Engineering Technician I

Virginia Department of Transportation
Colonial Heights, VA
In a training capacity, inspect phases of highway construction and maintenance projects in order to prepare to assume the duties of a construction inspector and provide a quality transportation system for the traveling public. Inspect all phases of highway construction and maintenance projects under the general supervision of senior or supervisory staff, ensuring construction quality in accordance with plans and specifications and providing a quality transportation system for the traveling public.

How you will contribute:
  • Communication: Communicate with VDOT support staff and external support staff. Assist in the management of public relations for project and respond to public concerns. Work proactively with the Project Inspector, Construction Manager and Communications Office to notify project support staff and the public of traffic changes and project phase start and finish. Address landowner, business owner and traveling public concerns regarding project. Assist with the coordination and distribution of lane closure notification with the Traffic Operations Center, Communications and Residency. Work with contractor to resolve issues.
  • Communication: Keep supervisor and other inspection staff apprised of project activities. Actively seek feedback and direction from supervising inspectors and other VDOT personnel. Represent VDOT in a professional manner in all situations.
  • Construction and Contract Compliance: Develop an understanding of construction sequences and methods. Accurately interpret construction plans and specifications. Seek out opportunities to learn and prepare for inspection of activities in advance. Inspect road and structure construction projects to ensure contract compliance. Anticipate problems and assist in developing solutions to minor problems. Use survey instruments to check elevations. Apply geometric and trigonometric principles and formulas.
  • Construction and Contract Compliance: Ensure construction activities are performed in accordance with contract, plans and applicable documents to include environmental, erosion and sediment controls, safety, traffic controls and EEO and DBE guidelines, regulations and permits. Ensure project compliance and quality requirements are met. Assist Project Inspector and Construction Manager with notifications to contractor of non-compliance issues and resolution through documentation. Ensure all materials are tested and approved for acceptance before use on project and proper documentation is in hand before payment. Oversee or perform materials testing.
  • Project Documentation: Ensure required documentation is included in the project file. Ensure measurements, tests, calculations and documentation are accurate. Record daily work activities and keep project documentation up-to-date.
  • Project Documentation: rack and maintain materials documentation for project. Maintain detailed DWRs and diaries and correlate to the contractor's scheduled construction activities so VDOT can track individual activities, resources, productivity and efficiencies. Assist in maintaining project files. Document all daily occurrences, meetings, and communications and correlate to contract documents to provide information on changes in the contractor's scope of work. Keep jobsite photos. Assist Project Inspector and Construction Manager with issuing monthly CPEs for prime and each subcontractor working on project to allow VDOT to evaluate contractor's performance. Assist with closing out project. Maintain as-built drawings.
  • Project Oversight: Ensure assigned QC tasks are monitored and documented for contract compliance. Assist Project Inspector and Construction Manager in monitoring project schedule. Assist Project Inspector and Construction Manager in determining support equipment required to include obtaining equipment and returning it in its proper condition. Assist in maintaining all assigned work areas by keeping them clean and appropriate for use. May be assigned the role of Project Inspector for less complex contracts, working closely with the Construction Manager. May train and oversee the work of other inspectors and trainees assigned to a project.
  • Project Safety and Environmental Compliance: Ensure work zones are properly established and maintained. Ensure project employees and equipment are performing in compliance with safety practices and directives. Monitor erosion and sediment control measures to ensure compliance and appropriate maintenance. Maintain a clean and organized work environment. Practice safe driving and maintain a clean vehicle interior and exterior.
  • Project Safety and Environmental Compliance: Ensure work zones are properly established and maintained. Ensure project employees and equipment are performing in compliance with safety practices and directives. Monitor erosion and sediment control measures to ensure compliance and appropriate maintenance. Maintain a clean and organized work environment.

What will make you successful:
  • Ability to apply mathematical formulas and engineering principles to determine minor adjustments to construction plans.
  • Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with VDOT and contractor personnel and the general public.
  • Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with various stakeholders, e.g. contractors, general public, internal and external government agencies.
  • Ability to maintain detailed records, prepare reports and maintain project files.
  • Ability to perform physically demanding work in field conditions such as using test equipment, lifting, climbing, stooping, working at heights, in confined spaces and making visual observations.
  • Ability to perform physically demanding work in field conditions such as using testing equipment, lifting, climbing, stooping, working at heights, in confined spaces and making visual observations.
  • Ability to provide work direction to others in the activities of a large construction project.
  • Ability to read, analyze and interpret construction plans, specifications and contract documents.
  • Ability to read, interpret and analyze roadway, structure and bridge plans, specifications and contract documents.
  • Ability to work in the vicinity and operate devices utilizing low-level ionizing radiation.
  • Ability to work independently.
  • Basic knowledge and understanding of highway construction and contracting.
  • Knowledge in mathematics such as geometry and trigonometry.
  • Knowledge of mathematics to include algebra, geometry and trigonometry.
  • Knowledge of roadway, structure and bridge construction methods, materials, standards and terminology.
  • Knowledge of state and federal safety, environmental and equal employment opportunity guidelines and regulations as they relate to transportation construction.
  • Skill in the use of computers and software applications.
  • Skill in the use of engineering and testing equipment.
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with various stakeholders, e.g. contractors, general public, internal and external government agencies.
  • Ability to obtain required certifications within 24 months.
  • Ability to perform physically demanding work in field conditions such as using testing equipment, lifting, climbing, stooping, working at heights, in confined spaces and making visual observations.
  • Ability to read, analyze and interpret construction plans, specifications and contract documents.
  • Basic knowledge and understanding of highway construction and contracting.
  • Knowledge in mathematics, e.g. geometry and trigonometry.
  • Safety shoes required.
  • Skill in the use of computers and software applications.
  • Valid driver's license.
Additional Considerations:
  • A combination of training, experience, or education in Construction, Engineering Technology, Project Management, Materials Handling or related field desired.
  • Commercial Driver's License.
Click below to learn more about the Competency Model associated with this Position:
Competency Model

Physical Requirements
Physical Requirements

VDOT employees must abide by VDOTs Code of Ethics and the Commonwealths Standards of Conduct.
VDOT Code of Ethics
Standards of Conduct
Posted 2025-07-28

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