Field Operations Supervisor (TE4)
State of Washington
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is seeking a Field Operations Supervisor (Transportation Engineer 4) to lead field survey operations across the Northwest Region. You will supervise survey crews, ensure accurate records, and contribute to highway design, construction, and ROW efforts.
The role emphasizes collaboration, safety, and high-quality data in support of transportation projects.
Qualifications
- Advanced surveying techniques for highway centerlines and boundaries.
- Knowledge of land-based and aerial survey equipment and applications.
- Clear communication with diverse stakeholders across disciplines.
- Ability to manage personnel, time, and assets while balancing multiple assignments.
Responsibilities
- Provide expert field-based survey support across the Northwest Region.
- Prepare Records of Survey and HQ Preliminary Hydraulic Design survey requests.
- Conduct UAS flights and process survey data.
- Define scopes of work and coordinate field activities with staff and stakeholders.
- Develop project schedules, estimates, and workforce projections; create master survey schedule.
- Monitor crew schedules, workloads, and expenditures; optimize operations.
- Supervise staff: plan, assign, review work, and support hiring and training.
- Perform QA/QC on survey data and maintain equipment with proper calibration.
Skills
Education
Job description
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 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!
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 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?
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at Robyn.Lovely@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-NWR-13347-1 in the subject line.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Full‑time and part‑time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full‑time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part‑time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro‑rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full‑time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid 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.
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.
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
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.
- 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
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