Transportation Geophysicist (TTE)
State of Washington
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Posted: March 11, 2026 (2 days ago)
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Transportation Planning Technician 3
State of Washington
Dept. of Transportation
Location
Washington, 98504
Salary
$58,584 - $78,912
per year
Type
Full-Time
More Planning & Development jobs →Closes
March 24, 2026
Job Description
Summary
This job involves traveling across Washington State to collect traffic data by installing temporary counting devices on roads and manually observing vehicle traffic for several hours at a time.
It supports state and federal decisions on transportation planning through accurate data gathering.
A good fit would be someone who enjoys fieldwork, can handle physical tasks in tough weather, and is comfortable with frequent overnight travel.
Key Requirements
- Ability to perform physically demanding tasks like bending, kneeling, and hammering in adverse weather conditions
- Willingness to travel extensively throughout Washington State, including consecutive weeks of overnight stays
- Experience or ability to safely operate a state vehicle and navigate to various locations
- Skills in installing, maintaining, and retrieving temporary traffic counting equipment such as pneumatic tubes
- Proficiency in conducting manual traffic counts, including visual observation of vehicle types and movements
- Attention to detail for documenting data collection activities and ensuring safety protocols are followed
- Basic computer skills for downloading and transferring data from equipment to laptops
Full Job Description
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 ’s Multimodal Planning & Data Division is seeking a Transportation Planning Technician 3 to serve as a Data Collection Field Technician.
Under the direction of the workgroup's Field Supervisor, this journey-level technician support state and federal data-driven decision-making relative to the public road network by collecting traffic data and performing associated tasks.
The primary duties are to travel throughout Washington State, either independently or as part of a team, install and maintain temporary traffic counting equipment in and adjacent to the roadway, and routinely perform three- and four-hour manual traffic counts from a state vehicle parked near the traveled way.
In addition, this position will also perform alternative forms of data collection to support Departmental engineering and policy decisions.
If you’re interested or excited about an opportunity that requires extensive overnight travel, we strongly encourage you to apply for these opportunities!
What to Expect
This position performs fieldwork in adverse weather conditions and in varying temperatures and humidity levels and requires consecutive weeks of statewide travel for up to a week at a time.
This work performed is often repetitive physical movements including bending, squatting, kneeling, and hammering motions.
Repetitive motions while performing traffic data collection in the form of manual counting, setting, checking, and picking up mechanical traffic counting equipment.
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Transportation Planning Technician 3 will:
- Perform the technical and sometimes physically demanding duties involved with performing short-duration traffic counts, both through use of pneumatic tubes and visual observation, as well as other forms of traffic data collection such as vehicle occupancy counts or Bluetooth studies.
- Review assigned schedule and pre-activity safety plan to ensure all requisite information has been provided.
- Identify necessary equipment and materials and loading them in a state vehicle.
- Safely operate a state vehicle and navigate throughout Washington State.
- Make decisions involving safety to properly install a temporary traffic data collection device at a designated location and, if not, identify an alternate method for collecting data at that site.
- Install short duration data collection equipment while adhering to WSDOT policy and procedures.
- Perform associated four-hour visual counts of traffic to document the percentage of each vehicle type in the traffic stream or the percentage of each type of vehicle movement through an intersection with the use of a manual count board.
- Document detailed information regarding the assigned traffic count that may be pertinent to data processing staff.
- Uninstall the data collection equipment, place it in the state vehicle, then download data from the equipment to a laptop.
- Transfer files to the department’s server, then provide copies of associated paperwork to office staff. Routinely using workplace software to document hours worked, etc.
- Discuss and communicate at the appropriate level of information with peers and managers (both orally and written); this includes writing clean, concise documentation.
- Interpret assignments and collect quality data. Working within a team environment, working solo, or paired.
- Use and understand personal computers and department assigned suite of software tools (e.g., Windows OS, Microsoft Suite, and File maker Pro) and vendor supplied traffic counting software. Work at a computer or workstation for extended periods of time.
- Train new employees.
- Assist in testing new traffic counting technologies.
- Participate in meetings that promote a lean organizational culture.
Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:
- Inclusive & Professional Work Practices: Demonstrated experience contributing to a work environment that fosters respect, inclusion, and equal opportunity. Proven ability to navigate interpersonal dynamics with professionalism, emotional intelligence, and effective conflict resolution.
- Workload Management & Prioritization: Demonstrated ability to assess priorities, manage multiple tasks, and consistently meet quality and timeliness expectations. Proven organizational and time-management skills that support productivity under limited supervision.
- Independent & Team-Based Work: Demonstrated ability to perform job functions both independently and as part of a team. Proven competence in critical thinking, problem-solving, accountability, adaptability, and maintaining professional standards in a dynamic work environment.
- Communication & Documentation: Demonstrated ability to receive, interpret, and clearly communicate information both verbally and in writing. Proven skill in composing concise and relevant documentation of data collection efforts for internal and external stakeholders.
- Process Improvement & Analytical Thinking: Demonstrated ability to critically assess current processes and identify improvements that enhance efficiency, accuracy, and alignment with customer needs. Proven capacity to suggest and implement practical solutions.
- Attention to Detail & Concentration: Demonstrated ability to maintain high levels of concentration over long periods, minimizing errors during repetitive or routine tasks.
- Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
- Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.
Physical & Operational Capabilities: Demonstrated physical ability and stamina to safely perform field data collection duties, including maneuvering and transporting materials up to 50 pounds, traversing uneven terrain and steep slopes, crossing traffic lanes, and performing repetitive physical movements such as bending, squatting, kneeling, and hammering.
Demonstrated skill in safely using hand and power tools, power digging and concrete cutting equipment, generators, and electronic data collection devices.
Proven ability to operate vehicles for extended periods, including long-distance travel and extended periods of stationary work while handling electronic equipment.
In addition, the following are required:
- A valid driver’s license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.
It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:
- Experience safely and effectively performing work on or near the traveled way, particularly in the performance of traffic studies.
Important Notes
- This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
- This position is not eligible for remote work.
- To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the “Contact Us” section of this posting.
- 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.
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.
Why WSDOT
- Work-Life Balance – We offer flexible work schedules that allow you time for your life outside of this excellent opportunity.
- 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 a 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 of 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 recruiter listed.
Contact Us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, Amanda Strebeck, at amanda.strebeck@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference Transportation Planning Technician 3 #00573 in the subject line.
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