Survey Party Lead (Te2)

About WSDOT

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal organization with a global reputation for excellence! Our dedicated workforce is responsible to plan, design, build, and operate an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 18,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT manages the world's longest floating bridge, executes an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds a record for the world's widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

The Opportunity

WSDOT is currently seeking a Transportation Engineer 2 to work as part of the Right of Way (ROW) section for the Olympic Region's (OR) Plans & Design Support Office! This role supports the agency's mission by providing site and cadastral survey support in-line with established commitments, policies, laws and regulations, and business practices. Survey work allows ROW acquisitions to occur and makes possible the delivery of OR construction, preservation, and Fish Barrier Removal projects. This position is expected to independently apply standard engineering procedures and techniques to accomplish assigned duties. Work is assigned through general instructions and the setting of deadlines by a supervisor who engages in ongoing spot-check review, provides assistance when problems are encountered, and reviews completed work. Additionally, this position is a survey party lead, directing work and providing training for technical support staff.

This position supports the agency's strategic plan and goal areas of 1) Workforce Development, by leading a workplace that supports and promotes training and development for professional growth and upward mobility; 2) Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, by creating, influencing, and fostering a physically and psychologically safe workplace where all employees feel that they belong; and 3) Resilience, by ensuring, through adherence to WSDOT policies, that work functions performed are administered to the expected quality, safety, and stewardship standards to support Washington's long-term resilience.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Survey Party Lead will:

• Plan, prioritize, assign, and review the work of assigned staff; ensure staff perform assigned job duties timely, accurately, and within established guidelines and communicated expectations.

• Provide technical instruction, training, and mentoring of survey party members.

• Determine data collection needs from survey requests provided by customers; serve as interface with public and contractors.

• Research jobs and calculate preliminary alignments; quality check files and deliverables prepared by party members and consultant surveyors.

• Compute parcels and areas for right of way acquisition; includes reading and interpreting title reports and property descriptions to plot total parcel boundaries.

• Provide independent survey judgement in calculations and decisions for boundaries and survey information.

Survey work is performed outdoors in inclement weather during both daytime and nighttime conditions in densely wooded highly vegetative areas and sprawling urban environments; work requires traversing rough, steep, and uneven terrain.

Qualifications

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

• Certification as an Engineer-in-Training OR a Land Surveyor in Training; AND One (1) year of experience as a Transportation Engineer 1, Transportation Technician 3, Bridge Engineer 1 or equivalent.

OR

• Two (2) years of experience performing semi-skilled technical engineering work as a Transportation Engineer 1, Transportation Technician 3, Bridge Engineer 1 or equivalent.

OR

• A master's degree with major study in civil engineering, structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, soil mechanics, transportation, or a closely related field.

In addition to one of the above, the following is also required:

• Possession of an unrestricted valid driver's license to operate vehicles in Washington State.

• Ability to transport, move, and manipulate various types of equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.

• Basic knowledge of principles and practices of highway surveying and engineering

• Skills to perform calculations and basic level highway design.

• Knowledge and skills relating to the operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of survey equipment.

• Knowledge of engineering and surveying software used for the development of complex transportation projects in the office and in the field.

• Proven skills to examine, develop and propose alternate solutions to complex elements of a project.

• Experience working effectively both individually and within a diverse team environment.

• Experience in working independently, prioritizing workload, and handling multiple assignments.

• Knowledge of safe working practices in traffic and field.

• Skills to communicate information effectively and professionally to a diverse audience, including those with non-technical backgrounds, both virtually and in-person, using a variety of electronic media, including, but not limited to telephones, email, text, video conferencing, and computer conferencing.

• Proficient in operating Windows based computers and software, such as MS Office Suite, including Excel, Word, SharePoint, and Outlook; and computer applications involving databases and computer aided engineering software.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Associate degree in Civil Engineering or Surveying

• Possession of Land Surveyor in Training or Professional Land Surveyor license.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.

• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.

• In addition to the salary range listed, a general wage increase of 3% will be applied for all state employees on July 1, 2024.

• Travel is an expectation of the position and may be required on a regular, sporadic, or as needed basis. Travel is typically to and from job sites to perform surveying in assigned geographic area; occasional travel to other office locations to attend meetings or training. Overnight travel is required.

• 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.

• 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 may 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.

Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?

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 three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. This information can 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.gov.

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, Alyssa Nastasi, at alyssa.nastasi@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 24DOT-OR-32941 in the subject line.