Construction Inspector Trainee

at Department of Transportation in Independence, Kansas, United States

Job Description

<

Important Recruitment Information for this vacancy:

• 
  Job Posting closes:  November 9, 2026

Kansas Department of Transportation

The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) delivers transportation that keeps Kansans moving forward. Our employees are our most valuable resource. We depend on our employees and business partners to get the job done. KDOT strives to provide a work environment that motivates people and encourages them to be productive. KDOT is a great place to work, so come be part of our team! 

Verification of identity and employment eligibility to work in the United States is required by federal law. For a list of acceptable documents that establish these criteria, please refer to the federal Form I-9. KDOT does not provide sponsorships for this position.

E-Verify: The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For additional information regarding E-Verify, please click here. For additional information regarding Immigrant and Employee Rights (IER) please click here.

About the Position:

• 
  Who can apply:  Anyone 

• Classified/Unclassified Service:  Unclassified

• Full/Part-time:  Full-Time

• Regular/Temporary:  Regular

• Work Schedule:  Monday Friday Due to the nature of the work, incumbent may/will be required to work additional hours when needed, including nights and weekends. Additional hours will be assigned by the supervisor depending on the needs of the agency.

• Eligible to Receive Benefits:  Yes

• Veterans Preference Eligible:  Yes

• Search Keywords:  Altoona, Chanute, Erie, Columbus, Altamont, Sedan, Independece

Compensation:

• 
  Base Annual Salary:  $41,288.00

• Base Hourly Pay:  $19.85

Employment Benefits:

• 
  Work-Life Balance Programs: 
  
  
  • Paid Leave: Vacation, Holidays, Parental, Military, Sick, Funeral and Jury Duty
  
  
  • Employee Assistance Program 
    • For help managing daily life at no cost to you
  • Infant at Work Program
  • Voluntary Benefits: Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance

• First-Day Coverage:

  
  
  • Medical Insurance
  
  
  • Dental Insurance
  
  
  • Vison Insurance
  
  
  • Tax Advantage Accounts: HSA, HRA, FSA with qualifying plans

• Life Insurance:

  
  
  • Employer paid basic group life
  
  
  • Optional group life insurance available at a reasonable cost.

• Retirement:

  • KPERS and Deferred Compensation 

• Other Benefits:

  
  
  • Tuition reimbursement
  
  
  • Paid on-the-job training programs. 
  
  
  • Personal and Professional Development Opportunities
  
  
  • Employee discounts with the STAR Program
  • And more!

Visit the Employee Benefits page for more information

Position Summary & Responsibilities:

Position Summary:

This Construction Inspector Trainee position is the entry level for the Engineering Technician class series and is located in Independence, KS. Successful candidates may be appointed at a higher-level dependent upon experience and qualifications. This position allows KDOT to train and develop construction (or technician) staff to complete required responsibilities. The employee performs assignments and gains experience while in a training status.

NOTE:  The employee in this position must also maintain Certified Inspection certifications under the KDOT CIT Program as outlined in the Engineering Technician Progression Manual for the specific job path and any additional as outlined by the Senior Manager.

Job Responsibilities may include but are not limited to the following:

• This position will assist in administering construction contracts ensuring work is performed per legal requirements and preferred quality is achieved. This will require performing according to specific instruction and standards.


• Work involves performing several basic engineering and mathematical procedures which require following instructions and guidelines and providing accurate and complete records of that work.


• Performs or assists other technicians or engineers in the performance of routine engineering tests in the laboratory or field or inspection on construction projects for compliance with standard practice, specifications, plans, and special provisions. This includes such things as performing or assisting in testing of gradation of aggregates and other standard tests.


• Operates snowplow trucks (Class B CDL required) to fill-in at various locations, as needed.

View the full position description

Qualifications:

• Valid Drivers License at time of appointment.

Post-Offer/Pre-employment Requirements:

• A CDL must be obtained within 90 days of hire and maintained. KDOT provides CDL training at no cost to the employee.


