Project Inspector (TE2) | Two Positions

State of Washington•King County - Seattle – Other, WA

21h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is seeking two Project Inspectors to ensure highway construction projects meet contract plans, specifications, and environmental permit requirements while supporting the delivery of safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation systems. Working with minimal supervision, these positions perform field inspections, conduct material testing, and document construction activities to verify quality, compliance, and adherence to established standards. These roles are responsible for maintaining accurate field records, preparing reports, initiating payment documentation, capturing project progress, and providing contract clarification to contractors. These positions inspect a wide range of construction elements, including asphalt and concrete roadways, sidewalks, stormwater systems, electrical installations, structures, landscaping, and utilities, ensuring proper execution across all project components. Strong candidates will possess knowledge of construction inspection practices, attention to detail, technical documentation skills, understanding of materials and testing procedures, ability to interpret plans and specifications, and strong communication and problem-solving abilities in dynamic field environments.

Requirements

Demonstrated understanding of civil, structural, geotechnical, transportation, or related engineering principles, with experience in construction, inspection, or materials testing.
Ability to read, interpret, understand, and review contract plans, specifications, and estimates.
Knowledge and proficiency with computer technology, including Microsoft Office, ability to research online information, and use document control systems.
Strong written and verbal communication skills for interacting with contractors, designers, other team members, support offices, and the public.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively and professionally with coworkers, contractors, partner agencies, and the public in person, by phone, and in writing.
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 adjust work schedule to align with the contractor schedules, including nights and irregular shifts.
Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions, traverse uneven terrain, and work in confined spaces.
Ability to obtain a General Inspector certification within six (6) months of hire.

Nice To Haves

Experience inspecting or designing Civil or Transportation projects, including experience with construction material testing.
Experience working for long periods of time on major highways with complex traffic control set-ups.
Experience inspecting fish passage projects with environmentally sensitive project locations.
Knowledge and experience with construction inspection procedures for WSDOT projects including experience with Design-Build project inspection.
Certification in construction materials testing and/or Engineer-In-Training (EIT) certification.

Responsibilities

Verify contract compliance by ensuring and documenting that projects are constructed in accordance with plans, specifications, permits, and commitments, with minimal supervision.
Read, interpret and understand contract plans, Specifications, and estimates to support inspection and documentation activities.
Apply knowledge of construction and engineering procedures and practices, research methods, data collection, and communication and correspondence practices while performing on-site inspection.
Document and report on Contractor compliance with Construction Plans, Special Provisions, and WSDOT Standard Specifications.
Provide clarification of contract requirements when needed and communicate effectively to the Contractor and WSDOT staff when construction work does not comply with contract documents.
Record daily inspection activities through photographs and Inspector Daily Reports (IDRs).
Prepare Field Note Records (FNRs) and pay notes using Unifier program in accordance with current office procedures to initiate contractor payments for completed work.
Conduct materials testing and verifying that all materials are approved prior to permanent installation and incorporation into the project.
Operate a WSDOT vehicle to travel and from inspection sites and transport materials, tools and equipment.