District Inspections Lead (Senior Civil Engineering Specialist)

Join us in shaping Seattle’s streets!

At the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), we don’t just move people—we connect communities, build safer streets, and create a more sustainable city.

With a bold vision for the future, we’re tackling big challenges: making travel safer, cutting carbon emissions, and ensuring reliable, affordable transportation for everyone—no matter who they are or where they live.

Seattle is growing fast, and we’re growing with it. Thanks to a historic voter-approved $1.55 billion investment in transportation in 2024, we’re building sidewalks, fixing bridges, and improving transit connections to keep our city moving.

We’re a team of problem solvers, planners, engineers, communicators, and field crews—bringing purpose-driven work to life. Now, we need passionate, innovative talent like you. Let’s build a Seattle that works for everyone—together!

Position Overview

SDOT's Street Use division is hiring a District Inspections Lead (under the City's classification title of Senior Civil Engineering Specialist) who oversees a team of District Inspectors that inspect the use and construction activities within the public Right-of-Way (ROW). This position ensures the following objectives: (1) pedestrian and vehicle safety around construction zones; (2) quality control and assurances around street restorations and utility cuts; and (3) a streamlined and predictable street inspection program. The position will report to the District Inspection Supervisor.

Job Responsibilities

• Lead and direct day-to-day operations of inspection staff that inspect various construction activities within the ROW associated with private development and public works projects, as well as direct support staff members of the team including assignment of projects, technical guidance, and ensuring that City goals and policies are addressed.
• Provide resolution to inspection and construction coordination challenges.
• Resolve and/or escalate disputes that may arise on construction projects.
• Collaborate with contractors, developers, and other applicants on using construction methods to minimize construction impacts in the ROW.
• Investigate and follow up on inquiries and complaints from the public, other agencies, and elected public officials.
• Enforce compliance of Title 15 of the Seattle Municipal Code.
• Coordinate with other City departments and within SDOT divisions to ensure construction impacts and issues are rectified and meet compliance with City Standards.
• Ensure that inspection processes and procedures are maintained, transparent, documented, and adhered to by all inspection staff.
• Oversee staff training and development efforts for consistency, effectiveness, and improvement.
• Provide leadership and decision regarding personnel matters; apply City and department policies and procedures and resolve personnel issues.
• Promote equity, diversity, and race and social justice at SDOT.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Requires four (4) years of Civil Engineering experience;
• An Associate Degree in Civil Engineering Technology or two (2) years of college level coursework in engineering and construction technology;

OR: A combination of education and/or training and/or experience which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class).

• Current Washington State driver's license or evidence of equivalent mobility.

Successful candidates in this body of work will also have:

• Proficiency in reading construction plans, interpreting and articulating applicable codes, ordinances, and rules and regulations to internal and external customers.
• Demonstrated meeting management skills including the ability to negotiate, mediate, and facilitate issues to a satisfactory conclusion.
• Flexibility and adaptability in terms of work assignments.
• Effective oral and written communication and interpersonal skills.
• An ability to work independently while keeping supervisor informed of progress and issues.
• Strong organizational, time management, and customer service skills.
• An ability to work effectively under strict timelines and constantly changing priorities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Accela, GIS, SharePoint, and knowledge of databases and their application use in a work environment.
• An ability to effectively work in a multi-cultural workplace with a diverse customer base.

Additional Information

Work Environment/Physical Demands

• Most work is performed in a normal City work/office and outdoor environments.
• Field assignments entail exposure to all types of weather, traffic, hazardous/toxic substances and work in or near construction sites.
• May be required to lift over 50 pounds.
• May be required to stand, walk, or bend for extended periods of time. May be required to work nights, evenings, weekends, and/or holidays.
• Overnight travel may be required.

Offers of employment are contingent on verification of information provided by the applicant as part of the application process, including background check.

Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

The full salary range for this position is $62.79 - $70.35 per hour.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.

More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans

Who May Apply: This position is open to all candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The Department encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ people, people with disabilities, veterans and those with diverse life experiences.

Accommodations for people with disabilities are provided on request.

The City is a Drug Free Workplace.