• This position is subject to pre-employment physical capacity testing. The selected candidate will be required to pass the screening as a condition of employment.


• This CDL position is subject to drug and alcohol testing under the authority of the US Department of Transportation. The selected candidate will be required to pass a DOT pre-employment/pre-duty drug test as a condition of employment in this position. (This position will also require you to participate in random testing, reasonable suspicion, post-accident, return-to-duty, and follow-up testing.)


• Any Commercial Driver who has received a Confirmed Positive Result or the Equivalent and has not successfully completed all Rehabilitation Program requirements and follow-up testing requirements is not eligible for this position. (Per SOM 2.1.10).


• 
  Kansas Tax Clearance Certificate: A valid Kansas Tax Clearance Certificate is a condition of employment for all employees of the State of Kansas. Applicants (including non-residents) who receive a formal job offer for a State job, are required to obtain a valid Tax Clearance within ten (10) days of the job offer. A Tax Clearance can be obtained through the Kansas Department of Revenue who reviews individual accounts for compliance with Kansas Tax Law.  If you have a missing tax return(s) or you owe taxes to the State of Kansas, please know that the Kansas Department of Revenue will work with you. The Kansas Department of Revenue can set you up on a payment plan to receive a Tax Clearance so you can get a job working for the State of Kansas. The Kansas Department of Revenue can be contacted at 785-296-3199. Kansas Department of Revenue – Tax Clearance Frequently Asked Questions

Recruiter Contact Information:

• 
  Name:  Kim Munoz


• 
  Email:  KDOT.HQ.JobApps@ks.gov 


• 
  Phone: (785) 296-8206

Job Application Process

• First Sign in or register as a New User.


• Complete or update your contact information on the Careers > My Account Information page. *This information is included on all your job applications. 


• Start your draft job application, upload other required documents, and submit when it is complete.
  • Manage your drafted and submitted applications on the Careers > My Job Applications page.
• Check your email and the My Job Notifications page for written communications from the Recruiter.
  
  
  • Email sent to the Preferred email on the My Account Information page.
  • Notifications view the Careers -> My Job Notifications page.

Helpful Resources at jobs.ks.gov: How to Apply for a Job Instructions and How to Search for a Job Instructions"

Optional Documents for this Application to be Complete

Upload these on the Careers – My Job Applications page

• Transcripts (if substituting education for experience)


• DD214 (if you are claiming Veterans Preference)

Upload these on the Attachments step in your Job Application

• Resume (or choose existing if you have one)


• Cover Letter

Helpful Resources at jobs.ks.gov: How, What, & Where do I Upload Documents 

How to Claim Veterans Preference

Veterans’ Preference Eligible (VPE): Former military personnel or their spouse that have been verified as a “veteran”; under K.S.A. 73-201 will receive an interview if they meet the minimum competency factors of the position. The veterans’ preference laws do not guarantee the veteran a job. Positions are filled with the best qualified candidate as determined by the hiring manager.

Learn more about claiming Veterans Preference

How to Claim Disability Hiring Preference

Applicants that have physical, cognitive and/or mental disabilities may claim an employment preference when applying for positions. If they are qualified to meet the performance standards of the position, with or without a reasonable accommodation, they will receive an interview for the position. The preference does not guarantee an applicant the job, as positions are filled with the best qualified candidate as determined by the hiring manager.

Learn more about claiming Disability Hiring Preference

PLEASE NOTE: The documentation verifying a person’s eligibility for use of this preference should not be sent along with other application materials to the hiring agency but should be sent directly to OPS. These documents should be scanned and emailed to Gustavo.Victoriano@ks.gov, or can be mailed/delivered in person to:

ATTN: Disability Hiring Preference Coordinator
Office of Personnel Services
Docking State Office Building
915 SW Harrison Ave, Suite 260
Topeka, KS 66612

Equal Employment Opportunity

The State of Kansas is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job.

If you wish to identify yourself as a qualified person with a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act and would like to request an accommodation, please address the request to the agency recruiter.