Region Survey Program Technical Engineer (TTE)

State of Washington; Shoreline (WA); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) seeks a Region Survey Program Technical Engineer (TTE) to serve as the senior technical expert for the Northwest Region Survey and ROW Office.

The incumbent will ensure technical quality, regulatory compliance, and timely delivery of survey products, while serving as the region's licensed Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) responsible for approving and signing survey records and documents.

Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge of surveying and engineering principles, including deeds, easements, title reports.
• Experience leading survey operations, staffing, budgets, and resources.
• Ability to develop strategic plans and policies for Survey/ROW/UAS programs.
• Experience planning and managing complex projects and contracts with interagency coordination.
• Strong customer relations and clear communication with internal and external stakeholders.
• Working knowledge of UAS systems, practices, and data handling.
• Knowledge of survey mapping requirements and technologies to support staff.
• Growth mindset and service-oriented attitude.

Responsibilities

• Direct and prioritize survey and ROW requests to meet schedules and requirements.
• Provide guidance to staff on complex survey and ROW issues.
• Review field investigations and boundary issues and coordinate as needed.
• Research and evaluate survey technology, equipment, and supplies.
• Review UAS deliverables and verify data accuracy and completeness.
• Mentor staff on boundary principles, equipment, and field procedures.
• Oversee preparation, review, and approval of survey records using the PLS license.
• Provide technical guidance to Survey and ROW staff and regional offices.

Skills

Advanced Survey Knowledge

Survey Operations Management

Strategic Decision-Making and Policy

Project and Contract Management

Customer Relations and Communication

UAS Systems Knowledge

Survey Mapping and Technology

Growth Mindset

Service-Oriented

Education

Washington PLS license / equivalent

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 Region Survey Program Technical Engineer (TTE) to serve as the senior technical expert for the Northwest Region Survey and Right of Way (ROW) Office. The incumbent will ensure technical quality, regulatory compliance, and timely delivery of survey products, while serving as the region's licensed Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) responsible for approving and signing survey records and documents. This position directs the delivery of survey, ROW plans, and Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) programs supporting highway design, construction, maintenance, and real estate activities across Northwest Region.

What to Expect

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

• Direct and prioritize survey and ROW requests to ensure services are delivered within established requirements and schedules.
• Provide guidance to staff in resolving complex survey and ROW issues.
• Review complex upland and aquatic boundary issues and conduct or coordinate field investigations.
• Research and evaluate survey technology, equipment, and supplies.
• Review flight requests and completed UAS deliverables and verify elevation, quantities, and other required data for accuracy and completeness.
• Mentor and train staff in boundary principles, survey equipment and software, and field data collection procedures to develop technical skills and ensure quality work.
• Oversee the preparation, review, and approval of survey records and documents using the PLS license.
• Provide technical guidance to Survey and ROW staff and regional offices.

Qualifications

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

• Advanced Survey Knowledge:As a Professional Land Surveyor, must possess advanced knowledge of surveying and engineering principles, including demonstrated experience in understanding and interpreting title reports, deeds, easements, and other instruments used for the transfer of property rights.
• Survey Operations Management:Experience managing survey operations, including staff scheduling, budgets, equipment, workload, and operational resources; leading technical teams and evaluating operational effectiveness to meet business needs.
• Strategic Decision-Making and Policy Development:Experience exercising independent judgment to resolve complex problems and develop strategic and tactical plans, policies, procedures, and recommendations for Survey, ROW, and UAS programs.
• Project and Contract Management:Experience planning, managing, tracking, and controlling complex projects, including consultant agreements, scopes, schedules, budgets, deliverables, and interagency coordination.
• Customer Relations and Communication:Experience establishing and maintaining effective working relationships and communicating clearly with internal and external customers.
• UAS Systems Knowledge:Working knowledge of UAS systems, principles, practices, and tools.
• Survey Mapping and Technology:Working knowledge of survey mapping requirements, technology, equipment, and tools to support customer needs and oversee staff and consultant deliverables.
• Growth Mindset:Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented:Takes action to meet the needs of others.

The following qualifications are also required:

• Current Washington State PLS license or equivalent certification from another state with the ability to obtain Washington State PLS within one (1) year of hire.
• Ability to maneuver and transport various materials and/or equipment weighing up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to traverse rough, steep, and uneven terrain in inclement weather.
• Ability to work flexible hours, such as weekends, nights, or split shifts.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

• UAS Program Experience:Experience supporting or administering a UAS program, including UAS data review, quality assurance/quality control, and flight planning.
• WSDOT Survey and ROW Experience:Experience applying WSDOT Survey and ROW policies, procedures, standards, and practices.
• Statewide or Interagency Coordination:Experience representing an organization on technical committees or working groups and developing or recommending statewide policies, standards, or procedures.

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 individual's 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.

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 [e-mail]. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-NWR-13502 in the subject line.