Survey Technician (TT3) In-Training

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 Technician 3 (In-Training) to join the survey team out of Wenatchee, WA.

As a Survey Technician, this position will utilize customer service skills, land surveying expertise, Computer Aided Design (CAD), small Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (sUAS), Global Positioning Systems (GPS), Total Stations and engineering software to serve customers statewide.

The incumbent will be responsible for ensuring that completed survey data is processed and delivered error free and troubleshooting any issues that arise.

Additionally, this position will assist in the preparation of survey documents and right of way plans.

What to Expect

Field work is completed outdoors in settings of various degrees of weather, which can require traversing uneven terrain, working around swift moving water, and performing duties next to high-volume, high-speed traffic, during both daytime and nighttime.

Typical schedule is Monday through Friday, 40-hours per week; during construction season, work schedules often require greater than 8-hour days and work on Saturday and Sunday may be required; this position is eligible for overtime.

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

• Apply basic engineering principles to surveying tasks.
• Perform and follow tasks in accordance with WAC 18.43.020(9) & 332-130-100(2) and Washington State land survey standards, techniques and methodologies.
• Collect topography data for location design and construction projects.
• Operate survey instruments such as Total Station, Data Collector, sUASs (small Uncrewed Aircraft Systems), Global Position System/Real Time Kinematics, and Reference Network equipment, levels, scanners and other survey instruments.
• Perform basic computations, organize and input field data into computerized systems.
• Maintain appropriate documentation to ensure compliance with applicable policies, procedures and standards.
• Operate as a ‘pilot in command’ or ‘visual observer’ during sUAS flight operations in accordance with FAA Part 107.

Qualifications

This is a Transportation Technician 3 position.

However, the hiring manager reserves the right to fill the position at a lower level in the classification series based on candidate qualifications, providing an opportunity for an individual to gain the required experience on the job as part of a formal “in-training” plan.

To be considered for the TT1 level, the following are required:

To be considered for the TT2 level, the following are required:

• Land Surveying & Field Operations: Working knowledge of survey principles, techniques, and standards; Experience performing routine survey tasks for design or construction.
• Survey Equipment & Technology: Demonstrated ability to perform routine equipment checks, calibration verification, and maintenance.
• Data Processing & CAD: Ability to process survey field data using CAD and survey software; Skill in identifying and correcting routine data or drafting errors.
• Survey Records & Documentation: Experience completing field notes, reports, and survey records; Ability to research right-of-way plans, records of survey, and legal documents.
• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Demonstrates a willingness to take action to meet the needs of others.

To be considered for the TT3 level, the following are required:

• Engineering Fundamentals: Knowledge of basic engineering and mathematical principles (i.e. calculus, trigonometry, and construction-related math) to solve routine technical problems.
• Data Collection and Analysis: Substantive experience performing routine survey tasks for design or construction; Experience in gathering, analyzing, and documenting data accurately to support engineering decisions.
• Technical Knowledge: Advanced knowledge of land survey techniques and methodologies; Experience operating survey instruments, performing equipment checks, calibration verification, and maintenance.
• Software Proficiency: Full proficiency with computers and software applications, including Microsoft Office.

Communication Skills: Skilled in communicating information effectively and professionally, both orally and in writing, to a diverse audience, including those with non-technical backgrounds, both virtually and in-person.

Including listening, asking and clarifying questions, and reflecting on constructive feedback for continuous improvement.

• Standards and Procedures: Experience learning and applying standards, policies, and procedures related to transportation engineering projects.
• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Demonstrates a willingness to take action to meet the needs of others.

In addition to the above, the following are required at all levels:

• Possession of an unrestricted valid Washington State Driver’s License.
• Ability to safely traverse construction sites, including uneven ground, and access equipment or elevated work areas as required.
• Ability to transport, move and manipulate various types of equipment weighing 50 pounds or more up and down grades as steep as 1:1.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Transportation Engineering and Surveying Knowledge: Knowledge of basic transportation engineering principles dealing with surveying, roadway geometrics, materials testing and sampling, and computer applications (such as MicroStation and OpenRoads) to prepare records, drawings, and documents.
• Surveying Education and Professional Certification: Associate of Applied Science degree in Surveying or Geospatial Technology (AAS); Possession of certification as a Land Surveyor In-Training (LSIT).
• UAS Pilot Certification and Flight Planning Experience: Active certification as a pilot under FAA Part 107; Prior experience developing Pre-Activity Safety Plans, NOTAMS, flight plans, and hazard assessments.

Important Notes

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 26DOR-NCR-24753 in the subject line.