Division Land Surveyor, Land Surveyor 3 (LS3)

State of Washington

Pasco (WA)

On-site

USD 71,000 - 96,000

Full time

5 hours ago

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Job summary

State of Washington, Department of Natural Resources, seeks a Licensed Professional Land Surveyor to join the State Land Survey Program. You will lead survey crews and manage cadastral retracement, establishing state property lines and producing maps and legal descriptions for DNR land management.

Responsibilities include coordinating projects with regional staff, reconciling data, and overseeing four employees.

Qualifications

Registration as a professional land surveyor by the Washington State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors (BRPELS).
Experience with land surveying and mapping principles, procedures and practices, statutes, court decisions, and other laws pertaining to locating and dividing land; professional standards of land surveying, trigonometry, mapping, and drafting.
Experience preparing and analyzing land and title records.
Experience with modern survey instruments, GNSS receivers, and data collection software.
Supervisory experience and ability to lead a crew.
Strong communication skills and team leadership capabilities.
Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and environmental justice practices.

Responsibilities

Directing land survey crews and leading them in researching survey and title information; recovering and maintaining original GLO corners; re-establishing lost GLO corners; establishing state property corners and lines in support of DNR land management activities; producing preliminary and final survey maps and legal descriptions; filing records of surveys and land corner records; producing topographic and other specialized mapping deliverables.
Work with program, division, and region staff to construct action plans for land survey projects and prioritize schedules.
Reconcile conflicting or ambiguous survey data and prioritize work for multiple programs.
Configure, assign, and track work for four employees.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Strong communication skills

Team leadership

DNR Core Competencies

Education

Professional Land Surveyor license (WA)

Tools

Carlson Survey

GNSS receivers

Data collection software

CAD with land survey extensions

Job description

Description

Division Land Surveyor, Land Surveyor 3 (LS3)

Recruitment #2025-12-6902/7218

Full-time, Permanent, Represented position (WFSE)

Locations: Tumwater, WA and Chehalis, WA

Work hours: flexibility may be available and considered

Salary: $6,384.00 - $8,583.00 Monthly

The salary range listed includes a general wage increase of 2% for all state employees effective July 1, 2026.

Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 12/14/2025. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?

As a Licensed Professional Land Surveyor, you will join a team of Land Surveyors and survey technicians in the State Land Survey Program, which performs cadastral retracements on Department of Natural Resources (DNR)-managed forest lands, establishes boundaries for Natural Areas, and conducts other specialized mapping throughout the State. We utilize modern survey equipment, including robotic total stations and multi-constellation GNSS receivers with the most up-to-date data collection software. This is the perfect opportunity for a professional land surveyor who prefers the mountains and rivers over the urban landscape and wants to truly follow in the footsteps of original land surveyors.

Duties

Responsibilities

Directing land survey crews and leading them in researching survey and title information; recovering and maintaining original GLO corners; re-establishing lost GLO corners; establishing state property corners and lines in support of DNR land management activities; producing preliminary and final survey maps and legal descriptions; filing records of surveys and land corner records; producing topographic and other specialized mapping deliverables.
Work proactively with program, division, and region staff to construct an action plan for land survey projects based upon program needs and agency priorities. Work with region points of contact, other region surveyors, where available, to prioritize and schedule projects.
Responsible for reconciling conflicting or ambiguous survey data, prioritizing work for multiple programs that are competing for finite resources for survey time.
Responsible for configuring, assigning, and tracking work for four (4) employees.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

Registration as a professional land surveyor by the Washington State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors (BRPELS).
Experience with land surveying and mapping principles, procedures and practices, statutes, court decisions, and other laws pertaining to locating and dividing land; professional standards of land surveying, trigonometry, mapping, and drafting.
Experience preparing and analyzing land and title records.
Experience with modern survey instruments, GNSS receivers, and data collection software.
Supervisory experience.
Experience using CAD with land survey extensions such as Carlson Survey.
Strong communication skills.
Team or crew leadership skills.
Commitment to fostering and supporting an environment that honors diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices.
Perform assigned duties in a manner consistent with applicable laws, regulations, and public records retention and requests are followed.
DNR Core Competencies:

Personal Accountability
Value Others
Compassionate Communication
Inspire Others
Commitment to Excellence

Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment

Work Setting: The position is in “responsible charge” of two field land survey crews, consisting of two staff members each, with a primary emphasis in Cadastral retracement, consisting of approximately 75% of time spent in the office and 25% in the field. Field work will include driving on primitive or active logging roads. Incumbent must be able to traverse uneven terrain in year-round weather conditions.
Travel Requirements: Occasional travel for meetings. Overnight travel, during the scheduled work week, may occur several times per year.
Incumbent must possess and maintain an active Washington State Professional Land Surveyor’s License.
A valid, unrestricted driver’s license and two years of driving experience. This position requires driving as an essential function. Finalists and/or interview candidates will be asked to provide a driving record from all states in which they have held a license during the past three years.

Desired Qualifications

Five years of land boundary surveying experience after registration as a Professional Land Surveyor, three years of which must be in BLM/General Land Office retracement and re-establishment land survey work.
Knowledge of basic land development principles.
Knowledge of the Washington Plane Coordinate System.
Knowledge of Star*net or other traverse adjustment software.
Knowledge of ESRI GIS software.

Supplemental Information

Don’t let doubts stop you from applying for this position. If you have any questions about the required qualifications or how your experience relates to them, please contact us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov. A note to potential candidates: Studies have shown that women, trans, non-binary, Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) are less likely to apply for jobs unless they feel they meet every qualification as described in a job description. We value diversity and inclusion in our organization, and we are looking for the best person for the job. Don’t hesitate to apply!

About The Department Of Natural Resources (DNR)

At DNR, we approach our work through the lens of making Washington a better place environmentally and are dedicated to serving Washington’s lands and communities through diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Our Vision

Our actions ensure a future where Washington’s lands, waters, and communities thrive.

Our Mission

Manage, sustain, and protect the health and productivity of Washington’s lands and waters to meet the needs of present and future generations.

Our Values

Integrity—Staff who work at the Department of Natural Resources are principled and consistent on behalf of all Washingtonians.
Respect—Employees value and respect the public DNR serves, and one another.
Professionalism—The Agency is committed to professionalism and civil conduct.
Joy—DNR’s work involves some of the most pressing challenges and opportunities impacting Washington, which staff meet with curiosity and gratitude.

DNR provides excellent benefits, a few of which include:

Commitment to organizational health and wellness
Work/life balance
DNR Employee Resource Groups (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council, Women’s Employee Resource Group, Veterans Employee Resource Group, etc.)
Statewide Employee Business Resource Groups, visit here to learn more
Leadership that empowers and supports employees
Professional development opportunities
Educational and career development aid
Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility
Opportunities to participate in wildland fire suppression assignments
A comprehensive benefits package includes employer contributions toward health insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans, sick leave, and vacation days. Visit http://careers.wa.gov/benefits.html for more information.

Additional Information

This recruitment may be extended and used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty (60) days.

DNR does not use the E-Verify system. For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation, and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons with disability, persons over 40 years of age, veterans, military spouses or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.

More than Just a Paycheck!

Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read About Our Benefits

The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits

Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement And Deferred Compensation

State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security

All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays

Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Sick Leave

Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)

Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave, and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note

Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave

Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave

Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave

Leave Sharing

Parental Leave

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026

Please describe what interests you about the Department of Natural Resources.

Please describe what a work environment based on diversity, equity, inclusivity and belonging means to you.

Please Select From The Options Below

I possess an active Washington State Professional Land Surveyor’s License.
I possess an active Professional Land Surveyor’s License from another state.
None of the above.

Do you have experience with land surveying and mapping principles, procedures and practices, statutes, court decisions and other laws pertaining to locating and dividing land; professional standards of land surveying, trigonometry, mapping and drafting?

Do you have experience preparing and analyzing land and title record?

Do you have experience with modern survey instruments, GNSS receivers and data collection software?

Do you have supervisory experience?

Do you have experience using CAD with land survey extensions such as Carlson Survey?

Do you have a valid driver's license and at least two years of driving experience?

This recruitment has two options for work units. Please check all locations indicating where you would be available to work.

Chehalis, WA
Tumwater, WA

Do you now, or will you in the future, require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B visa status, etc.) to work legally for our agency in the United States?