Geodetic Field Engineer (TE3)
Tumwater, WA, USA
Description
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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!
The OpportunityWSDOT is seeking an experienced survey professional to provide technical leadership and supervision for HQ Survey & Mapping field operations. Serving as the Geodetic Field Engineer, this position will oversee field staff and assignments, provide technical expertise in land surveying methods, geodetic control, survey instrumentation, and field procedures, and develop and deliver practical training for HQ and regional survey teams. Responsibilities include leading geodetic control and monument recovery efforts, evaluating and maintaining survey equipment, resolving complex technical issues, ensuring quality assurance and compliance with WSDOT and National Geodetic Survey (NGS) standards, and promoting safe, accurate, and consistent survey practices statewide. A strong candidate will possess advanced surveying knowledge, demonstrated leadership and staff development skills, strong technical problem-solving abilities, and the ability to communicate complex technical information, deliver effective training, and apply sound judgment to field operations and quality standards.
What to ExpectThis position may be expected to travel up to 60% and may require working on, or near highways in all types of weather, traverse over steep slopes, uneven terrain. The standard work schedule is Monday – Thursday; 4, 10 hour days.
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Geodetic Field Engineer will:- Provide technical leadership and subject matter expertise in land surveying principles, GNSS positioning, total station methods, precision leveling, survey control, and field procedures for HQ and regional survey teams.
- Plan, coordinate, and oversee field survey operations, including staffing, schedules, equipment, work assignments, and safety plans to ensure accurate, efficient, and safe completion of work.
- Supervise and develop HQ field survey staff by assigning and prioritizing work, evaluating performance, providing coaching and mentoring, and supporting technical proficiency, professional development, and accountability.
- Develop, coordinate, and deliver practical field training and instruction on survey methods, instrumentation, field procedures, documentation, and quality verification for HQ and regional staff.
- Lead geodetic control surveys, monument recovery, maintenance, and verification activities to support the accuracy and reliability of the statewide survey control network.
- Review and evaluate survey observations, computations, adjustments, monument records, and documentation to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with WSDOT and applicable NGS standards.
- Evaluate, maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot survey instruments and equipment; oversee equipment readiness, inventory, repairs, and replacement recommendations.
- Develop, review, and recommend survey procedures, quality assurance practices, checklists, and technical guidance to promote consistent field practices and improve survey deliverables.
- Provide technical assistance to HQ and regional survey teams by resolving complex field issues, evaluating survey methods and equipment, and coordinating technical support and operational needs.
- Contribute technical expertise to updates of the WSDOT Highway Survey Manual and related guidance, incorporating field observations, equipment evaluations, and staff feedback to identify opportunities for improvement.
Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following competencies are required:
Leadership & Operations
- Experience in leading, coordinating, training, and evaluating field survey crews while ensuring safe, efficient operations aligned with WSDOT procedures.
- Skill in developing field work plans, schedules, resource allocations, and integrating geodetic tasks with design, construction, and mapping project milestones.
- Experience in training staff in safe operation of geodetic instruments, vehicles, and watercraft (if applicable), ensuring adherence to agency safety protocols.
- Demonstrated knowledge of traffic control requirements, environmental constraints, and field safety practices.
- Demonstrated knowledge of safety policies, hazard assessments, jobsite risk evaluations, and traffic control practices.
Technical Expertise
- Knowledge of geodetic surveying principles, including GNSS/GPS methodologies and monument research, recovery, setting, and preservation practices.
- Experience performing high-precision leveling, loop closures, network adjustments, and data acquisition; validating horizontal and vertical control accuracy in accordance with NGS Blue Book, and other applicable standards using high-precision survey equipment, including robotic total stations, digital/barcode leveling systems, GNSS receivers, LiDAR scanners, and GPS-referenced hydrographic instruments.
- Experience processing GPS baselines, network/traverse adjustments, level runs, and scanned and conventional topographic data; evaluating residuals, verifying geodetic accuracy, and performing associated quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) procedures.
- Knowledge of datum concepts, coordinate systems, transformations, and geodetic control network design.
Communication
- Skill in communicating geodetic procedures, monument workflows, and data management practices to office staff, region staff, consultants, and external partners.
- Skill in survey related documentation such as drafting and updating SOPs, geodetic/survey procedures, technical specifications, survey standards, preparing GPS session plans, leveling summaries, adjustment reports, and QA/QC documentation.
Growth Mindset & Service-Oriented
- Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
- 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 vehicles.
- Ability to maneuver and transport various materials and/or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate/have:
- Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) Licensure: Current and active Washington State Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) license or Land Surveyor-in-Training (LSIT) certificate.
- Survey Coordination & Documentation: Ability to coordinate with WSDOT Survey & Mapping, Washington State Reference Network (WSRN), and/or National Geodetic Survey (NGS) staff and prepare or submit required technical documentation.
- Survey Standards: Familiarity with WSDOT Highway Survey Manual standards, procedures, and update processes.
*To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the Contact Us section of this posting.
Important Notes
- This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
- 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 Collective Bargaining Agreements. Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in Chapter 357-28 of the Washington Administrative Code.
- This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
- 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 www.uscis.gov
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. As such, there are a number of flexible schedule options available, including telework options for eligible positions.
- Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees 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 State Benefits for more information.
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 of three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. NOTE: This information may 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.
WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. All persons, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/ or gender identity, are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter.
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 www.uscis.govContact Us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at Robyn.Lovely@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-HQ-05240 in the subject line.
