Assistant Inspector

Salary : $76,545.00 - $102,967.00 Annually
Location : King County - Seattle - S. Seattle, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number: 26DOT-NWR-13125
Department: Dept. of Transportation
Division: Northwest Region
Opening Date: 08/27/2026
Closing Date: 9/10/2026 11:59 PM Pacific


Description
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 inspection professional to support the successful delivery of transportation projects through effective inspection and contract compliance. This position plays a critical role in ensuring construction activities meet contract plans, specifications, and environmental permit requirements. By helping ensure projects are completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with established standards, this role contributes to the reliability and quality of Washington's transportation system. This position directly supports WSDOT's commitment to providing safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation options for the communities we serve.
What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you/the Assistant Inspector will:

• Inspect construction activities for compliance with contract plans, specifications, permits, and commitments.
• Verify contract materials are approved, sampled, and tested according to requirements.
• Clarify contract requirements, coordinate environmental compliance, and elevate inspection issues as needed.
• Prepare field notes, pay records, reports, photographs, and daily construction documentation using Unifier.
• Verify contractor payment requests and assist with CUF reviews and Wage Rate Interviews.
• Assist with training and mentoring assigned inspection staff.
• Collect material samples and perform field and plant testing in accordance with the WSDOT Construction Manual.
• Record and interpret test results and operate required materials testing equipment.

Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity, the following competencies are required:

• Transportation Engineer 1 In-Training:
  • A Bachelor's degree in civil or structural engineering. OR
  • Certification as an Engineer-In-Training (EIT).
• Transportation Engineer 2:
  • Foundational Engineering Knowledge: Demonstrated understanding of civil, structural, geotechnical, or transportation engineering principles (e.g., structural, geotechnical, construction management, traffic, bridge, or similarly related engineering experience including but not limited to inspection and/or testing of hot mix asphalt paving, concrete placement, placement of embankment, and bridge construction/rehabilitation).
• In addition (applies to both levels):
  • Licensure: A valid driver's license, with the ability to safely travel to and from job sites.
  • Physical Capability: Ability to manipulate and transport up to 40 lbs.
  • Computer and Technology Proficiency: Knowledge of computer technology and the ability to use software systems to support documentation, reporting, and communication
  • Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
  • Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.

The following qualifications are also required:

• Qualified General Inspection Certification.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

• Engineering Certification: Certification as an EIT.
• Engineering Licensure: Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in Washington State.
• Construction Inspection: Experience as a construction inspector working on major highways with complex traffic control setups.
• Construction and Materials Oversight: Experience inspecting drainage, hot mix asphalt, bridge construction and/or rehabilitation, and concrete placement.
• Leadership Experience: Experience mentoring and directing the duties of coworkers (direct reports and/or interns).
• Communication and Stakeholder Engagement: Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to communicate messages to a variety of audiences including professional and technical organizations, designers, contractors, other team members, and members of the public.

Important Notes

• This position is not eligible for remote work.
• The salary listed includes the legislative approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County.
• 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 Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in 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

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 their choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to for more information.

Check out this video to learn more:
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
Contact Us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at Please be sure to reference 26DOT-NWR-13125 in the subject line.
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.


Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.


Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.


Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.


Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026
01


Which of the following best describes your education or Engineer-In-Training (EIT) certification?

• I have a Bachelor's degree or higher in civil or structural engineering and hold an Engineer-In-Training (EIT) certification.
• I have a Bachelor's degree or higher in civil or structural engineering and do not currently hold an EIT certification.
• I hold an Engineer-In-Training (EIT) certification but do not have a Bachelor's degree in civil or structural engineering.
• I am currently completing a Bachelor's degree in civil or structural engineering but have not yet graduated and do not hold an EIT certification.
• I do not have a Bachelor's degree in civil or structural engineering and do not hold an EIT certification.

02


Do you currently possess a Qualified General Inspector certification?

