Salary : $69,375.00 - $93,227.00 Annually
Location : King County - Seattle - Belltown, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number: 26DOT-WSF-90012m
Department: Dept. of Transportation
Division: Washington State Ferries
Opening Date: 07/21/2026
Closing Date: 8/7/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Description
The Opportunity

WSF, a division of WSDOT, is currently seeking multiple Transportation Technician 3 positions to support the safe, reliable operation of Washington State Ferries by helping ensure ferry terminal construction projects are completed in accordance with contract requirements and established quality standards. This position plays an important role in maintaining the integrity and long-term reliability of terminal infrastructure that serves millions of passengers each year. Working collaboratively with project teams and stakeholders, the Assistant Field Inspector helps advance Washington State Ferries' mission while upholding the agency's core values of Serve, Grow, Trust, Respect, and Navigate. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to a transportation system that is vital to the communities and economy of Washington State.

As we navigate a once-in-a-generation transformation to decarbonize our system - guided by our core values Serve, Respect, Trust, Grow Navigate, and bold strategic priorities Service Excellence, Improved Communication and Empowered People - there's never been a more meaningful time to come aboard at Washington State Ferries.
What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you/the Transportation Technician 3 will:

• Inspect and document contractor work to ensure compliance with contract plans, specifications, permit conditions, and applicable standards.
• Obtain required certifications and perform standardized sampling, testing, and documentation of construction materials.
• Prepare and maintain project documentation, including field notes, IDRs, MFVs, job logs, photographs, and project records in accordance with the WSDOT Construction Manual.
• Inspect existing facilities, document conditions, track material quantity and quality, and support force account repairs and emergency response.
• Coordinate with ferry operations, contractors, and WSF/WSDOT staff to support construction activities and maintain ferry service.
• Review plans, specifications, and estimates; prepare contract estimates, assist with change orders, and update As-Built drawings.
• Prepare project records for closeout and archiving.
• Uphold WSF's strategic priorities (Service Excellence, Improved Communication, and Empowered People) and values (Serve, Grow, Trust, Respect, and Navigate), ensuring they are embedded in WSF's culture through leadership actions

Qualifications

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

• Engineering Knowledge & Technical Application: Ability to apply engineering and mathematical principles (e.g., algebra, geometry, construction math), ability to understand and use measurements (length, area, volume), and ability to use rulers and simple measurement tools, in support of tasks such as construction inspection, drafting, surveying, plan development, design or data collection to ensure compliance with applicable regulatory standards and specifications.
• Reading Comprehension & Following Instructions: Ability to interpret plan details, engineering tables, or visual information such as graphs, and ability to complete written forms and maintain basic records.
• Communication Skills: Skills to communicate technical information effectively and professionally to a diverse audience, including those with non-technical backgrounds.
• Software & Technical Proficiency: Experience using Windows-based computers and basic MS Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Equipment Proficiency: Ability to learn, effectively operate, and maintain proficiency in the tools, technology, equipment, and systems necessary to perform the essential functions of the position, including adapting to updates or new equipment and/or technologies as operational needs evolve.
• Material Testing & Analysis: Experience with multiple types of material tests, reviewing results, and ensuring compliance with project and regulatory standards and requirements.
• Collaboration & Adaptability: Experience contributing to team tasks, following instructions, and learning to adapt to changing priorities.
• Vehicle Operation for Fieldwork: Possession of a valid driver's license with the ability to operate state-owned vehicles to travel between project sites and perform assigned field duties safely.
• Safety Planning & Compliance: Experience following workplace safety procedures and participating in Pre-Activity Safety Plans (PASP).
• Field Reporting & Communication: Skills to prepare accurate and timely daily field reports based on direct field observations and inspection activities.
• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.
• Field Operations & Equipment Handling: Experience performing a wide range of field operations independently, applying technical judgment to ensure efficient, safe, and correct use of equipment and materials.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Ability to independently perform field inspections on public works construction projects, including interpreting drawings and identifying discrepancies without direct supervision.
• Ability to conduct and document a full range of materials tests, including concrete slump/air/temperature tests, HMA sampling, grout cube preparation, and aggregate testing.
• Ability to prepare or update As-Built drawings, assist with change order documentation, or support project finalization
• Ability to navigate marine or terminal environments, including familiarity with ferry operations, vessel movements, and facility access protocols.
• Ability to coordinate with multiple stakeholders simultaneously, such as contractors, consultants, operations staff, and regulatory partners.

Important Notes

• 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 Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in 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

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 for more information.

Check out this video to learn more:
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.

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