Materials Lab Technician (TT3) In-Training

Description

About WSDOT

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal organization with a global reputation for excellence! Our dedicated workforce is responsible to plan, design, build, and operate an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 18,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT manages the world's longest floating bridge, executes an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds a record for the world's widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation! 

The Opportunity

WSDOT is currently seeking a detailed individual to fill the position of Materials Lab Technician in Vancouver, WA. The incumbent will be responsible for performing a wide range of construction materials testing and other duties in support of the Southwest Region Construction Program. The individual in this position will also be responsible for performing a variety of other technician level duties under the guidance of the Region Materials Lab team. This position supports WSDOT’s mission by ensuring that quality materials are utilized in construction projects leading to enhanced performance of the state highway system. 

What to Expect

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

• Perform a full range of materials testing procedures including soil density curve development (max. density curve), HMA gradation, asphalt content and volumetric testing, aggregate gradation testing, Portland Cement Concrete (PCC) and grout compressive strength testing, and miscellaneous soils testing. 
• Maintain current certifications with the Western Alliance for Quality Transportation Construction (WAQTC), the American Concrete Institute (ACI) and the Washington State Department of Transportation’s Testing Technician Qualification Program (WTTQP).
• Perform various duties including assisting with asphalt pavement coring for pavement preservation and rehabilitation projects on state highways and bridges. 
• Assist the Region Materials Engineer with Aggregate Source Approval (ASA) sampling and documentation from commercial aggregate sources. 
• Assist Region Materials Engineer with region level geotechnical soils investigations and soil sampling. 
• Perform annual and as-needed laboratory equipment calibration, repair and maintenance. 
• Maintain equipment inventory lists and equipment verification documentation. 
• Assist with setting up and maintaining field testing lab trailers for the Area Engineering offices. 
• Work with outside vendors to perform annual equipment calibrations. 
• Transport nuclear gauges to the Tumwater HQ Materials lab for annual calibration.
• Maintain a safe work environment where there is a continuous focus on safety.  

Qualifications

This is a Transportation Technician 3 position. However, the hiring manager reserves the right to fill the positions at a lower level, a Transportation Technician 2 or a Transportation Technician 1, depending on qualifications, providing an opportunity for an individual to gain the required experience on the job as part of a formal “in-training” plan.

At the Transportation Technician 1 level, the following is required:

• A high school diploma or GED equivalent.

At the Transportation Technician 2 level, one of the following is required: 

• An associate’s degree in civil engineering, surveying, drafting or other closely related fields from an accredited university; 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; OR   
• Three (3) years of experience as a Highway Maintenance Worker.

At the Transportation Technician 3 level, one of the following is required: 

• Two (2) years of experience performing semi-skilled technical engineering work as a Transportation Technician 2 or equivalent; OR 
• Bachelor’s Degree with major study in civil engineering, structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, soil mechanics, traffic, transportation, or a closely related field; OR 
• Certification as an Engineer-In-Training (EIT).

In addition to the above, the following qualifications are also required: 

• A valid driver’s license.
• Ability to obtain the Nuclear Radiation Gauge Operators certification within the first six months of hire. 
• Ability to obtain WAQTC certification in AgTT, AsTT II, DTT, and EBT materials testing modules within the first six months of hire. 
• Ability to obtain ACI Grade 1 PCC field testing certification and ACI PCC strength testing certifications within the first six months of hire. 
• Ability to manipulate and transport up to 40 pounds of various materials and equipment.
• Ability to travel remote jobsites occasionally. 
• Ability to attach and detach a small trailer to a work vehicle and travel with it for long distances.
• A high-level of awareness and attention to safety.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Experience with basic computer software such as Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook. 
• Experience with Materials Tracking Systems

Important Notes 

• This position is not eligible for remote work.
• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position requires region-wide travel. 
• This position has been approved for in-training. The hiring manager is looking to hire at the TT3 level, however the in-training plan will allow candidates to be considered as a TT2 or TT1,if not qualified at the highest level. The annual salaries for each level are:  
  • Transportation Technician 1: $44,736 – $59,844
  • Transportation Technician 2: $54,204 – $72,924
  • Transportation Technician 3: $61,404 – $82,512
• 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. 

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at [email protected]. Please be sure to reference 25DOT-SWR-40075 in the subject line.