Landscape Architect Designer – TPS3 (Two Positions)

Full Job Description

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 manages the world's longest floating bridge, leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds the record for the world’s widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

The Opportunity

WSDOT is currently seeking to fill two Landscape Architect Designer – TPS3 positions in the Environmental & Hydraulic Services (EHS) Office in Lacey, WA.

These positions support the development and implementation of roadside and environmental restoration and mitigation projects, including highway roadsides, streambanks, wetlands, and urban landscapes, to ensure they meet functional needs, commitments, and permit requirements while minimizing long-term costs.

The selected candidates will contribute to WSDOT’s mission by helping ensure projects are designed, constructed, and maintained in compliance with agency policies, procedures, and practices.

Successful candidates will use their landscape architecture expertise, technical knowledge, and collaborative skills to deliver high-quality, sustainable designs that enhance the safety, functionality, and environmental stewardship of Washington’s transportation system.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Landscape Architect Designer will:

• Provide landscape architecture and contract development expertise for engineering, construction, and maintenance projects by representing the discipline on multi-disciplinary teams and developing solutions for complex projects.
• Conduct site studies, compile and analyze data, analyze existing features and conditions, and develop and select design alternatives and solutions.
• Evaluate tree impacts during the planning phase of projects and conduct tree inventories to interpret the Roadside Policy Manual.
• Provide clear and concise communication regarding landscape architecture items in Request for Proposals (RFPs), contracts, and WSDOT policies.
• Modify Request for Proposal (RFP) templates and create appendix graphics for design-build or progressive design-build projects.
• Prepare landscape architecture analysis, construction plans, specifications, and estimates using MicroStation and other supporting software for WSDOT contracts.
• Perform on-site inspections, field analysis, and provide recommendations for plant establishment, hazard tree assessments, maintenance evaluations, and construction inspection.
• Review and comment on plans and submittals from internal and external customers to ensure adherence to contract requirements and WSDOT policies.

Qualifications

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

Landscape Architecture Knowledge: Comprehensive knowledge and practical understanding in landscape architectural principles, methods, and practices.

Capable of contributing to multidisciplinary transportation projects by integrating aesthetic, functional, and environmental considerations into the design process.

Technology Proficiency: Proficient in operating Windows-based computers and MS Office applications, including Excel, Outlook, Sharepoint, Teams, and skills to analyze data, prepare and generate reports in spreadsheets and databases.

Proficient in Computer Aided Design & Drafting (CADD) software, such as Microstation. Familiarity with 3D Modeling and Building Information Modeling (BIM) software.

Proficient with photo manipulation, graphic rendering, and document layout software, such as Adobe Creative Suite.

Communication Skills: Skills to communicate technical information effectively and professionally to a diverse audience, including those with non-technical backgrounds, virtually, by phone, and in person.

Collaboration & Adaptability: Skills to work productively both independently and a part of a team environment, prioritizing workload and handling multiple assignments, producing accurate and consistent results.

Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.

Service Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.

In addition to the above, the following are also required:

• A valid driver’s license with the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.
• Ability to travel within the region to project sites for site analysis, meetings, and construction inspection/oversight.
• Public Pest Control Consultant or Public Operator Washington State Department of Agriculture Pesticide License, or equivalent, with endorsement category OC (Ornamental Insect and Disease), OW (Ornamental Weed), or ability to obtain within one (1) year of employment.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• License & Certification: Licensed as a Landscape Architect in Washington State. ISA Certified Arborist, and Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ).
• Commercial Landscape Architecture Experience: Professional experience in a commercial Landscape Architecture office or studio.
• GIS Experience: Experience using Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
• Agency Policies & Standards: working knowledge of WSDOT agency policies, standards and procedures.
• Project Management Experience: Experience managing complex projects utilizing standardized project management methodology and strategies.
• Contract Documentation Review: Experience reading and analyzing contract documents for coherence, completeness, constructability, and accuracy.
• Native Plant and Environmental Restoration Experience: Experience with native plant material and environmental restoration.

*To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the Contact Us section of this posting.

Important Notes

• This recruitment will be used to fill two (2) permanent vacancies and may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options and may require in-office attendance approximately once per week.
• This position may require frequent travel to and from project sites for site analysis, meetings, and construction oversight and inspection. Occasional travel to other office locations to attend meetings or training.

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 at Daisha.Jordan@wsdot.wa.gov . Please be sure to reference 26DOT-OR-32068m in the subject line.