• Yes, I possess a current Qualified General Inspector certification.
• I previously held this certification and am currently completing the requirements for renewal.
• I have completed the required training and am awaiting certification.
• I am willing and able to obtain the certification but do not currently possess it.
• No, I do not possess this certification.

03


This position requires a valid driver's license and the ability to manipulate and transport equipment weighing up to 40 pounds. Please confirm your ability to meet these requirements, with or without reasonable accommodation.

• I possess a valid driver's license and can meet the physical requirements of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• I possess a valid driver's license and would like to discuss the physical requirements and/or reasonable accommodation.
• I am in the process of obtaining or reinstating a valid driver's license and can meet the physical requirements, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• I do not currently possess a valid driver's license.
• I am unable to meet one or more of these requirements.

04


Which statement best describes your experience applying civil, structural, geotechnical, transportation, or construction engineering principles?

• I independently apply engineering principles to complex transportation or construction projects and evaluate or resolve technical issues.
• I regularly apply engineering principles to transportation or construction projects with limited guidance.
• I have applied engineering principles to defined assignments or projects under the guidance of experienced engineering staff.
• My experience applying engineering principles is primarily academic or through internships.
• I have little or no experience applying engineering principles.

05


Which statement best describes your construction inspection experience?

• I have extensive experience independently inspecting major highway construction projects involving complex traffic control and multiple construction activities.
• I regularly inspect highway or transportation construction projects, including projects involving traffic control.
• I have experience inspecting construction projects but limited experience with major highway projects or complex traffic control.
• I have limited construction inspection experience gained through training, internships, or assisting experienced inspectors.
• I have no construction inspection experience.

06


Which statement best describes your experience inspecting drainage, hot mix asphalt (HMA), bridge construction/rehabilitation, concrete placement, or similar construction activities?

• I independently inspect and document multiple types of these construction activities and verify compliance with plans, specifications, and testing requirements.
• I regularly inspect and document several of these construction activities with limited guidance.
• I have inspection experience with at least one of these construction activities under the guidance of experienced staff.
• I have training or academic knowledge of these construction activities but limited hands-on inspection experience.
• I have no experience inspecting these construction activities.

07


Which statement best describes your experience using computer technology and software systems for construction or engineering documentation, reporting, and communication?

• I independently use multiple software systems to manage complex documentation, reporting, data, and project communications.
• I regularly use software systems to prepare reports, maintain documentation, track information, and communicate project activities.
• I use standard computer applications to complete routine documentation, reporting, and communication tasks.
• I have limited experience using computer applications for professional documentation or reporting.
• I have little or no experience using computer technology for these functions.

08


Which statement best describes your experience mentoring or directing the work of coworkers, interns, or other staff?

• I regularly direct work assignments, provide technical guidance, mentor staff, and review completed work.
• I frequently mentor or provide technical direction to coworkers or interns.
• I have occasionally provided guidance or training to coworkers, interns, or new employees.
• I have limited experience assisting others with training or work assignments.
• I have no experience mentoring or directing the work of others.

09


Which statement best describes your experience communicating technical or construction-related information to varied audiences?

• I regularly communicate complex technical information and resolve issues with designers, contractors, technical professionals, team members, and/or the public.
• I frequently communicate technical information with multiple internal and external stakeholders through written and verbal communication.
• I communicate project or technical information with coworkers, supervisors, contractors, or other stakeholders as part of my regular duties.
• I have limited professional experience communicating technical information to varied audiences.
• I have little or no experience communicating technical or construction-related information.

10


Which statement best describes your current engineering licensure or certification?

• I am currently licensed as a Professional Engineer (PE) in Washington State.
• I hold a PE license in another state and am eligible for or pursuing Washington State licensure.
• I hold an Engineer-In-Training (EIT) certification and am actively working toward PE licensure.
• I hold an EIT certification but am not currently pursuing PE licensure.
• I do not currently hold an EIT certification or PE license.

Required Question