Lead Inspector (TE3)

Description

WSDOT is currently seeking a Lead Inspector (Transportation Engineer 3) to oversee construction inspections and quality verification, ensuring safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation solutions. This role is essential in fostering a respectful and inclusive work environment while leading and scheduling team members to inspect contractor work, protect the environment, and documentation of materials. The Lead Inspector will collaborate with contractors, agencies, and stakeholders, providing clear communication and timely decision-making. Additionally, this position will mentor and develop staff, ensuring accurate and timely documentation for contractor payments. If you are a detail-oriented professional with a passion for transportation and leadership, we encourage you to apply!

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Lead Inspector will:

• Manage the construction of transportation projects to ensure compliance with contract specifications, budget, schedule, and permit requirements.
• Coordinate with contractors, WSDOT staff, external agencies, and the public to facilitate project completion.
• Make decisions by reviewing on-site conditions, anticipating problems, recommending, and providing team support and guidance.
• Plan, schedule, direct, and monitor all inspection and testing activities on assigned projects.
• Oversee all aspects of inspection and contractor activities, including documentation, pay notes, scheduling, correspondence, and coordination with consultants and WSDOT support groups.
• Perform plans and constructability reviews on various highway-related projects that are in the design phase and prepare associated review comments.
• Inform managers, office engineers, and specialty groups about project status, planned changes, and potential risks to scope, schedule, or budget.
• Meet with contractors to discuss project issues, interpret plans and specifications, review schedules, and recommend solutions.
• Ensure assigned projects comply with environmental regulations by reviewing permit requirements and conditions for each project.
• Promote safety on construction sites and roadways among employees.
• Mentor and develop staff by providing training, conducting performance evaluations, assigning work, reviewing credentials, hiring team members, and resolving personnel issues.

• Two (2) years of experience as a Construction Transportation Engineer 2 or equivalent experience.
• Valid Driver’s License

• Experience managing multiple people and multiple projects.
• In-depth knowledge of highway-related construction procedures, including inspection, materials testing, documentation procedures, and Standard Specifications.
• Knowledge of civil engineering principles, practices, and methods relative to the documentation of construction of transportation projects.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to express complex concepts clearly and concisely.
• Experience writing tactful, factual, concise technical and administrative letters.
• Strong mathematical skills with the ability to solve engineering problems of varying complexity.
• Experience proposing alternate solutions to complex project elements and coordinating with various persons with expertise within the department or other agencies.
• Ability to perform inspection work outdoors in inclement weather on construction sites in the daytime or nighttime. Exposure to hazards may include exhaust, high-speed traffic, steep or uneven terrain, and/or heavy construction equipment.
• Ability to adjust the work schedule to meet business needs, including but not limited to night and weekend calls.

• Two (2) years of experience administering active construction as a construction project inspector.
• A bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, construction management, or a closely related field.
• Experience directly supervising technical/engineering staff.
• Certified General Inspector.
• Certification as an Engineer-in-Training.
• Licensed Professional Engineer in Washington State or another US State with the ability to achieve licensure in Washington State by comity.
• Knowledge and experience with construction administration procedures for WSDOT projects.
• Knowledge and experience with construction administration procedures on Design-Build projects.
• Knowledge of the WSDOT Construction Manual, Design Manual, and utility requirements and standards.
• WSDOT IAI certification as materials tester in all concrete, earth, aggregate, and asphalt tests.

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• The salary listed includes the legislative-approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• 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.
• 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.

• Work-Life Balance – We offer flexible work schedules that allow you time for your life outside this excellent opportunity.
• Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees 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 federal student loan forgiveness eligibility.
• Plan For Your Future – WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes various healthcare options. Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information.

Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine your salary. Therefore, the “Work Experience” portion of the application must be completed in as much detail as possible.

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. NOTE: This information may be entered in the “References” section of the online application; it does not require an additional attachment.

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WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment where 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 needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter.