Salary: $63,216.00 – $85,020.00 Annually
Location: Thurston County – Tumwater, WA
Job Type: Full Time – Permanent
Job Number: 23DOT-HQ-04910m
Department: Dept. of Transportation
Division: Headquarters
Opening Date: 05/03/2023
Closing Date: 5/24/2023 11:59 PM Pacific

About WSDOT
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is the steward of an integrated, multimodal transportation system that helps to ensure people and goods move safely and efficiently throughout the state. In addition to building, maintaining, and operating the state highway system, WSDOT operates the largest ferry system in the nation, manages the world’s longest floating bridge, and recently completed the world’s widest tunneling project.
 
The Opportunity
WSDOT is currently seeking skilled Transportation Engineers (TE2) to serve as field exploration specialists in the Headquarters Materials Laboratory. There are two positions available; one is a permanent position and the second is a non-permanent position that is expected to last 12 months. The incumbent will independently perform geotechnical data acquisition, inspection, and analysis for geotechnical engineering purposes of significant scope and complexity statewide. The Field Exploration Drill Inspector will also function as a crew leader under the supervision of a Field Exploration Supervisor.  
 
What to Expect
This position provides services to customers located throughout the state. Therefore, travel is required and may include overnight stays.
 
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Field Exploration Drill Inspector will:

• Perform detailed logging of geotechnical test borings and test pits.
• Interpret soil and rock samples retrieved from the test borings.
• Record and interpret the results of in situ field tests.
• Oversee the operations of the computerized data acquisition system.
• Provide technical oversight in the installation of geotechnical field instrumentation.
• Acquire geotechnical field exploration data.
• Enter test boring logging data into Geotechnical Branch software.
• Conduct detailed engineering site reconnaissance.
• Serve as a crew leader.
• Observe and review the field testing and sampling methods.
• Function as a field interface between project office, the geotechnical project manager, and the public on field exploration projects.

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

• Five (5) years of geotechnical field exploration work, field testing and sampling to include a minimum of two (2) years as a licensed geotechnical driller (Resource Protection Operators License)

OR

• A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering Geology, Geological Engineering, Civil Engineering, Geology, or similar field of study. 

The following are also required:

• Valid Driver’s License. 
• Ability to accurately identify and log soil and rock samples from test boring.
• Ability to operate a laptop computer and write detailed field notes and drilling logs for extended periods of time.
• Ability to traverse uneven, rough, muddy, slippery, steep and brush covered terrain in construction sites while in the presence of large construction equipment. The employee may be required to work over water, in confined spaces, and at heights or any combination. 
• Ability to travel to various remote locations and stay overnight at commercial facilities.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• A license to drive a commercial vehicle (CDL).
• Certified crane operator.

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. 

For more information and to apply: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/4027750/field-exploration-drill-inspector-te2-multiple-positions. 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.