – $54,492 
  • Transportation Technician 2: $50,592 – $68,076
  • Transportation Technician 3: $57,324 – $77,028
• This position is not eligible for remote work.
• By issuance of proclamation, the Governor of Washington State mandates that all employees who work for executive cabinet agencies (which includes the Department of Transportation) must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. This 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.   
• WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system. 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 earn a minimum 14 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. 

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