Instrumentation Specialist; TE

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!

WSDOT is currently seeking a Transportation Engineer 2 (TE2) to serve as the Instrumentation Specialist for the Geotech Design & Project Development team. In this role, you will perform geotechnical field instrumentation work in support of the Geotechnical Field Instrumentation Unit’s statewide instrumentation program. Under the general direction of the Field Instrumentation Supervisor and daily technical direction of a TE3, this position will independently collect, compile, analyze, plot, and validate geotechnical instrumentation and specialty testing data;

install, operate, and maintain field instrumentation and remote data acquisition systems; and perform specialty field testing and assigned investigations. This position will provide statewide field support to geotechnical engineers, engineering geologists, and the WSDOT geophysicist by collecting high-quality field data for engineering interpretation, while ensuring work is completed in accordance with established procedures and applicable American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) testing standards.

This position will require frequent travel (3-5 days per week) to project sites. Fieldwork involves outdoor conditions at construction and survey sites with exposure to weather; uneven, rough, muddy/slippery, and steep terrain. This position may also require occasional overnight travel as needed.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Instrumentation Specialist will:

• Act as a specialist in instrumentation equipment, including digital slope inclinometer probes; pneumatic, electronic, and vibrating wire pressure transducers; and remote miniature video camera and recording systems.
• Assist the TE3 in the design, assembly, programming, deployment, and management of manual and automated remote data acquisition systems, using desktop and field computers.
• Design, implement, and maintain web site(s) for the purpose of displaying collected geotechnical field instrumentation data, charts, and graphs in an internet/intranet environment.
• Work with field exploration crews performing Standard Penetration Test (SPT) Analyzer testing.
• Train field technicians in proper ASTM test procedures and field use of the SPT Analyzer equipment.
• Compile, plot, and validate SPT Analyzer test data for engineering use.
• Perform Cross Hole Sonic Logging (CSL) testing in support of statewide construction projects.
• Perform Downhole Suspension Logging (Shear Wave Velocity) testing in support of statewide project design.

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

• Geotechnical Instrumentation: Knowledge of geotechnical instrumentation equipment, including digital slope inclinometers, pneumatic/electronic/vibrating wire pressure transducers, load cells, strain gauges, settlement sensors, crack meters, and extensometers.
• Remote Data Acquisition Systems: Skills and ability to assist in the design, assembly, programming, and deployment of manual and automated remote data acquisition systems, including data loggers, modems, and cellular, radio, or landline telemetry equipment.
• Specialty Geotechnical Testing: Ability to perform specialty geotechnical field testing, including SPT Analyzer testing, CSL, and Downhole Suspension Logging (Shear Wave Velocity) and the ability to set up equipment, perform field quality control checks, and adhere to ASTM testing standards.
• Data Management & Analysis: Skills and ability to compile, reduce, plot, and validate geotechnical instrumentation and specialty testing data using specialized software for use by engineering staff.
• Web-Based Data Platforms: Ability to design, implement, and maintain web-based platforms for displaying geotechnical instrumentation data, charts, and graphs in internet/intranet environments.
• Geophysical Field Support: Ability to support geophysical investigations by preparing equipment, performing field testing, documenting field observations, and maintaining data quality throughout the investigation process.
• Communication: Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey field data and observations clearly to the engineers and project managers.
• 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:

• A valid driver’s license and the ability to operate state-owned…