Field Operations Supervisor (TE4)

Washington State Liquor And Cannabis Board; Shoreline (WA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid leave

Tuition assistance

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

Washington State Department of Transportation is seeking a Field Operations Supervisor (Transportation Engineer 4) to lead survey crews, oversee records, and ensure accurate documentation for highway design and ROW efforts. This role emphasizes collaboration, safety, and cost-effective transportation solutions.

The incumbent will supervise staff, perform QA/QC on survey data, and coordinate with stakeholders while maintaining compliance and timely project delivery.

Qualifications

• Advanced surveying techniques for highway centerlines and property boundaries.
• Strong communication with engineers, management and support teams.
• Problem solving and conflict resolution using sound judgment.
• Ability to research, analyze, and develop fact-based solutions.
• Experience managing personnel, schedules, and assets.
• Willingness to work flexible hours and travel terrain.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert technical assistance for field-based survey operations across the Northwest Region.
• Prepare Records of Survey and process HQ Preliminary Hydraulic Design (PHD) survey requests.
• Conduct Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) flights and process associated survey data.
• Review survey requests, define scopes of work, and coordinate field activities with office staff and stakeholders.
• Develop project schedules, estimates, and workforce projections, and create a master survey schedule.
• Monitor and track crew schedules, workloads, and expenditures to ensure efficient operations.
• Supervise staff by planning, assigning, and reviewing work; conducting performance evaluations; supporting hiring; and providing coaching and training.
• Perform QA/QC on survey data and maintain survey equipment, ensuring accuracy, compliance with standards, and proper calibration.

Skills

Advanced surveying techniques

Communication & collaboration

Problem solving & conflict resolution

Research & analysis & decision-making

Resource & workload management

Growth mindset

Service orientation

Education

Washington State PLS or LSIT license

Tools

Survey equipment knowledge

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 leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, manages the world's longest floating bridge, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

The Opportunity

WSDOT is currently seeking a Field Operations Supervisor (Transportation Engineer 4) to support the agency’s mission of delivering safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation solutions. This position plays a key leadership role in promoting a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative work environment grounded in diversity, equity, and inclusion. Serving as a technical program specialist, this role is integral to highway design, construction, and right of way (ROW) efforts. The incumbent will oversee survey crews and ensure the accurate preparation of survey records and documentation. This position contributes directly to the successful delivery of transportation projects that enhance communities and support economic vitality.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Field Operations Supervisor will:

• Provide expert technical assistance for field-based survey operations across the Northwest Region.
• Prepare Records of Survey and process HQ Preliminary Hydraulic Design (PHD) survey requests.
• Conduct Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) flights and process associated survey data.
• Review survey requests, define scopes of work, and coordinate field activities with office staff and stakeholders.
• Perform field reviews, develop project schedules, estimates, and workforce projections, and create a master survey schedule.
• Monitor and track crew schedules, workloads, and expenditures to ensure efficient operations.
• Supervise staff by planning, assigning, and reviewing work; conducting performance evaluations; supporting hiring; and providing coaching and training.
• Perform QA/QC on survey data and maintain survey equipment, ensuring accuracy, compliance with standards, and proper calibration.

Qualifications

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

• Advanced Surveying & Technology Application: Demonstrated experience applying advanced surveying techniques to highway centerlines, property boundaries, and related needs. In-depth knowledge of modern land-based and aerial survey equipment and its application across diverse highway scenarios.
• Communication & Collaboration: Skilled in communicating effectively with diverse stakeholders, including engineers, management, and support teams. Experienced in conveying technical information clearly and working across disciplines.
• Problem Solving & Conflict Resolution: Skilled in resolving conflicts and solving complex problems in both individual and group settings using sound judgment and collaborative approaches.
• Research, Analysis & Decision-Making: Experienced in independently researching, analyzing, and developing fact-based solutions to highway and right-of-way survey issues while meeting project timelines.
• Resource & Workload Management: Skilled in managing personnel, time, and physical assets while prioritizing and balancing multiple assignments to meet project and schedule objectives.

• 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:

• Must possess and maintain a Washington State Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) License or a Washington State Land Surveyor in Training (LSIT) certificate or equivalent certification from another State throughout employment.

• Ability to traverse rough, steep, and uneven terrain.
• Ability to work flexible hours, such as weekends, nights, or split shifts.
• Ability to maneuver and transport various materials and/or equipment weighing up to 40 pounds.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

• Professional Licensure: A Washington State Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) License.
• Leadership & Staff Development: Demonstrated experience mentoring, coaching, and developing staff in both technical and interpersonal skills to support professional growth and team effectiveness.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• The salary listed includes the legislative approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County.
• 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.
• Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees mayearn 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.
• PlanFor 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?