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 skilled Transportation Engineer to serve as the Lead Inspector in Seattle, WA, supporting the SR 520 Corridor Design-Build Office. In this leadership role, you will oversee State Quality Verification inspections and project oversight activities to help ensure construction work meets or exceeds contract requirements. Working within WSDOT’s Quality Organization, you will play a key role in monitoring the Design-Builder’s implementation of an effective Quality Management program, helping uphold the high standards of quality, safety, and performance expected on this important transportation project.
As WSDOT’s representative, you will work closely with the Design-Builder’s Quality Control and Quality Assurance staff to verify compliance, address quality concerns, and support successful project delivery. This is an opportunity to apply your engineering expertise, leadership, and attention to detail to protect the integrity of construction work and advance WSDOT’s mission of providing safe, reliable, and efficient transportation for the traveling public.
What to Expect Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Lead Inspector will:
- Perform Quality Verification (QV) inspection for the WSDOT SR 520 Corridor Design-Build Office as a lead inspector.
- Interpret complex structural, civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering plans
- Review and inspect on-site conditions.
- Anticipate problems and make recommendations for resolution of nonconformance issues.
- Perform inspections according to the Design-Builder schedule in order to confirm overall project quality and contract compliance.
- Coordinate with the contractor, WSDOT staff, external agencies, and the public as needed for the project to stay on schedule. Inform supervisor of project status and any change
- Supervise implementation of Design-Build Quality Audit Plans.
- Determine appropriate elements of the Project to be included in Quality Audit Plans and Quality Verification Audits Plan. schedule. direct. and monitor all inspection and testing activities of direct reports.
Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following competencies are required:
- Civil Engineering Knowledge and Principles: Ability to apply civil engineering practices, experience and technical knowledge to assigned transportation-related projects.
- Construction Principles: Strong understanding of practices used in construction of transportation projects including a basic understanding of contract compliance, traffic management, environmental requirements, and work zone safety.
- Project Management Practices: Experience managing scope, time, and resources to meet program objectives and delivery of design-build projects.
- Communication Proficiency: Ability to write professional, tactful, and concise technical and administrative correspondence, both verbal and in written, with contractors, local agencies, resource agencies, and private citizens.
- Supervisory and Leadership Skills: Ability to independently lead and support a diverse team of engineers through employee development, identifying training needs, mentoring staff, constructively evaluating performance, and resolving issues with limited oversight.
- Sound Engineering Judgment: Draws on experience and technical knowledge to interpret, analyze, and explain complex structural/civil engineering plans to ensure compliance and recommend engineering solutions.
- Contract Interpretation and Analysis: Experience reading, interpreting, and producing contract plans, specifications, and estimates in accordance with project requirements and standards.
- Compliance and Auditing: Experience preparing Quality Verification audits on work that has been inspected and Design-Builder Quality Control and Quality Assurance processes.
- Technology and Software Fluency: Experience using basic computer applications including Word, Excel, SharePoint, Adobe Acrobat, and Outlook.
- 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:
- Ability to traverse rough, steep, and uneven terrain and work elevated heights, above 50 feet over land or water.
It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:
- Project Documentation Software: Experience using contract management programs to track, document, and review project documentation.
- Risk Identification and Issue Resolution: Ability to identify and examine issues and conflict between the owner and the contractor and find fair and reasonable resolutions.
- Design-Build Experience: Demonstrates understanding of WSDOT design-build procedures and applies project technical requirements while performing project oversight and communicating with contractor personnel.
- Technical Review: Demonstrates ability to conduct quality review and verification of technical plans, specifications, construction documentation, and materials.
- Familiarity with Standards: WSDOT, Seattle DOT, Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), and American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO).
Important Notes
- This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
- 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 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 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 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 a choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information.
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 of 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 recruiter listed.
Contact Us For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at amanda.strebeck@wsdot.wa.gov . Please be sure to reference Lead Inspector (TE3) #80177 in the subject line.
Benefits
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 WAC 357-31-165(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 WAC 357-31-165(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 WAC 357-58-175, 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 Parental Leave 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
