Survey Engineer (TE2)

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 a Transportation Engineer 2 to serve as a Survey Engineer in the South Central Region.

In this role, the Transportation Engineer 2 performs skilled engineering work in support of WSDOT engineering projects.

This position represents WSDOT as a lead surveyor overseeing and assisting the field engineer with many of the critical construction project duties.

This position may also act as a design team leader, coordinating and directing team members toward accomplishing project design goals.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Transportation Engineer 2 will:

• Serve as survey lead and have the ability to perform all duties on a survey crew including operation of a variety of instruments such as levels, GPS, and total station.
• Train crew members in survey practices and instrument operation.
• Take notes manually or with data collector, download and upload data collector to/from computer, edit data, access mainframe programs and operate personal computer to calculate alignment data, triangulations, benchmarks, grades, etc.
• Make recommendations regarding issues not covered by plans or specifications.
• Assist Field Engineer in planning and scheduling team member's inspection activities.
• Interact with contractors’ personnel at the field and head office levels, interact with local agencies personnel on their projects administered by project office.
• As directed by the Design Team Leader, prepare for and assist in various meetings, public open houses, Work Zone Traffic Control Strategy Meetings, Constructability meetings, and PS&E reviews.

During non-construction months (between 2 to 6 months a year) core hours are Monday – Friday, 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM with flexible and/or compressed work weeks allowed depending on business needs.

During construction months (between 6 to 10 months a year) work hours are dependent on the contract and may require long hours, weekends, holidays, and different shifts including nighttime work.

Hazards in the fields are those commonly found outdoors, including uneven terrain, wetlands area, traffic, weather conditions from 100 degrees F plus to below freezing.

Qualifications

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

Foundational Engineering Knowledge: Demonstrated understanding of civil, structural, geotechnical, or transportation engineering principles, typically acquired through formal education or equivalent on-the-job experience (e.g., experience equivalent to a Transportation Engineer 1 or Transportation Technician 3).

Ability to apply engineering concepts to real-world scenarios.

Technical Interpretation and Analysis: Skilled in reading, analyzing and interpreting contract plans, specifications, manuals and other WSDOT documents in accordance with project requirements and engineering standards.

Communication and Interpersonal Proficiency: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate technical information clearly to a variety of stakeholders including engineers, contractors, and the public.

Physical Ability: Capable to safely transport materials and equipment up to 40 pounds (75 pounds with assistance) throughout the work shift on various terrains and in varying climates.

Computer and Engineering Software Literacy: Proficient in the use of engineering technology, including computer-aided drafting (CAD) and other engineering software applications used for design, analysis, and documentation.

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:

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Research and Analytical Skills/Abilities: Experience utilizing the Design Manual, Construction Manual, Plans Prep Manual, Standard Plans, Standard Specifications, and other WSDOT manuals and policies when developing and documenting the design or construction of transportation projects.
• Certification as a Traffic Control Flagger.
• Experience as a Survey Party Chief.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional vacated positions.
• Application review will begin on January 26, 2026. Candidate selection may take place at any time thereafter. It is to your advantage to apply as soon as possible.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• Travel may also include staying out of town for extended periods of time (up to 10 months).

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 alyssa.nastasi@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-SCR-51091 in the subject line.