Assistant Independent Assurance Inspector (TE2)

State of Washington•Clark County – Vancouver, WA

22h•Onsite

About The Position

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is seeking an Assistant Independent Assurance Inspector to support the Southwest Region (SWR) construction Quality Assurance Program (QAP) and the department’s commitment to Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) construction material testing and quality assurance requirements. In this role, you will coordinate with regional project engineering staff to support the Independent Assurance/Qualified Tester Program through tester certifications, annual audits, pavement coring, and geotechnical soil testing activities. This position also supports Aggregate Source Approval efforts by obtaining material samples for assessment and assists with the region radiation safety program through inventory management of moisture-density gauges. Our top candidate will possess knowledge of construction materials testing and quality assurance practices, experience collaborating with technical and engineering staff, strong work ethic and the ability to work independently in both field and office environments.

Requirements

Demonstrated knowledge of transportation construction materials testing, inspection procedures, and quality assurance/quality control principles consistent with AASHTO, American Society for Testing and Materials, and state/federal specifications.
Understanding of Independent Assurance program requirements and processes in accordance with FHWA regulations.
Knowledge of construction documentation, contract plans, special provisions, and standard specifications.
Familiarity with materials sampling and testing procedures for asphalt, concrete, aggregates, embankment, and structural components.
Ability to interpret engineering reports, laboratory data, and statistical comparisons to verify compliance.
Ability to accurately maintain and track tester certification records, including status by test method and module, in alignment with established documentation standards.
Skilled in ensuring records are complete, current, and compliant with applicable requirements.
Proficient in using computer systems and applications including Microsoft Office software suite.
Ability to safely operate a one-ton truck and trailer with pavement coring equipment in active construction zones, including night work.
Proficient in conflict resolution and de-escalation.
Proficient in scheduling and coordinating audits, materials sampling, coring, and traffic control.
Ability to Perform Portable Penetrometer Testing (PPT) for small foundation applications.
Ability to accurately record and communicate field test results to support engineering decisions.
Demonstrated experience conducting independent assurance reviews of materials testing personnel, equipment calibration, and procedures.
Ability to evaluate technician qualifications, certifications, and adherence to established standards.
Skilled in identifying discrepancies, documenting findings, troubleshooting, and recommending improvements in performing WAQTC/AASHTO test procedures.
Ability to ensure compliance with federally funded project documentation requirements.
Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
Takes action to meet the needs of others.
A valid driver’s license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.
Ability to and proficient in maneuvering equipment in confined areas and near live traffic while maintaining safety standards.
Ability to become WAQTC certified as In-Place Density Testing Technician (DTT), Concrete Testing Technician (CTT) / ACI, Asphalt Testing Technician II (AsTT-II), and Aggregate Testing Technician (AgTT) within 6 months of hire.
Ability to maneuver and transport various materials and/or equipment weighing up to 100 pounds.
Ability to traverse rough, steep, and uneven terrain and work in all types of weather conditions.

Nice To Haves

Current WAQTC or equivalent certifications in In-Place Density Testing Technician (DTT), Concrete Testing Technician (CTT)/ACI, Asphalt Testing Technician II (AsTT-II), and Aggregate Testing Technician (AgTT).
Knowledge of WSDOT engineering and construction practices, including familiarity with WSDOT design manuals, the Construction Manual, Materials Manual, and Standard Specifications.
Experience performing highway construction materials testing and acceptance activities in support of quality assurance and compliance requirements.

Responsibilities

Proctor written and hands on examinations for certification of construction materials testers and perform field observations and annual evaluations for continuing tester certification, to support implementation of the SWR qualified tester program.
Monitor all phases of jobsite testing, taking comparison samples, checking field requirements according to WSDOT policies, manuals, and specifications.
Compile data on annual SWR qualified tester audits and annual conformance test results WSDOT, American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), and Western Alliance for Quality Transportation Construction (WAQTC) based specifications.
Create, review, and interpret technical documents, such as plans, specifications and estimates for compliance with quality assurance standards.
Understand and interpret AASHTO and WAQTC test procedures and WSDOT Field Operating Procedures (FOP).
Enter and maintain tester certification data in the Tester Qualification Database.
Track tester status (certified, available, and active).
Assist with providing pavement evaluation and subsurface data to support Design and Construction engineering at the region project engineering offices.